A randomised crossover trial of home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy as an adjunct to cardiac rehabilitation in frail older patients with chronic heart failure

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K17501
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Tokoha University
• Principal Investigator: Kato Michitaka 常葉大学, 健康科学部, 准教授 (80737354)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 神経筋刺激療法 / 虚弱 / 高齢 / 慢性心不全 / 運動機能

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy on physical function as an adjunct to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in frail older patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).　Eight frail older CHF patients underwent 8 weeks of CR supplemented with NMES therapy and 8 weeks of CR alone in random order, separated by washout period. NMES with a 50-Hz frequency was administered for 50 min per day, five times per week. Changes in the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, leg strength and the Barthel Index between CR with and without NMES therapy were assessed. There were no adverse events during the NMES period. The CR with NMES therapy had a total SPPB score and 5-STS time that was 2.67 points and -10.67 seconds bigger than CR alone, respectively. There were no significant changes in the leg strength and Barthel Index between CR with and without home-based NMES therapy.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、心臓リハビリテーションに補助的に行う自宅での神経筋刺激療法が、身体機能を改善し、高齢患者であっても安全に実施できることを示した。このことにより神経筋刺激療法が虚弱かつ高齢な心不全患者の身体機能を改善するための追加の治療オプションとして有効であることが明らかとなった。