The Effect of High Protein and Early Resistance Exercise Versus Usual Care in Critically Ill Patients

Summary

Participation Requirements

Description

With the advancement of critical care, about 80% of ICU patients are surviving critical illness. However, ICU survivors often experience significant post-ICU morbidities including muscle weakness and impairments in physical functioning that can persist for years. We hypothesized that early intervent...

With the advancement of critical care, about 80% of ICU patients are surviving critical illness. However, ICU survivors often experience significant post-ICU morbidities including muscle weakness and impairments in physical functioning that can persist for years. We hypothesized that early intervention with two of the most basic features of critical care: nutrition (feeding high protein) together with mobility (early resistance exercise) may help to attenuate muscle loss, thereby reducing the severity of ICU-acquired weakness and its associated physical impairments. A 2-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial is proposed to investigate the effect of the combined interventions. The intervention will be conducted for up to 28 days in the ICU. Outcome measurements will be conducted by a blinded assessor at baseline (within 24 hours of randomization), Day 10 post-randomization, before hospital discharge and at 6-month post-randomization. Ultrasound and bioelectrical impedance analysis will be conducted to measure muscle mass and quality. Manual muscle testing, handgrip and knee extension strength will also be measured. Physical function will be assessed by a series of test including the six minutes walk test. Telephone interview will be conducted to administer quality of life questionnaires at 6 months. These combined simple and non-invasive interventions, if proven effective, may potentially revolutionize critical care.

Tracking Information