ELECTRICAL STIMULATION AND EXERCISE FOR MUSCLE LOSS IN CIRRHOSIS PATIENTS

Introduction: Sarcopenia, whether primary or secondary, substantially impacts the quality of life of patients post-hospital discharge. Compromised functional capacity can lead to a high prevalence of readmissions. In this context, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), when combined with voluntary contraction (NMES+), emerges as a promising strategy for optimizing muscle strength gain.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of NMES+ in improving lower limb muscle strength and physical performance in hospitalized sarcopenic individuals with alcoholic cirrhosis.

Methods: This is a double-blind, randomized clinical trial. The Intervention Group will undergo NMES+, while the Control Group will perform resistance exercises. The sample will consist of individuals aged 47 to 70 years, diagnosed with sarcopenia through functional tests: handgrip strength and the 5-repetition sit-to-stand test. The protocol will be applied six times per week. Assessments will be conducted at hospital admission and discharge. Data will be analyzed using Student's T-tests for intergroup and intragroup comparisons; Spearman's or Pearson's correlation will assess the association between hospital readmission rates and physical function at hospital discharge. A p-value of 0.05 was set as statistically significant.

Expected Results: To observe a statistically significant increase in muscle strength and physical performance in the Intervention Group, and to find a negative correlation between improved physical function and hospital readmission rates.

Conclusion: This study is expected to contribute to more effective rehabilitation protocols, improving functionality and reducing hospital readmission in hospitalized patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.