Feasibility of muscle activity assessment with surface electromyography during bed cycling exercise in intensive care unit patients

Introduction: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients often develop weakness. Rehabilitation is initiated early to prevent physical deterioration, but knowledge of optimal training schedules is lacking. A reliable method to assess muscle activity during exercise is needed. In this study we explored the feasibility of electrical activity measurement by surface electromyography (sEMG) during bed cycling in ICU patients. Methods: SEMG was performed in 9 ICU patients and 6 healthy controls. A standardized 1-minute incremental resistance bedside cycle ergometer protocol was used. Results: The median cycle time was 5.3 minutes in patients and 12.0 minutes in controls. The maximum sEMG increased in both groups; the minimal sEMG activity remained the same in patients, whereas an increase in the control group was found. Discussion: sEMG is feasible and can detect muscle activity during bed cycling in ICU patients. It may be a useful monitoring tool. Repeated measurements could possibly provide information on the effects of training. Muscle Nerve, 2018.