Article

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is potentially attractive
as a method of training in heart failure (HF) and could be performed in patients
unable to participate in standard exercise training.
PURPOSE: To examine the
effects of NMES on physiologic and functional measurements in patients with HF.
METHODS: MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, Scielo, and PEDro were searched from the
earliest date available to July 2014. Two independent reviewers screened the
titles and abstracts and selected randomized controlled trials, examining the
effects of NMES versus exercise and/or of NMES versus control on physiologic and
functional measurements in patients with HF. Two independent reviewers screened
the randomized controlled trials. The PEDro score was used to evaluate
methodological quality. Weighted mean differences and 95% CI were calculated.
RESULTS: Thirteen studies met the study criteria. Neuromuscular electrical
stimulation resulted in improvement in peak oxygen uptake ((Equation is included
in full-text article.)O2) (4.86 mL.kg .min; 95% CI, 2.81-6.91), 6-minute walk
test (6MWT) distance (63.54 m; 95% CI, 35.81-91.27), muscle strength (30.74 N;
95% CI, 3.67-57.81), flow-mediated dilatation (2.67%; 95% CI, 0.86-4.49),
depressive symptoms (-3.86; 95% CI, -6.46 to -1.25), and global quality of life
(0.89; 95% CI, 0.55-1.24). Nonsignificant differences in ((Equation is included
in full-text article.)O2) peak, 6MWT, and quality of life were found for
participants in the exercise group compared with NMES. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular
electrical stimulation improved peak (Equation is included in full-text
article.)O2, 6MWT distance, quality of life, muscle strength, endothelial
function, and depressive symptoms in patients with HF and could be considered for
inclusion in cardiac rehabilitation for selected patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS