Transcutaneous electrostimulation programming for mechanical ventilation induced diaphragmatic weakness

Abstract

Introduction: Diaphragmatic weakness caused by mechanical ventilation includes many different alterations derived from the muscle inactivity during this process. Structurally, the diaphragm undergoes atrophy due to its lack of use. One of the relevant treatments used to aid this muscle’s strengthening is the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) which consists of the superficial application of an electrical current. Objective: To stablish the programming for transcutaneous electrostimulation on mechanical ventilation induced diaphragmatic weaknees. Materials and methods: An exhaustive systematic review of the scientific literature. The data compilation was performed though scientific database, including: Pubmed, Scielo, and Google Scholar. The information was evaluated using the PRISMA method, within the last 5 years. Results: The results pointed that a two-phase symmetrical stimulation was the predominant pattern. With a stimulation frequency between 30 Hz to 50 Hz, which proved to be effective and beneficial. The electrical pulse duration varied between 200 to 400 microseconds, showing a favorable effect with therapeutic properties. Conclusions: The use of TENS improves the functional capacity of the diaphragm significantly.