Background Intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness in critically ill
patients is a common and significant complication affecting the course of
critical illness. Whole-body vibration is known to be effective muscle
training and may be an option in diminishing weakness and muscle wasting.
Especially, patients who are immobilized and not available for active
physiotherapy may benefit. Until now whole-body vibration was not investigated
in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. We investigated the safety,
feasibility, and metabolic response of whole-body vibration in critically ill
patients. Methods We investigated 19 mechanically ventilated, immobilized ICU
patients. Passive range of motion was performed prior to whole-body vibration
therapy held in the supine position for 15 minutes. Continuous monitoring of
vital signs, hemodynamics, and energy metabolism, as well as intermittent
blood sampling, took place from the start of baseline measurements up to 1
hour post intervention. We performed comparative longitudinal analysis of the
phases before, during, and after intervention. Results Vital signs and
hemodynamic parameters remained stable with only minor changes resulting from
the intervention. No application had to be interrupted. We did not observe any
adverse event. Whole-body vibration did not significantly and/or clinically
change vital signs and hemodynamics. A significant increase in energy
expenditure during whole-body vibration could be observed. Conclusions In our
study the application of whole-body vibration was safe and feasible. The
technique leads to increased energy expenditure. This may offer the chance to
treat patients in the ICU with whole-body vibration. Further investigations
should focus on the efficacy of whole-body vibration in the prevention of ICU-
acquired weakness. Trial registration Applicability and Safety of Vibration
Therapy in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01286610.
Registered 28 January 2011
