Neuromuscular electrical stimulation in early rehabilitation of Guillain-Barré syndrome: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: In Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), patients often develop muscle atrophy from denervation and immobilization. We, therefore, conducted a pilot study of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to evaluate feasibility, safety, and effect on muscle wasting in the early phase of GBS.

METHODS: Seventeen patients were randomized to receive 20 min of muscle fiber stimulation followed by 40 min of NMES of the right or left quadriceps muscle with the untreated side as control. Cross-sectional area (CSA) of the muscle measured by ultrasound and isometric knee extensor strength were the primary and secondary outcome measures.

RESULTS: No treatment related adverse effects were recorded. Change in CSA was -0.25 cm2 (confidence interval [CI], -0.93-0.42) on the stimulated side versus -0.60 cm2 (CI, -1.32-0.11) on the nonstimulated side (P = 0.08). No effect was observed on muscle strength.

CONCLUSIONS: NMES seems safe and feasible in the early phase of GBS. Further studies are needed to explore effect on muscle function. Muscle Nerve 59:481-484, 2019.