---
title: "Neuromuscular electrical stimulation after cardiovascular…"
description: "Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can help reduce muscle weakness after cardiovascular surgery in older diabetic patients."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35272065.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35272065.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d35272065.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d35272065"
journal: "Ann Phys Rehabil Med"
year: 2022
pmid: "35272065"
doi: "10.1016/j.rehab.2022.101659"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Neuromuscular electrical stimulation after cardiovascular surgery mitigates muscle weakness in older individuals with diabetes

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Ann Phys Rehabil Med |
| Year | 2022 |
| PMID | [35272065](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35272065/) |
| DOI | [10.1016/j.rehab.2022.101659](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rehab.2022.101659) |
| Study key | d35272065 |

## Takeaway

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can help reduce muscle weakness after cardiovascular surgery in older diabetic patients.

## The question

Does neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) mitigate postsurgical muscle weakness in older individuals with diabetes mellitus after cardiovascular surgery?

## Hypothesis

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) will reduce postsurgical muscle weakness in older individuals with diabetes mellitus who have undergone cardiovascular surgery.

## Methods

This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. Patients aged 65 years or older with diabetes who underwent cardiovascular surgery were screened and randomly assigned to either the NMES or sham group. The primary outcome was the percent change in isometric knee extension strength (%ΔIKES) from preoperative to postoperative day 7. Secondary outcomes included percent change in usual walking speed (%ΔUWS), maximum walking speed (%ΔMWS), and grip strength (%ΔGS). Intention-to-treat analysis was performed by a blinded statistician using a student t-test.

## Results

Out of 1151 screened participants, 180 (90 in NMES, 90 in sham) were included in the primary analysis. The percent change in isometric knee extension strength (%ΔIKES) was significantly lower in the NMES group (mean -2%) compared to the sham group (mean -13%). The percent change in maximum walking speed (%ΔMWS) was also significantly lower in the NMES group, while percent changes in usual walking speed (%ΔUWS) and grip strength (%ΔGS) were lower but not significantly different between groups.

## Conclusion

A short course of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for less than one week mitigated postsurgical muscle weakness and functional decline in older individuals with diabetes mellitus.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state any limitations of the study.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> a short course of NMES mitigated postsurgical muscle weakness and functional decline

## Percent Change in Isometric Knee Extension Strength (Pre- to Post-Op Day 7)

| Measure | Percent Change (%) |
| --- | --- |
| NMES Group | -2 |
| Sham Group | -13 |

*The NMES group experienced a -2% change in isometric knee extension strength, while the sham group experienced a -13% change.*

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Electrical Muscle Stimulation Unit | Moderate evidence | [Electrical Muscle Stimulation Unit](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/174.md) |

## Reference

1. **Neuromuscular electrical stimulation after cardiovascular surgery mitigates muscle weakness in older individuals with diabetes**
   Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2022 · [PMID 35272065](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35272065/) · [DOI 10.1016/j.rehab.2022.101659](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rehab.2022.101659)

   > a short course of NMES mitigated postsurgical muscle weakness and functional decline

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Electrical Muscle Stimulation Unit](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/174.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Evidence: electrical muscle contraction](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s174.md)
- [Effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on ICU-acquired weakness in mechanically…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d37984373.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).