Application of the Concept of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Trunk Control in Patie… (NCT07584564) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Application of the Concept of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Trunk Control in Patients Admitted to the ICU.
Brazil58 participantsStarted 2026-06-01
Plain-language summary
Muscle weakness acquired in the ICU (FAUTI) is related to the functional decline of patients admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). For better follow-up, scales such as (Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment) CPAx and (Medical Research Council) MRC help to identify early the muscle and functional impairment of these patients. Early mobilization aims to minimize these effects and therefore the search to reach the highest mobility milestone is constant bedside sitting (BSS) is an important milestone in recovery, associated with better functional results when there is good trunk control, as the coordinated activation of muscles in this region is essential for stabilization and reaching higher postures. The physiotherapeutic approach focused on the components of the activities and on the patient's participation is crucial, with the therapeutic option of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). To evaluate the effect of exercises based on the PNF concept through the Test Control Trunk (TCT) on the trunk balance of patients admitted to the ICU. This is a randomized, crossover clinical trial, carried out at the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital from June 2026 to June 2027. Adults hospitalized for more than 48 hours who meet the inclusion criteria will be screened. and clinical evaluation. The study consists of two blocks of pre- and post-crossover evaluations, conducted by the same blind evaluator. Patients will undergo assessments on the first day of BSS, including assessment of the trunk with TCT and assessment of diaphragm mobility and thickness by ultrasound, before and after intervention (PNF or conventional exercises). Between assessments, there will be a 3-hour rest period.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Over 18 years of age
* ICU stay greater than or equal 48 hours;
* RASS scale score greater than or equal to -2 and less than or equal to 1;
* TCT score less than or equal to 12 points on the "balance in sitting position" score less than or equal to 2 on item 3 "sitting without support".
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients in a coma, with spinal cord instability, metastases, and bone lesions;
* Neuromuscular or neurological diseases
* Discharge from the general ICU before SBL
* Proportional care phase 3;
* Readmissions to the general ICU;
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial focuses on trunk control as its main outcome — can you explain what that means for someone with ICU-acquired weakness, and why regaining trunk control is considered an important milestone in recovery?
2The trial uses something called Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, which I understand is a specific type of physical therapy technique — how does this approach differ from the standard rehabilitation my loved one would receive in the ICU right now?
3Since this trial is listed as 'not yet recruiting,' what would the realistic timeline look like before my family member could potentially participate, and is there a standard rehabilitation program that could start in the meantime?
4This study is listed as Phase NA, which I believe means it's exploring a therapeutic technique rather than a drug — what does that tell us about what's already known regarding the safety of this approach for critically ill patients in the ICU?
5Given that ICU-acquired weakness can affect people very differently depending on how long they've been in the ICU and their underlying condition, how would you assess whether this type of trunk-focused therapy trial would even be appropriate to discuss for our specific situation?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.