Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients with heart failure - review.

Research conducted in the last two decades suggests that neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the lower limb muscles (NMES) may be a "bridge" to conventional exercise or an alternative for patients with advanced chronic heart failure (CHF), non-compliant or non-responsive to physical training. Through stimulating the work of the skeletal muscles, NMES increases the functional capacity, muscle mass and endurance in patients with CHF. A beneficial effect of NMES on functional capacity, vascular endothelial function, quality of life and aerobic enzymes activity has been shown. A significant benefit of this novel therapy in heart failure is the fact that the procedure can be home-based, after prior guidance of the patient.