Effects of Diaphragmatic and Abdominal Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Post-PCI Patients

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of combined diaphragmatic and abdominal neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on arterial blood gases, pulmonary function, left ventricular ejection fraction, and functional capacity in patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 42 participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: an intervention group receiving NMES along with standard cardiac rehabilitation, and a control group receiving standard rehabilitation alone. The intervention will be administered for 30 minutes per session, five days per week, over a period of two weeks. Outcome measures will include arterial blood gas parameters (PaO₂, PaCO₂, SaO₂), spirometry indices (FVC, FEV₁, PEFR), ejection fraction assessed by echocardiography, and functional capacity measured using the 6-minute walk test. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and post-intervention. The study aims to determine whether NMES can serve as an effective adjunct to conventional cardiac rehabilitation in improving respiratory and functional outcomes in post-PCI patients.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 40-75 years * Patients who have undergone successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for stable or acute coronary syndrome * Hemodynamically stable (no inotropic support, no active arrhythmias) * Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 35% * Able to perform spirometry and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) * Willing to participate and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Significant arrhythmias or pacemaker/implantable defibrillator not cleared for NMES * Severe pulmonary disease (e.g., advanced COPD, pulmonary fibrosis) affecting lung function independently * Neuromuscular disorders interfering with NMES application * Recent stroke or severe cognitive impairment limiting participation * Active infection, sepsis, or systemic inflammatory disease