Correlation Between Muscle Strength and Thickness in Critically Ill Patients
Mechanical ventilation (MV) is associated with adverse outcomes in ventilated patients, and impact of MV-induced diaphragm changes are still unclear.

The objective of this prospective observational study is to assess muscle thickness and strength, specifically in limb muscles such as the quadriceps, among critically ill patients who undergo extended mechanical ventilation during their Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay.

The primary inquiries this study seeks to address are:

Is there an association between muscle thickness and strength in the limbs of critically ill patients undergoing prolonged MV?
How much thickness and strength variation can be expected in respiratory and limb muscles in critically ill patients undergoing prolonged MV?
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  Age ≥ 18 years; Intubated patients on mechanical ventilation presumably for 48 hours; Informed consent  Exclusion Criteria:  Contraindication (absolute or relative) to assessment: acute bleeding, multiple fractures or trauma, spinal instability; Hemodynamic instability during assessment; ICU admission due to thoracic surgery, including lung transplant patients; History of preexisting neuromuscular diseases; History of preexisting functional impairment; Pheripheral Neural disease; Cervical spine injury; - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 18 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult - StudyPopulation: Patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who are expected to need mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours following ARDS. - SamplingMethod: Non-Probability Sample