2025 Volume 3 Pages 20-27
Objective: This report presents the case of a patient with COVID-19 who was undergoing chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) was employed with tailored frequencies to prevent muscle atrophy and maintain physical function.
Case: A male patient in his 70s with myelodysplastic syndrome developed a COVID-19 infection during treatment with the hypomethylating agent azacitidine. As a consequence of bone marrow suppression and the onset of symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection, the patient was rendered bedridden.
Course: During the period of isolation, NMES with combined frequencies was applied. On the first day of isolation, the patient exhibited severe fatigue, prompting the initiation of NMES on the second day. Throughout the isolation period, NMES and low-intensity resistance exercises constituted the primary interventions.
Results: The results demonstrated that, following the isolation period, the patient's muscle mass and physical function had been maintained at levels comparable to those observed prior to admission, thereby preserving his activities of daily living (ADL).
Conclusion: It may therefore be concluded that, in this case, NMES may constitute an effective alternative intervention for preventing muscle atrophy and maintaining physical function in cancer patients, including those with COVID-19.
