Comparison 1. Neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) versus usual care.

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1 Peripheral muscle force	6	159	Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	0.34 [0.02, 0.65]
2 Peripheral muscle endurance/fatigability	2	35	Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	1.36 [0.59, 2.12]
3 Thigh muscle size	4	124	Std. Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	0.25 [‐0.11, 0.61]
4 Mortality	5	131	Risk Difference (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	‐0.02 [‐0.08, 0.05]
5 Exercise capacity: 6‐minute walking distance (6MWD) (m)	2	72	Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	39.26 [16.31, 62.22]
6 Exercise capacity: VO2peak (L/min)	4	73	Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	0.10 [0.00, 0.19]
7 Exercise capacity: peak power (W)	2	33	Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	5.77 [‐4.00, 17.53]
8 Exercise capacity: endurance time (min)	3	55	Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	3.62 [2.33, 4.91]
9 Symptoms: dyspnoea reported at end exercise	3	55	Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	‐1.03 [‐2.13, 0.06]
10 Symptoms: leg fatigue reported at end exercise	3	55	Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	‐1.12 [‐1.81, ‐0.43]
11 Health‐related quality of life: SGRQ	2	72	Mean Difference (IV, Random, 95% CI)	‐4.12 [‐12.60, 4.35]
12 Minor adverse events: related to intervention	5	139	Risk Difference (M‐H, Random, 95% CI)	0.00 [‐0.07, 0.07]