Effects of sensory level neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients after total knee arthroplasty : a pilot quasi randomized trial

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated effects of sensory level neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Design: A pilot, quasi randomized single-blind trial. Methods: 16 women patients after total knee arthroplasty were randomly assigned to receive either standard rehabilitation programs plus sensory level NMES applied to the quadriceps of the involved legs (NMES group) or standard rehabilitation programs (Control group). The NMES was applied for 2 weeks (symmetrical biphasic current of 100 Hz, pulse width 1000 µsec, 45 min/day, 5 days/week, at 3 weeks after surgery) at the sensory level intensity. The data for quadriceps Maximum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC), Leg Skeletal Muscle Mass (LSMM) using multiple frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, and Timed Up and Go test (TUG), 2 Minutes Walk Test (2MWT), Stair Climbing Test (SCT), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Japan Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) were measured preoperatively, and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks (follow up) after surgery respectively. Results: All participants completed the study with no adverse events. MVIC and 2MWT in the NMES group were achieved significantly better results at 4 weeks after surgery compared with the control groups (p＜.05). Conclusion: Sensory level NMES may leads to better muscle strength and functional performance outcomes compared to an only rehabilitation program for patients after TKA.