Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on leg function and movement ability for muscle strength training of the quadriceps in postoperative patients with femoral proximal fractures.
Methods: Our study was a stratified, randomized controlled trial using a surgical approach in patients with proximal femoral fractures. Eighty-two patients were randomly divided into two groups: the NMES group or control (muscle strength training with no NMES) group. NMES was applied once a day from the next day following surgery. We measured knee extension muscle strength, the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, and the number of days taken for gait and activities of daily living (ADL) to become independent.
Results: Knee extension muscle strength and JOA scores were significantly better in the NMES group. The number of days taken for gait and ADL to become independent were significantly lower in the NMES group. In addition, patients in the NMES group were able to obtain a higher gait ability at discharge than those in the control group.
Conclusion: Training of the quadriceps using NMES from the next day following surgery in postoperative patients with femoral proximal fractures contributed to early improvement in knee extension muscle strength, early acquisition of gait and ADL independence, and improved gait ability at discharge.
