Research Reports (Original Article)
Effectiveness of Electrostimulation of the Quadriceps for 4 days in the Acute Phase after Total Hip Arthroplasty
2020 Volume 47 Issue 2 Pages 132-137
Details
2020 Volume 47 Issue 2 Pages 132-137
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of electrostimulation of the quadriceps for 4 days in the acute phase after total hip arthroplasty (THA).
Methods: In total, 52 women with hip osteoarthritis participated in this study. They were randomized to the control and intervention groups. The intervention group (n = 26; age 64.4 ± 8.9 years) underwent electrostimulation of the quadriceps twice a day during knee extension exercises for 4 days. The control group (n = 26; age 66.0 ± 9.9 years) performed knee extension exercises twice a day without electric muscle stimulation for 4 days. Additionally, both groups received the standard protocol in our hospital. Quadriceps strength, gait speed, and pain during gait in both groups were assessed 1 month before surgery and on Day 4 after surgery. Changes in quadriceps strength and gait speed were quantified as relative (percent) changes from the preoperative values (Δquadriceps strength and Δgait speed). Changes in pain during gait were quantified as relative (difference) changes from the preoperative values (Δpain during gait). The Mann–Whitney U test and unpaired t-test were used to compare these values between the groups. Significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed greater Δquadriceps strength (P = 0.014), Δgait speed (P = 0.009), and Δpain during gait (P = 0.027).
Conclusions: Electrostimulation of the quadriceps for 4 days in the acute phase after THA improves knee extensor strength and gait speed, and reduces pain during gait.
