Efficacy of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Quadriceps Femoris Muscle in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Objectives: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used in rehabilitation protocols for patients suffering from muscle weakness. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of NMES on isometric quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle strength and functional outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: A total of 30 patients of OA with a mean age of 61.17 +/- 4.3 years were participated in the study. Eligible subjects were randomly assigned in to one of the 2 groups, group A and B (n=15) in each group. Patients in group-B were undergone NMES to the QF along with conventional physiotherapeutic regime for 3 weeks whereas, group-A was given only conventional physiotherapeutic regime. The study outcomes such as isometric strength at 20, 40 and 60 degrees of knee flexion, mean isometric muscle strength and functional outcomes by WOMAC index score were measured at baseline, 9 days and end of 3 weeks of post intervention. Results: Comparison of quadriceps muscle strength at 20,40 and 60 degrees and its mean in knee flexion and WOMAC index score were within group-A were non-significant (p > 0.05) whereas, in group-B (p < 0.05). The quadriceps muscle strength at 20 degrees between groups at base line, 9(th) day and post test at 21(st) day showed significant improvement in NMES group (p < 0.05). Similar difference was repeated with NMES group at 40 and 60 degrees and WOMAC functional index score also. Conclusions: Study result indicates that NMES is effective in improving muscle strength thereby improving the functional activities of patients with knee OA. NMES along with conventional physiotherapeutic approach is a better choice for the management of knee OA.