Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation after total joint arthroplasty: A critical review of recent controlled studies

A. J. Kittelson, S. K. Stackhouse, J. E. Stevens-lapsley

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

Since 2009, four randomized controlled trials have investigated the use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) as a treatment modality following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Two of these studies demonstrated a treatment effect of NMES for improving physical function, while another study failed to find additional benefit of NMES relative to a progressive exercise intervention. The fourth study demonstrated non-inferiority of NMES compared supervised physical therapy. These studies differed substantially in their methodology, including the timing, duration, treatment volume and intensity of NMES interventions. The purpose of this review is to examine and discuss variations between these recent trials to synthesize the current state of evidence for NMES in postTKA rehabilitation. When comparing intervention parameters across recent studies, it appears that high intensity NMES performed regularly during the immediate postoperative phase helped to attenuate dramatic losses in quadriceps strength following TKA, thereby resulting in overall improvements in strength and function.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)909-920
Number of pages12
JournalEuropean Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume49
Issue number6
StatePublished - Dec 2013

Keywords

  • Arthroplasty
  • Electric stimulation
  • Knee
  • Quadriceps muscle
  • Replacement

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