Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Use after Total Knee Arthroplasty Improves Early Return to Function: A...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Trials and Medical Research

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) often leads to quadriceps muscle loss and functional deficits in the early postoperative period.
• Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a potential intervention to mitigate these postoperative impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative NMES in enhancing quadriceps strength and functional outcomes in TKA patients.
• To compare the effects of NMES plus standard care versus standard care alone on recovery trajectories.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 66 primary TKA patients, randomized 2:1 to NMES treatment or control.
• NMES group used a home-based system for ≥200 minutes/week from 1 to 12 weeks postoperatively.
• Outcome measures included quadriceps strength, range of motion, pain, and functional tests (TUG, stair climb) assessed at 3, 6, and 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• The NMES group demonstrated statistically significant quadriceps strength gains at 3, 6, and 12 weeks post-surgery, unlike the control group which showed strength losses.
• Significant improvements in the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were observed in the NMES group at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively.
• NMES use was associated with better quadriceps strength and functional performance compared to standard care alone.

Conclusions:

• Home-based, application-controlled NMES, when added to standard care, significantly improves quadriceps strength and functional mobility (TUG) following TKA.
• NMES therapy supports a quicker return to function for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.
• This intervention shows promise for enhancing early postoperative recovery in TKA patients.