The effects of electrical stimulation on the quadriceps during postoperative knee immobilization

Immobilization of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction results in marked thigh atrophy and decrease in quadriceps strength that may prolong the rehabilitation program of the injured athlete. Fifteen male volunteers undergoing ACL reconstruction were divided into two groups, stimulation (during immobilization) and nonstimulation. Measurements of thigh circumference and isometric quadriceps strength were tested preoperatively, immediately after cessation of cast immobilization (6 weeks), and at 9 and 12 weeks postoperatively. The changes in circumference and strength between the first preoperative test and all subsequent tests were compared for statistical significance (Student's t-test, P less than 0.5) between the two groups. The decrease in quadriceps strength of the stimulation group during immobilization was significantly less than that of the nonstimulation group, although later differences between the two groups were not significant. There were no significant differences in thigh atrophy between the two groups. In conclusion, isometric quadriceps torque decreases resulting from immobilization can be significantly lessened by application of electrical stimulation during immobilization. Electrical stimulation to the quadriceps does not significantly alter thigh circumference changes that occur during immobilization.