Effects of Home-Based Resistance Training and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
By Bruce-Brand, Robert A.; Walls, Raymond J.; Ong, Joshua C.; Emerson, Barry S.; O'Byrne, John M.; Moyna,Niall M.; BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, Volume 13, Number 118Publication Date: July 3, 2012
Study compared the effects of home based resistance training (RT) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for strengthening the quadriceps femoris muscle (QFM) in patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). Participants, 41 patients with OA aged 55 to 75 years, were randomized to a 6 week program of RT, NMES, or a control group receiving standard care. Thera-Band resistive bands were used in the RT group for extended leg raises, leg extensions, and hamstring curls, while a water-filled plastic bottle was used in a bottle knee press. The Kneehab portable, battery powered, garment based NMES stimulator was used for the NMES group. Primary outcome was functional capacity measured using a walk test, stair climb test, and chair rise test. Additional outcomes were self-reported disability, quadriceps strength, and cross-sectional area of the QFM. Outcomes were assessed pre and post intervention and at 6 weeks post intervention: weeks 1, 8, and 14, respectively. There were similar, significant improvements in functional capacity for the RT and NMES groups at week 8 compared to week 1, and compared to the control group. These improvements were maintained at week 14. Cross-sectional area of the QFM increased in both training groups. Adherence was 91 percent in the NMES group and 83 percent in the RT group.
Assistive Products Discussed: Published by: BioMed Central Ltd (Website:http://www.biomedcentral.com)
Link to text: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2474-13-118.pdf
