Effects of quadriceps electrical stimulation program on clinical parameters in the patients with knee osteoarthritis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of electrical stimulation program on pain, disability, and quadriceps strength in the patients with knee osteoarthritis. Fifty women diagnosed as knee osteoarthritis were randomized into two groups as electrical stimulation and biofeedback-assisted isometric exercises. Both of the programs were performed 5 days a week, for a duration of 4 weeks. Outcome measures for pain were visual analogue scale pain score and Western Ontario McMaster osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) pain score. Disability and stiffness were assessed with WOMAC physical function and stiffness score. One repetition maximum (RM) and 10 RM were used for measuring quadriceps strength. In addition, 50 m walking time and 10 steps stairs climbing up-down time were evaluated. Both groups showed significant improvements in pain, physical function, and stiffness scores after the therapy. There were statistically significant improvements in 50 m walking time and 10 steps stairs climbing up-down time and 1 RM and 10 RM values indicating the improvement in muscle strength. In addition, there were no significant differences between the groups after the therapy. We conclude that electrical stimulation treatment was as effective as exercise in knee osteoarthritis and electrical stimulation treatment can be suggested especially for the patients who have difficulty in or contraindications to perform an exercise program.