Effects of isometric exercise using biofeedback on maximum voluntary isometric contraction, pain, and muscle thickness in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of isometric exercises using electromyographic biofeedback (EMGBF) and ultrasound biofeedback (USBF) on maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), pain assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) thickness in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). [Subjects and Methods] Thirty females over 65 years of age who had been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups, each comprising of 10 subjects. The Subjects in the EMGBF training and USBF training groups were trained with the corresponding physical training exercise program targeting the vastus medialis oblique, whereas the subjects in the control group were treated with conventional physical therapies, such as a hot pack, ultrasound, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Subjects in each group were trained or treated for 20 min, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. [Results] The MVIC in the EMGBF and USBF training groups was significantly increased compared with that in the control group, and the VAS score (for measurement of pain) in the EMGBF and USBF training groups was significantly decreased compared with that in the control group. Only the EMGBF training group showed a significantly increased VMO thickness compared with before training. [Conclusion] These results suggest that USBF training is similar to EMGBF training in terms of its effectiveness and is helpful for treating patients with knee OA.

The efficacy of electromyographic biofeedback on pain, function, and maximal thickness of vastus medialis oblique muscle in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized clinical trial

“…Only the EMGBF training group showed significantly increased VMO thickness compared with before training. 33 The results of that study are against our finding that VMO thickness did not change by EMGBF. This may be attributed to the different method of measuring VMO thickness applied in Choi et al…”

Effect of Trunk Stabilization Exercises using a Gym Ball with or without Electromyography-Biofeedback in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: An Experimental Study

“…In previous studies, many studies have reported the use of EMG biofeedback in the treatment of LBP by relaxation training of para vertebral muscles [13,14]. In the last few years, the use of EMG feedback as an adjunctive to the standard exercise regime for increasing muscle strength has been investigated in several studies [15,16]. Many studies reported the add on effects of EMG biofeedback in various relaxation training to reduce the standing level of para vertebral muscle tension and exercise program to strengthen the back muscles [17,18].…”

A clinical study of the rotational alignment of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty

“…It is now well-established that finding an anatomical reference axis is crucial for femoral component rotational alignment, by which, osteotomy for the distal femoral epicondyles and posterior condyles can be correctly carried out and component can be correctly placed 2 ) . At present, at least 4 references are being used to determine the rotational alignment of the femoral component in clinical practice: 3° external rotation of the posterior femoral condyles, Whiteside’s line (the perpendicular line of the distal femoral anterior-posterior (AP) axis in the frontal plane), the femoral epicondylar axis, and the femoral component rotational angle when the knee flexion space is rectangularly shaped in ligament balancing 3 ) . Of the four references, the first one has been most widely used.…”