Effects of Two Electrical Stimulation Frequencies in Thigh Muscle After Knee Surgery

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of two protocols of electrical stimulation combined with voluntary contractions on the recovery of thigh muscles after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Ten sportsmen with a mean age of 26 yrs were randomly assigned into two groups: a 80 Hz stimulated group (5 patients) and a 20 Hz stimulated group (5 patients). All patients received electrical stimulation of the quadriceps femoris, five days a week, for 12 weeks, and had a standard program of voluntary contractions. Muscle and fat volumes of the thigh were assessed using MRI before surgery and after 12 weeks of rehabilitation. Quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength were evaluated by isokinetic measurements. Twelve weeks after surgery, the quadriceps peak torque deficit in the operated limb with respect to the non operated limb at 180 degrees /s and 240 degrees /s was significantly (p < 0.05) less in the 20 Hz group than in the 80 Hz group. This difference was not confirmed when comparing the pre-surgery quadriceps peak torque of the operated limb with the post-surgery one. Subcutaneous fat volume was increased for the two groups at the post-surgery test. This increase was significantly (p < 0.05) greater for the 80 Hz group. Thigh muscle volume deficit was not significantly different between the two groups.

Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Quadriceps Strength, Function, and Patient-Oriented Outcomes: A Systematic Review

“…Some investigators initiate NMES on the third postoperative day 21 t MeTHodS: Searches were performed for randomized controlled trials using electronic databases from 1966 through October 2008. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale.…”

“…21 The primary outcome of NMES treatment is to restore and improve quadriceps function. Investigators have referred to the clinical condition treated as quadriceps weakness, 9 or the rationale to treat as to influence the recovery of the quadriceps muscles 7 or the prevention of muscular weakening.…”

“…19 The inhibition is suspected to delay the return of quadriceps strength after ACL reconstruction, and NMES is targeted directly at improving strength and minimizing atrophy. 21 However, the magnitude of any clinical benefit of NMES on knee extensor strength, functional performance, or other patient-specific outcomes following ACL reconstruction is presently unclear.…”

“…21 Eight RCTs were ultimately included in our review. The details of these 8 RCTs are found in Table 1 and …”

Effectiveness of electrical stimulation on rehabilitation after ligament and meniscal injuries: a systematic review

“…None of the studies described concealment of allocation at the time of randomization. Among the studies with drop outs, [13][14][15]21,22 only Fitzgerald et al 15 mentioned intentionto-treat analysis. The baseline participant characteristics were well described and the groups were comparable.…”