In 2004, Rosemffet, et. al., conducted study about Osteoarthritis (OA) which means the knee often leads to chronic disability, primarily due to weakness in the quadriceps muscles. Functional electrostimulation (FES) combined with exercise has been suggested as a potential treatment to address this issue at the muscle level.

This pilot study aimed to compare the effects of FES and exercise on quadriceps muscle strength, pain, and functional capacity in OA knee patients. Additionally, the study sought to determine if combining these modalities would yield greater benefits compared to using each individually.

A total of 37 OA knee patients participated in the study, undergoing assessments at baseline and after 8 weeks. Various variables including body mass index, knee pain (measured using a Visual Analog Scale), WOMAC score, quadriceps strength (measured using a dynamometer), and the 6-minute walk test were recorded. Patients were randomized into three groups: Group A (n=8) received FES three times a week, Group B (n=10) underwent a twice-a-week physical training program, and Group C (n=8) received combined therapy. Due to noncompliance, 29.7% of patients were lost to follow-up, resulting in a final sample size of 26 patients at the end of 8 weeks.

All three groups exhibited improvements in pain and WOMAC scores. Significant improvements in strength were observed in the exercise-only group, while the combination of FES and exercise led to significantly greater strength improvements compared to individual therapeutic procedures.

Functional electrostimulation shows promise as a potential treatment for OA knee patients and warrants further investigation in larger placebo-controlled studies. Combining FES with exercise appears to be particularly beneficial in enhancing muscle strength and may be considered for patients unable to engage in physical activity due to health constraints or lack of interest.

Reference: Rosemffet, M. G., Schneeberger, E. E., Citera, G., Sgobba, M. E., Laiz, C., Schmulevich, H., & Cocco, J. A. M. (2004). Effects of functional electrostimulation on pain, muscular strength, and functional capacity in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. JCR: Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 10(5), 246-249.