A comparison of two types of electrical stimulation of the quadriceps in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome. A pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare a commercially available electrical muscle stimulation regime with a new form of stimulation for the rehabilitation of the quadriceps in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.


METHODS
A research facility within a teaching hospital.


METHODS
Sixteen patients (four men, 12 women) with patellofemoral pain, demonstrable quadriceps atrophy, but normal gait parameters were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups. One group received a sequential mixed frequency stimulation pattern from a standard device. The other group received a new form of stimulation from an experimental stimulation device that contained simultaneous mixed frequency components.


METHODS
Isometric and isokinetic extension torque, muscle fatigue rate, pain, functional questionnaire, step test, knee flexion, and quadriceps cross-sectional area.


RESULTS
These showed significant improvements for both groups after treatment (p < 0.05) in all outcome measures except flexion and fatigue rates, but no significant differences between the two stimulation regimes (p > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Both stimulators performed similarly on patients with patellofemoral pain giving significant improvements for all patients for muscle strength, pain, self-reporting function and step testing. There were no significant differences between the two types of stimulation.
Callaghan
M J
MJ
Centre for Rehabilitation Science, University of Manchester, Manchester Royal Infirmary, UK. michael.callaghan@man.ac.uk
Oldham
J A
JA
Winstanley
J
J
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D018763:Muscle Fatigue; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010329:Patella; D010865:Pilot Projects