Low-frequency electric muscle stimulation combined with physical therapy after total hip arthroplasty for hip osteoarthritis in elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of low-frequency electric muscle stimulation associated with usual physiotherapy on functional outcome after total hip arthroplasty (THA) for hip osteoarthritis (OA) in elderly subjects.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial; pre- and posttreatment measurements.


METHODS
Hospital rehabilitation department.


METHODS
Subjects (N=29) referred to the rehabilitation department after THA for hip OA.


METHODS
The intervention group (n=16; 78+/-8 y) received simultaneous low-frequency electric muscle stimulation of bilateral quadriceps and calf muscles (highest tolerated intensity, 1h session, 5 d/wk, for 5 weeks) associated with conventional physical therapy including resistance training. The control group (n=13; 76+/-10 y) received conventional physical therapy alone (25 sessions).


METHODS
Maximal isometric strength of knee extensors, FIM instrument, before and after; a six-minute walk test and a 200 m fast walk test, after; length of stay (LOS).


RESULTS
Low-frequency electric muscle stimulation was well tolerated. It resulted in a greater improvement in strength of knee extensors on the operated side (77% vs 23%; P<.01), leading to a better balance of muscle strength between the operated and nonoperated limb. The low-frequency electric muscle stimulation group also showed a greater improvement in FIM scores, though improvements in the walk tests were similar for the 2 groups, as was LOS.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-frequency electric muscle stimulation is a safe, well-tolerated therapy after THA for hip OA. It improves knee extensor strength, which is one of the factors leading to greater functional independence after THA.
Gremeaux
Vincent
V
Pôle Rééducation-Réadaptation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Dijon, INSERM, U887, Dijon, France. vincent.gremeaux@chu-dijon.fr
Renault
Julien
J
Pardon
Laurent
L
Deley
Gaelle
G
Lepers
Romuald
R
Casillas
Jean-Marie
JM
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D015207:Osteoarthritis, Hip / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D052097:Quadriceps Muscle