title: Is neuromuscular electrical stimulation effective for improving pain, function and activities of daily living of knee osteoarthritis patients? A randomized clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used in rehabilitation protocols for patients suffering from muscle weakness resulting from knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of an eight-week treatment program of NMES combined with exercises, for improving pain and function among patients with knee osteoarthritis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized clinical trial at Interlagos Specialty Ambulatory Clinic, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred were randomized into two groups: NMES group and control group. The following evaluation measurements were used: numerical pain scale from 0 to 10, timed up and go (TUG) test, Lequesne index and activities of daily living (ADL) scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighty-two patients completed the study. From intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis comparing the groups, the NMES group showed a statistically significant improvement in relation to the control group, regarding pain intensity (difference between means: 1.67 [0.31 to 3.02]; P = 0.01), Lequesne index (difference between means: 1.98 [0.15 to 3.79]; P = 0.03) and ADL scale (difference between means: -11.23 [-19.88 to -2.57]; P = 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  NMES, within a rehabilitation protocol for patients with knee osteoarthritis, is effective for improving pain, function and activities of daily living, in comparison with a group that received an orientation program. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN012607000357459.
authors: Universidade Federal de São Paulo Unifesp, São Paulo, Brazil. aline.mizusaki@globo.com
authors: Aline Mizusaki
authors: AM
authors: Imoto
authors: Maria Stella
authors: MS
authors: Peccin
authors: Lucas Emmanuel Pedro de Paiva
authors: LE
authors: Teixeira
authors: Kelson Nonato Gomes da
authors: KN
authors: Silva
authors: Marcelo
authors: M
authors: Abrahão
authors: Virgínia Fernandes Moça
authors: VF
authors: Trevisani
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000628:therapy*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D020127:Recovery of Function
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