A clinical trial of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in improving quadriceps muscle strength and activation among women with mild and moderate osteoarthritis

Background. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has demonstrated efficacy in improving quadriceps muscle strength (force-generating capacity) and activation following knee replacement and ligamentous reconstruction. Yet, data are lacking to establish the efficacy of NMES in people with evidence of early radio-graphic osteoarthritis. Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether NMES is capable of improving quadriceps muscle strength and activation in women with mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis. Design. This study was a randomized controlled trial. Methods. Thirty women with radiographic evidence of mild or moderate knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to receive either no treatment (standard of care) or NMES treatments 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The effects of NMES on quadriceps muscle strength and activation were evaluated upon study enrollment, as well as at 5 and 16 weeks after study enrollment, which represent 1 and 12 weeks after cessation of NMES among the treated participants. The Western Ontario an