The Efficacy of Exercise and Alternative Applications of NMES on Pain and Function in Patients With Knee OA

The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of exercise and different size electrodes of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applications on pain, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, function status and depression in knee osteoarthritis. 60 voluntary patients were included in the study and these patients divided into three groups randomly. For Group 1 only exercise, for Group 2 simultaneously active contraction with NMES with standard size electrodes, for Group 3 simultaneously active contraction with NMES with large electrodes applied for 3 days per week, 18 session. Pain was measured with Visual analog Scale (VAS), ROM was measured with digital goniometer, muscle strength was measured with "Hand-held" dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument®, Lafayette, IN), functional status were measured with WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities) Index and stair climbing test, balance was analysed with one leg standing test, depression was scored with Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and patients satisfaction was scored with Global Rating Change Scales. The cases evaluated before and after treatment.