Surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation for quadriceps strengthening pre and post total knee replacement

Arthralgia: a map of Cochrane evidence relevant to rehabilitation for people with post COVID-19 condition

INTRODUCTION

Rehabilitation focuses on impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions being informed by the underlying health condition. In the current absence of direct "evidence on" rehabilitation interventions for people with post COVID-19 condition (PCC), we can search and synthesize the indirect "evidence relevant to" coming from interventions effective on the symptoms of PCC in other health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) required this information to inform expert teams and provide specific recommendations in its Guidelines. With this overview of reviews with mapping we aimed to synthesize the Cochrane evidence relevant to rehabilitation for arthralgia due to PCC in a map.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We searched the last five years' Cochrane Systematic Review (CSRs) using the terms "arthralgia," "joint pain," and "rehabilitation" and their synonyms in the Cochrane Library. We extracted and summarized all the available evidence using a map. We grouped the included CSRs for health conditions and interventions, indicating the effect and the quality of evidence.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We found 200 CSRs published between 2016 and 2021, and included 11 in this overview. They provided data from 7 health conditions, with osteoarthritis (5 studies) being the most studied. Effective rehabilitation interventions included exercise training, transcranial magnetic stimulation, different types of electrical stimulation and Tai chi. The overall quality of evidence was mainly low to very low, and moderate in a few cases.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provided the requested information to the WHO and served as the basis for one recommendation on treatments for arthralgia due to PCC in the current Guidelines for clinical practice. These results should be interpreted as a first step of indirect evidence able to generate helpful hypotheses for future research.

Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on quadriceps muscle strength, pain, and function outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods: PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, Scopus, PsycINFO, PEDro, CINAHL, CNKI, and Wanfang were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception to 18 June 2021.

Results: Nine RCTs that involving 691 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Our pooled analysis showed that NMES improved quadriceps muscle strength after TKA within 1 months [standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.81; 95% CI: 0.51–1.11], 1–2 months (SMD: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.13–0.97), 3–4 months (SMD: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.18–0.66), and 12–13 months (SMD: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.18–0.74), pain between 1 and 2 months [mean difference (MD): −0.62; 95% CI: −1.04 to −0.19], pain between 3 and 6 months (MD: −0.44; 95% CI: −0.74 to −0.14) Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) between 3 and 4 months (MD: −0.43; 95% CI: −0.82 to −0.05), timed up and go test (TUG) within 1 month (MD: −2.23; 95% CI: −3.40 to −1.07), 3 minutes walk test between 3 and 6 months (MD: 28.35; 95% CI: 14.55–42.15), and SF-36 MCS between 3 and 6 months after TKA (MD: 4.20, 95% CI: 2.41–5.98).

Conclusion: As a supplementary treatment after TKA, postoperative NMES could improve the short-term to long-term quadriceps muscle strength, mid-term pain, and mid-term function following TKA. However, many outcomes failed to achieve statistically meaningful changes and minimal clinically important difference (MCID), thus the clinical benefits remained to be confirmed.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic level I.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42021265609.

The effects of preoperative neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the postoperative quadriceps muscle strength and functional status in patients with fast-track total knee arthroplasty

This study aimed to investigate the effect of pre- operative neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on postoperative quadriceps muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life in patients with fast-track total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This prospective study was carried out at Orthopedics department from September 2017 to October 2018. A total of 40 patients were randomly divided into NMES (n=20) and control group (n=20). Patients in NMES group were asked to use home NMES device daily for 20 minutes, 5 times a day, for 6 weeks before surgery. The control group was placed on the 6-week waiting list for surgery without any preoperative intervention. Standard home exercise program was applied to both groups after discharge. The patients were evaluated baseline, preoperatively (6-weeks after baseline) and at the 4th and 12th weeks after surgery. Knee range of motion, quadriceps muscle strength, patient-reported (WOMAC and KOOS) and performance-based activity limitation (30-second chair-stand test, 40-meter fast-paced walk test, and stair-climb test) were evaluated at each visit. Preoperative NMES resulted in significant improvement in KOOS-function in daily living and WOMAC total score (p≤0.05) but had a non-significant trend toward to improve quadriceps muscle strength, KOOS-pain and -other symptoms, performance- based activity limitation, and quality of life scores (p>0.05). However, there was no significant difference between groups in the postoperative period (p>0.05). NMES has beneficial effects in terms of patient- reported and performance-based physical functions and quality of life in preoperative period ; however, it does not provide any additional benefit for post- operative outcomes in patients with fast-track TKA.

Does TENS Reduce the Intensity of Acute and Chronic Pain? A Comprehensive Appraisal of the Characteristics and Outcomes of 169 Reviews and 49 Meta-Analyses

Background and Objectives: Uncertainty about the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) to alleviate pain spans half a century. There has been no attempt to synthesise the entire body of systematic review evidence. The aim of this comprehensive review was to critically appraise the characteristics and outcomes of systematic reviews evaluating the clinical efficacy of TENS for any type of acute and chronic pain in adults. Materials and Methods: We searched electronic databases for full reports of systematic reviews of studies, overviews of systematic reviews, and hybrid reviews that evaluated the efficacy of TENS for any type of clinical pain in adults. We screened reports against eligibility criteria and extracted data related to the characteristics and outcomes of the review, including effect size estimates. We conducted a descriptive analysis of extracted data. Results: We included 169 reviews consisting of eight overviews, seven hybrid reviews and 154 systematic reviews with 49 meta-analyses. A tally of authors' conclusions found a tendency toward benefits from TENS in 69/169 reviews, no benefits in 13/169 reviews, and inconclusive evidence in 87/169 reviews. Only three meta-analyses pooled sufficient data to have confidence in the effect size estimate (i.e., pooled analysis of >500 events). Lower pain intensity was found during TENS compared with control for chronic musculoskeletal pain and labour pain, and lower analgesic consumption was found post-surgery during TENS. The appraisal revealed repeated shortcomings in RCTs that have hindered confident judgements about efficacy, resulting in stagnation of evidence. Conclusions: Our appraisal reveals examples of meta-analyses with 'sufficient data' demonstrating benefit. There were no examples of meta-analyses with 'sufficient data' demonstrating no benefit. Therefore, we recommend that TENS should be considered as a treatment option. The considerable quantity of reviews with 'insufficient data' and meaningless findings have clouded the issue of efficacy. We offer solutions to these issues going forward.

A Comparison of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Parameters for Postoperative Quadriceps Strength in Patients After Knee Surgery: A Systematic Review

CONTEXT

Postoperative quadriceps strength weakness after knee surgery is a persistent issue patients and health care providers encounter.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) parameters on quadriceps strength after knee surgery.

DATA SOURCES

CINAHL, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and PubMed were systematically searched in December 2018.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were excluded if they did not assess quadriceps strength or if they failed to report the NMES parameters or quadriceps strength values. Additionally, studies that applied NMES to numerous muscle groups or simultaneously with other modalities/treatments were excluded. Study quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale for randomized controlled trials.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1.

DATA EXTRACTION

Treatment parameters for each NMES treatment was extracted for comparison. Quadriceps strength means and standard deviations were extracted and utilized to calculate Hedge g effect sizes with 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Eight RCTs were included with an average Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale score of 5 ± 2. Hedge g effect sizes ranged from small (-0.37; 95% CI, -1.00 to 0.25) to large (1.13; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.77). Based on the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy Quality of Evidence table, the majority of the studies included were low quality RCTs categorized as level 2: limited quality patient-oriented evidence.

CONCLUSION

Because of inconsistent evidence among studies, grade B evidence exists to support the use of NMES to aid in the recovery of quadriceps strength after knee surgery. Based on the parameters utilized by studies demonstrating optimal treatment effects, it is recommended to implement NMES treatment during the first 2 postoperative weeks at a frequency of ≥50 Hz, at maximum tolerable intensity, with a biphasic current, with large electrodes and a duty cycle ratio of 1:2 to 1:3 (2- to 3-second ramp).

Combined Application of Electrically Stimulated Antagonist Muscle Contraction and Volitional Muscle Contraction Prevents Muscle Strength Weakness and Promotes Physical Function Recovery After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis of the knee (KOA) is the most common cause of disability in both the United States and in Japan. The Hybrid training system (HTS) has been developed as a resistance exercise method combining electrical stimulation with voluntary exercise. The purpose of the present study is to compare the effects of a conventional rehabilitation program with or without HTS on knee muscle strength and physical function after Total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS

We conducted a 12-week randomized controlled trial, using standard rehabilitation (the control group, n = 27) or standard rehabilitation plus HTS (the HTS group, n= 26), in 53 female patients after TKA. The HTS group underwent HTS three times per week for twelve weeks after TKA. Muscle strength, thigh circumference, physical functional testing, QOL and knee pain were assessed before surgery, 6 and 12 weeks after TKA.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in quadriceps strength and thigh circumference on the operative side in the control group, but not in the HTS group at 6 weeks. Hamstring strength on the operative side in the HTS group significantly increased and thigh circumference was bigger than in the control group at 12 weeks. Physical function improved at 6 weeks in the HTS group, but not in the control group. Knee pain significantly improved in both groups at 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

HTS was effective in preventing quadriceps weakness and in improving physical function and QOL after TKA.

Additional effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on knee extension lag, pain and knee range of motion in immediate postsurgical phase (0-2 weeks) in primary total knee arthroplasty patient

Background

There are various studies on younger adults which have shown that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), at sufficient intensities, combined with active exercises had better improvement in muscle strength and functional performance than exercises alone. But very limited research is available for giving NMES in the early acute stages post total knee arthroplasty (TKA). So, the short-term effect of NMES had not yet been researched upon widely. As there were conflicting evidences in giving NMES post TKA, this study was proposed to assess the short-term effect of early NMES on knee joint pain, range of motion (ROM) and extension lag on patients undergoing bilateral TKA.

Methods

The study included 28 bilateral TKA patients following osteoarthritis (OA) knee within the age group of 50-75 years (60.82±5.69). The knees of 28 bilaterally operated patients were randomly divided into two groups; 1 knee was allocated in the experimental group and the other knee of the same patient became the control. The experimental group was given NMES with exercises, while the control group was given only exercises for 7 days. The patients were asked to continue to follow exercises even after the discharge, i.e., beyond 7 days. The patients were measured for pain; knee flexion ROM and extensor lag both before and after intervention.

Results

There was a significant improvement in pain, knee ROM and extensor lag post intervention P<0.05 in both the groups. But there was no significant difference between the groups with respect to pain, knee ROM and extensor lag, P>0.05.

Conclusions

The NMES and exercises worked equally in case of patients operated for TKA. Hence our results concluded that there was no additional effect of NMES on extensor lag, knee ROM and pain when applied for 7 days in patients operated with TKA.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for patellofemoral pain syndrome

BACKGROUND

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, now generally referred to as patellofemoral pain (PFP), is one of the most common orthopaedic disorders, characterised by pain in the anterior or retropatellar knee region. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been proposed generally as a complementary treatment, associated with other interventions such as exercise, or as a single treatment to increase muscle force, reduce knee pain, and improve function.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for people with patellofemoral pain.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, PEDro, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, AMED, LILACS, trial registers, conference abstracts, and reference lists. We carried out the search in May 2017.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled clinical trials that evaluated the use of NMES for people with PFP.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently performed the process of study selection, data extraction, and 'Risk of bias' assessment in duplicate. The primary outcomes were knee pain, knee function, and adverse events. The timing of outcome measurements was up to three months (short term), three to 12 months (medium term), and 12 months and above from trial entry (long term). We calculated risk ratios for dichotomous data and mean differences or standardised mean differences for continuous data. Where appropriate, we pooled data using the fixed-effect model.

MAIN RESULTS

We included eight randomised clinical trials, reporting results for 345 participants with PFP. The mean ages of trial populations ranged from 25 to 43 years, and the majority (53% to 100%) of participants were female. There was a wide duration of symptoms, with the minimum duration of symptoms for trial inclusion ranging from one to six months. In addition to the study inclusion criteria, studies varied widely in the characteristics of the NMES and its application, and associated co-interventions. We assessed all trials as at high risk of bias in at least one domain, particularly blinding and incomplete outcome data. The results of a laboratory-based trial reporting knee pain immediately after a single 15-minute session of NMES are not reported here as these are of questionable clinical relevance. The seven remaining trials provided evidence for three comparisons. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence, using GRADE, for all primary outcomes for all comparisons as very low, thus we are very unsure of the findings.Four studies compared NMES plus exercise versus exercise alone. Patellar taping was applied as well as exercise to all participants of one study, and patellar taping and ice were also applied in another study. Each trial tested a different multiple-session NMES programme. Pooled data from three studies (118 participants) provided very low-quality evidence that NMES is associated with reduced pain at the end of treatment (ranging from 3 to 12 weeks): mean difference -1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) -2.23 to -1.02; visual analogue scale (VAS) 0 to 10; higher scores = worse pain. However, this result may not be clinically relevant since the minimal clinically important difference for VAS during activities (1.5 to 2.0, out of 10 points) lies within the 95% CI. We found very low-quality evidence from pooled data from two trials of little effect of NMES on knee function, as measured by two knee function rating systems. We found inconclusive and very low-quality evidence from one trial (29 participants) of little effect of NMES on pain and function at one-year follow-up. None of the four trials reported on adverse effects of treatment.One study (94 participants) compared NMES, applied four hours per day on a daily basis for four weeks, with two types of exercises (isometric and isokinetic). The study did not report on knee pain or adverse events. The study provided very low-quality evidence of no important difference between the two groups in knee function at the end of the four-week treatment. Of note is the potentially onerous NMES schedule in this study, which does not correspond to that typically used in clinical practice.Two studies compared different types of NMES. Simultaneously delivered high-low frequencies NMES was compared with sequentially delivered high-low frequencies NMES in one trial (14 participants) and with fixed frequency NMES in the second trial (64 participants). The studies provided very low-quality evidence of no important differences at the end of the six-week treatment programme between the simultaneous frequencies NMES and the two other NMES programmes in overall knee pain, knee function, or in quadriceps fatigue (an adverse event).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review found insufficient and inconclusive evidence from randomised controlled trials to inform on the role of NMES for treating people with PFP in current clinical practice. The very low-quality evidence available means that we are uncertain whether or not a multiple-session programme of NMES combined with exercise over several weeks versus exercise alone results in clinically important differences in knee pain and function at the end of the treatment period or at one year. There were no data on adverse effects such as muscle fatigue and discomfort. High-quality randomised clinical trials are needed to inform on the use of NMES for people with PFP. However, professional and stakeholder consensus is required on prioritisation of the research questions for interventions for treating people with PFP, including on the NMES treatment protocol for trials testing NMES.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Treatment of Muscle Impairment: Critical Review and Recommendations for Clinical Practice

Purpose: In response to requests from physiotherapists for guidance on optimal stimulation of muscle using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), a review, synthesis, and extraction of key data from the literature was undertaken by six Canadian physical therapy (PT) educators, clinicians, and researchers in the field of electrophysical agents. The objective was to identify commonly treated conditions for which there was a substantial body of literature from which to draw conclusions regarding the effectiveness of NMES. Included studies had to apply NMES with visible and tetanic muscle contractions. Method: Four electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PUBMED, and SCOPUS) were searched for relevant literature published between database inceptions until May 2015. Additional articles were identified from bibliographies of the systematic reviews and from personal collections. Results: The extracted data were synthesized using a consensus process among the authors to provide recommendations for optimal stimulation parameters and application techniques to address muscle impairments associated with the following conditions: stroke (upper or lower extremity; both acute and chronic), anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, patellofemoral pain syndrome, knee osteoarthritis, and total knee arthroplasty as well as critical illness and advanced disease states. Summaries of key details from each study incorporated into the review were also developed. The final sections of the article outline the recommended terminology for describing practice using electrical currents and provide tips for safe and effective clinical practice using NMES. Conclusion: This article provides physiotherapists with a resource to enable evidence-informed, effective use of NMES for PT practice.

Enhancing Recovery After Total Knee Arthroplasty

There have been multiple successful efforts to improve and shorten the recovery period after elective total joint arthroplasty. The development of rapid recovery protocols through a multidisciplinary approach has occurred in recent years to improve patient satisfaction as well as outcomes. Bundled care payment programs and the practice of outpatient total joint arthroplasty have provided additional pressure and incentives for surgeons to provide high-quality care with low cost and complications. In this review, the evidence for modern practices are reviewed regarding patient selection and education, anesthetic techniques, perioperative pain management, intraoperative factors, blood management, and postoperative rehabilitation.

Content Validation of Total Knee Replacement Rehabilitation Protocol in Indian Population

INTRODUCTION

Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery has become the most successful surgery for patients with severe debilitating arthritis. The guidelines for rehabilitation progression should be tailored respecting the tissue healing parameters. Hence, the current literature states a need for protocol to mitigate these impairments and ultimately result in improved functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to validate the content of TKR rehabilitation protocol in Indian population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The process of content validation involves development stage and expert judgment stage. The protocol was designed into three stages with extensive review of literature. After designing the protocol, nine experts in field of musculoskeletal Physiotherapy performed the judgemental process. The process of validation includes rating of experts in a 5 point likert grading on two parameters namely relevance and ease of performance. Based on expert's inputs on TKR protocol, the level of agreement, content validation index and kappa value was calculated.

RESULTS

The three staged TKR protocol almost exhibited an excellent agreement on all stages. However, muscle activation exercises (except Vastus medialis obliques activation), stretching, strengthening program and functional training showed 100% agreement than other stages.

CONCLUSION

The structured TKR protocol exhibited excellent content validity to its use in Indian population.

Femoral quadriceps neuromuscular electrical stimulation after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients submitted to total knee arthroplasty. This was a systematic review with no language or publication status restriction. Our search was made in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS. Randomized or quasi-randomized clinical trials evaluating neuromuscular electrical stimulation after total knee arthroplasty were included. Four studies with moderate risk of bias and low statistical power were included, totalizing 376 participants. There was no statistically significant difference in knee function, pain and range of motion during 12 month follow-up. This review concluded that neuromuscular electrical stimulation was less effective than traditional rehabilitation in function, muscular strength and range of motion. However, this technique was useful for quadriceps activation during the first days after surgery.

An evaluation of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in critical care using the ICF framework: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To review, in conformance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the totality of evidence for the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in the critical care setting, when compared with usual care, under all domains of the World Health Organisation, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

DATA SOURCE

Six electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, The Cochrane Library and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) (1945-2014). Limits of the English language and human studies were applied.

STUDY SELECTION

Trials investigating the effect of NMES in critical care adult patients were included. One reviewer excluded articles by title. Two reviewers excluded remaining articles by abstract and full text. One reviewer extracted data under a standardised form. Two reviewers assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Twelve full-text articles, eleven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and one case-control trial indicated the potential of NMES to preserve muscle mass and joint range of motion, improve outcomes of ventilation, and reduce activity limitations. Meta-analysis from three RCTs supported NMES to preserve muscle strength using a fixed-effects model [n = 146; standardised mean difference 0.93 (0.51, 1.35) P = 0.0002]; however, significant heterogeneity was recorded. No outcomes evaluated the effect on participation restrictions.

CONCLUSION

NMES, as an adjunct to current rehabilitation practices in critically ill patients, may maintain muscle strength. However, high-quality studies with longer follow-up periods and standardised outcome measures across all domains of the ICF framework are required.

The effects of exercise and neuromuscular electrical stimulation in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a 3-month follow-up study

Background

Strengthening exercises of the quadriceps femoris muscle (QFM) are beneficial for patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Studies reporting short-term effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of the QFM in this population support the use of this modality as an adjunct treatment. The objectives of this follow-up study are to compare the effects of an exercise program with and without NMES of the QFM on pain, functional performance, and muscle strength immediately posttreatment and 12 weeks after completion of the intervention.

Methods

Sixty-three participants with knee OA were randomly assigned into two groups receiving 12 biweekly treatments: An exercise-only program or an exercise program combined with NMES.

Results

A significantly greater reduction in knee pain was observed immediately after treatment in the NMES group, which was maintained 12 weeks postintervention in both groups. Although at this stage NMES had no additive effect, both groups demonstrated an immediate increase in muscle strength and in functional abilities, with no differences between groups. Although the improvements in gait velocity and in self-report functional ability were maintained at the follow-up session, the noted improvements in muscle strength, time to up and go, and stair negotiation were not maintained.

Conclusion

Supplementing an exercise program with NMES to the QFM increased pain modulation immediately after treatment in patients with knee OA. Maintenance of the positive posttreatment effects during a 12-week period was observed only for pain, self-reported functional ability, and walk velocity, with no difference between groups.

Clinical rehabilitation effect

The effects of a comprehensive group exercise program with or without NMES are partially maintained 12 weeks after completion of the intervention. The addition of NMES is recommended primarily for its immediate effect on pain. Further studies are necessary to determine the effects of repeated bouts of exercise with and without NMES in this population.

An evidence-based review of enhanced recovery interventions in knee replacement surgery

INTRODUCTION

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a very common surgical procedure. Improved pain management techniques, surgical practices and the introduction of novel interventions have enhanced the patient's postoperative experience after TKR. Safe, efficient pathways are needed to address the increasing need for knee arthroplasty in the UK. Enhanced recovery programmes can help to reduce hospital stays following knee replacements while maintaining patient safety and satisfaction. This review outlines common evidence-based pre, intra and postoperative interventions in use in enhanced recovery protocols following TKR.

METHODS

A thorough literature search of the electronic healthcare databases (MEDLINE(®), Embase™ and the Cochrane Library) was conducted to identify articles and studies concerned with enhanced recovery and fast track pathways for TKR.

RESULTS

A literature review revealed several non-operative and operative interventions that are effective in enhanced recovery following TKR including preoperative patient education, pre-emptive and local infiltration analgesia, preoperative nutrition, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, pulsed electromagnetic fields, perioperative rehabilitation, modern wound dressings, different standard surgical techniques, minimally invasive surgery and computer assisted surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced recovery programmes require a multidisciplinary team of dedicated professionals, principally involving preoperative education, multimodal pain control and accelerated rehabilitation; this will be boosted if combined with minimally invasive surgery. The current economic climate and restricted healthcare budget further necessitate brief hospitalisation while minimising costs. These non-operative interventions are the way forward to achieve such requirements.

Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercises versus an exercise program on the pain and the function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives. To investigate the effect of 8 weeks of NMES + Ex (neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercises) on pain and functional improvement in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) compared to exercise (Ex) alone. Design. Randomized controlled trial. Setting. A specialty outpatient clinic. Participants. Patients (N = 100; women = 86, men = 14; age range, 50–75 years) with knee OA. Interventions. Participants were randomly assigned to NMES + Ex or Ex group. Outcome Measures. Numerical Rating Scale 0 to 10 (NRS) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were the primary outcomes. The secondary outcomes used were the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Results. Following the interventions, a statistically significant improvement in both groups was observed in all outcomes assessed. For the comparison between the groups, no statistically significant difference was found between the NMES + Ex and the Ex groups in NRS (P = 0.52), TUG test (P = 0.12), and aspects of WOMAC: pain (P = 0.26), function (P = 0.23), and stiffness (P = 0.63). Conclusion. The addition of NMES to exercise did not improve the outcomes assessed in knee OA patients. This study was registered at the Australian Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN012607000357459).

Peri-operative interventions producing better functional outcomes and enhanced recovery following total hip and knee arthroplasty: an evidence-based review

The increasing numbers of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA), combined with the rapidly growing repertoire of surgical techniques and interventions available have put considerable pressure on surgeons and other healthcare professionals to produce excellent results with early functional recovery and short hospital stays. The current economic climate and the restricted healthcare budgets further necessitate brief hospitalization while minimizing costs.Clinical pathways and protocols introduced to achieve these goals include a variety of peri-operative interventions to fulfill patient expectations and achieve the desired outcomes.In this review, we present an evidence-based summary of common interventions available to achieve enhanced recovery, reduce hospital stay, and improve functional outcomes following THA and TKA. It covers pre-operative patient education and nutrition, pre-emptive analgesia, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, pulsed electromagnetic fields, peri-operative rehabilitation, modern wound dressings, standard surgical techniques, minimally invasive surgery, and fast-track arthroplasty units.

A theoretical framework for understanding neuromuscular response to lower extremity joint injury

Background:

Neuromuscular alterations are common following lower extremity joint injury and often lead to decreased function and disability. These neuromuscular alterations manifest in inhibition or abnormal facilitation of the uninjured musculature surrounding an injured joint. Unfortunately, these neural alterations are poorly understood, which may affect clinical recognition and treatment of these injuries. Understanding how these neural alterations affect physical function may be important for proper clinical management of lower extremity joint injuries.

Methods:

Pertinent articles focusing on neuromuscular consequences and treatment of knee and ankle injuries were collected from peer-reviewed sources available on the Web of Science and Medline databases from 1975 through 2010. A theoretical model to illustrate potential relationships between neural alterations and clinical impairments was constructed from the current literature.

Results:

Lower extremity joint injury affects upstream cortical and spinal reflexive excitability pathways as well as downstream muscle function and overall physical performance. Treatment targeting the central nervous system provides an alternate means of treating joint injury that may be effective for patients with neuromuscular alterations.

Conclusions:

Disability is common following joint injury. There is mounting evidence that alterations in the central nervous system may relate to clinical changes in biomechanics that may predispose patients to further injury, and novel clinical interventions that target neural alterations may improve therapeutic outcomes.

Relationship between intensity of quadriceps muscle neuromuscular electrical stimulation and strength recovery after total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can facilitate the recovery of quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), yet the optimal intensity (dosage) of NMES and its effect on strength after TKA have yet to be determined.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the intensity of NMES application was related to the recovery of quadriceps muscle strength early after TKA. A secondary objective was to quantify quadriceps muscle fatigue and activation immediately after NMES to guide decisions about the timing of NMES during rehabilitation sessions.

DESIGN

This study was an observational experimental investigation.

METHODS

Data were collected from 30 people who were 50 to 85 years of age and who received NMES after TKA. These people participated in a randomized controlled trial in which they received either standard rehabilitation or standard rehabilitation plus NMES to the quadriceps muscle to mitigate strength loss. For the NMES intervention group, NMES was applied 2 times per day at the maximal tolerable intensity for 15 contractions beginning 48 hours after surgery over the first 6 weeks after TKA. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation training intensity and quadriceps muscle strength and activation were assessed before surgery and 3.5 and 6.5 weeks after TKA.

RESULTS

At 3.5 weeks, there was a significant association between NMES training intensity and a change in quadriceps muscle strength (R(2)=.68) and activation (R(2)=.22). At 6.5 weeks, NMES training intensity was related to a change in strength (R(2)=.25) but not to a change in activation (R(2)=.00). Furthermore, quadriceps muscle fatigue occurred during NMES sessions at 3.5 and 6.5 weeks, whereas quadriceps muscle activation did not change.

LIMITATIONS

Some participants reached the maximal stimulator output during at least 1 treatment session and might have tolerated more stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher NMES training intensities were associated with greater quadriceps muscle strength and activation after TKA.

A murine model of muscle training by neuromuscular electrical stimulation

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a common clinical modality that is widely used to restore¹, maintain² or enhance^3-5 muscle functional capacity. Transcutaneous surface stimulation of skeletal muscle involves a current flow between a cathode and an anode, thereby inducing excitement of the motor unit and the surrounding muscle fibers.

NMES is an attractive modality to evaluate skeletal muscle adaptive responses for several reasons. First, it provides a reproducible experimental model in which physiological adaptations, such as myofiber hypertophy and muscle strengthening⁶, angiogenesis^7-9, growth factor secretion^9-11, and muscle precursor cell activation¹² are well documented. Such physiological responses may be carefully titrated using different parameters of stimulation (for Cochrane review, see ¹³). In addition, NMES recruits motor units non-selectively, and in a spatially fixed and temporally synchronous manner¹⁴, offering the advantage of exerting a treatment effect on all fibers, regardless of fiber type. Although there are specified contraindications to NMES in clinical populations, including peripheral venous disorders or malignancy, for example, NMES is safe and feasible, even for those who are ill and/or bedridden and for populations in which rigorous exercise may be challenging.

Here, we demonstrate the protocol for adapting commercially available electrodes and performing a NMES protocol using a murine model. This animal model has the advantage of utilizing a clinically available device and providing instant feedback regarding positioning of the electrode to elicit the desired muscle contractile effect. For the purpose of this manuscript, we will describe the protocol for muscle stimulation of the anterior compartment muscles of a mouse hindlimb.

Anabolic steroids in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review the evidence for using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) to aid rehabilitation following total knee replacement (TKR).

DESIGN

Systematic review of all clinical study designs.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to August 2012.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

All clinical study designs without language or patient demographic limits.

OUTCOME MEASURES

All functional, physiological and administrative outcomes as well as reporting of adverse events.

RESULTS

Only two small randomised controlled trials satisfied the inclusion criteria. Statistically significant improvements were reported in the AAS group for quadriceps strength at 3 (p=0.02), 6 (p=0.01) and 12 (p=0.02) months, Functional Independence Measure score at 35 days (p=<0.05) and Knee Society Score at 6 weeks (p=0.02), 6 months (p=0.04) and 12 months (p=0.03). However, differences in hamstring strength, bone mineral density, sit-to-stand testing, walking speed, length of hospital stay and need for further inpatient rehabilitation did not reach statistical significance. There were no reported adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine administration of AAS to patients undergoing TKR. However, pilot data suggest that AAS can be administered safely and may improve important postoperative outcome measures. This justifies a randomised trial sufficiently powered to identify between-group differences likely to be of clinical significance.

Osteoarthritis year 2010 in review: non-pharmacologic therapy

OBJECTIVE

To highlight seminal publications in the past year on the topic of non-pharmacologic management of osteoarthritis (OA).

DESIGN

A systematic search of the PUBMED and Cochrane databases from September 2009 to September 2010 was conducted to identify articles reporting on studies examining the safety or efficacy of non-pharmacologic therapies in the management of OA. Non-pharmacologic therapies were those considered in the 2008 OARSI OA guidelines. Identified articles were reviewed for quality; those of highest quality and deemed to have greatest potential impact on the management of OA were summarized.

RESULTS

The search identified 117 unique articles. Of these, four studies were chosen to highlight. A nested two-stage trial found that traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) was not superior to sham acupuncture, but that the providers' style affected both pain reduction and satisfaction with treatment, suggesting that the analgesic benefits of acupuncture may be partially mediated by the acupuncturists' behavior. A systematic review found little evidence of a significant effect for electrostimulation vs sham or no intervention on pain in knee OA. A single-blinded trial of Tai Chi vs attention controls found that 12 weeks of Tai Chi was associated with improvements in symptoms and disability in patients with knee OA. A randomized trial of early ACL reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation vs structured rehabilitation alone in subjects with acute anterior cruciate ligament tears found that, at 24 months following randomization, all study participants had improved, suggesting that a strategy of structured rehabilitation followed acute ACL injury may preclude the need for surgical reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

High quality studies of the safety and efficacy of non-pharmacologic agents in the management of OA remain challenging due to difficulties with adequate blinding and appropriate selection of attention controls. High quality studies suggest modest, if any, benefit of many non-pharmacologic therapies over attention control or placebo, but a significant impact of both over no intervention at all.