Low-frequency electric muscle stimulation combined with physical therapy after total hip arthroplasty for hip osteoarthritis in elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial

Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008 Dec;89(12):2265-73. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2008.05.024.

Abstract

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.

Design: Randomized controlled trial; pre- and posttreatment measurements.

Setting: Hospital rehabilitation department.

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

Interventions: 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).

Main outcome measures: 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.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip / rehabilitation*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy*
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isometric Contraction
  • Male
  • Muscle Strength
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / rehabilitation*
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / surgery*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quadriceps Muscle