Neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy after knee surgery: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

The recovery of quadriceps muscle strength and knee function after knee surgery is important. Recently, neuro-muscular electrical stimulation (NMES), which is a method in which an electrical current is applied to the surrounding targeted muscle, has been incorporated into muscle-strengthening programs. The objective of this review was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of NMES in patients who have undergone knee surgery. A database search was performed in 8 Korean databases, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Article selection and quality assessment were performed by 2 reviewers. Of the 580 articles selected, 14 papers (randomized controlled trials) were included in the final assessment. In the results of the meta-analysis, NMES combined with rehabilitation demonstrated a significant improvement in the enhancement of quadriceps muscle strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. On the basis of the currently available data, NMES with rehabilitation is associated with favorable outcomes, and should be considered a safe and effective procedure for enhancing quadriceps muscle strength.