Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and
low-level laser therapy on neuromuscular parameters and health status in elderly
subjects with knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN:
A randomized evaluator-blinded
clinical trial. SUBJECTS: Forty-five elderly women with knee osteoarthritis.
METHODS: Subjects were randomized into 1 of the following 3 intervention groups:
electrical stimulation group (18-32 min pulsed current, stimulation frequency 80
Hz, pulse duration 400 mus, stimulation intensity 40% of maximal isometric
voluntary contraction), laser group (dose 4-6 J per point, 6 points at the knee
joint) or combined group (electrical stimu-lation plus laser therapy). The
outcomes included muscle thickness and anatomical cross-sectional area
(ultrasonography), knee extensors' electrical activity (electromyography), torque
(dynamometry) and health status (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
Osteoarthritis Index). All groups underwent a 4-week control period (without
intervention) followed by an 8-week intervention period. RESULTS: Muscle
thickness and anatomical cross-sectional area increased in the electrical
stimulation and combined groups. All groups presented similar improvements in
torque, electrical activity and health status. CONCLUSION: Electrical stimulation
alone or in combination with laser therapy generated positive effects on all
evaluated parameters. Laser therapy increased health status and electrical
activity, but had no effect on muscle mass.

Langue : ANGLAIS