BACKGROUND: Knee muscle weakness associated with overweight/obesity can lead to impairment of vital daily function in knee osteoarthritis patients. This study investigated the effect of a knee eccentric isokinetic muscle strength (IMS) training program combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle strength and flexibility, joint ROM, functional status, physical performance, and quality of life in knee osteoarthritis overweight/obese women. METHODS: Thirty-six women were randomized into three groups, two experimental groups (EG) and a control group following a classic rehabilitation program. During 6 weeks of two sessions/week, one of the two EGs performed an IMS program (ISO.G); the other underwent combined IMS and NMES training (ISO plus NMES.G). All patients were evaluated with clinical examination, isokinetic test at 60 degrees/s and 240 degrees/s speeds, physical performance tests related to activities of daily living, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) quality of life questionnaire, before and after the intervention. RESULTS: In the 10 m walk, chair stand, stair climb and monopodal stance tests, muscle flexibility and quality of life scores showed significant improvement for ISO.G (p = 0.000) and ISO plus NMES.G (p = 0.000). Concentric strength at 240 degrees/s was improved in ISO plus NMES.G (p = 0.000) unlike the muscle strength at 60 degrees/s (quadriceps, p = 0.104; hamstrings, p = 0.171), force asymmetry (p = 0.481) and post-intervention joint ROM (p = 0.309). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of IMS and NMES shows significant superiority over the usual rehabilitation program for the majority of the parameters measured for optimal management of knee osteoarthritis.
With permission from Excerpta Medica Inc.

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