Effectiveness of whole-body electromyostimulation on knee pain and physical function in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Kast S, Kemmler W, Roemer F, Kohl M, Culvenor AG, Mobasheri A, Uder M, von Stengel S (2024)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal

Book Volume: 14

Article Number: 20804

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71552-7

Abstract

In a randomized, controlled study, whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) was investigated as a promising alternative treatment technique compared to conventional strength training for the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Seventy-two overweight participants with symptomatic knee OA were randomly assigned to WB-EMS (n = 36) or a usual care group (UCG, n = 36). For seven months, the WB-EMS group received three times per fortnight a WB-EMS training, while the UCG was prescribed six-times physiotherapeutic treatments. We observed significant effects for the primary outcome “pain”, as determined by the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), with more favourable changes in the WB-EMS group vs UCG (between-group difference 9.0 points, 95%CI 2.9–15.1, p = 0.004). Secondary outcomes, including the other KOOS subscales (symptoms, function in daily living, function in sports/recreational activities and quality of life), 7 day pain diary, hip/leg extensor strength and lower limb function (30s sit-to-stand test), were also statistically significant in favour of the WB-EMS group. Overall, WB-EMS was found to be effective in relieving knee pain symptoms and improving physical function in individuals with symptomatic knee OA compared to usual care treatment. WB-EMS could be used as an alternative therapy in the management of knee OA; particularly for patients that cannot be motivated for conventional training.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Hochschule Furtwangen Germany (DE) La Trobe University Australia (AU) Oulun Yliopisto / University of Oulo Finland (FI)

How to cite

APA:

Kast, S., Kemmler, W., Roemer, F., Kohl, M., Culvenor, A.G., Mobasheri, A.,... von Stengel, S. (2024). Effectiveness of whole-body electromyostimulation on knee pain and physical function in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-71552-7

MLA:

Kast, Stephanie, et al. "Effectiveness of whole-body electromyostimulation on knee pain and physical function in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial." Scientific Reports 14.1 (2024).

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