Low-Frequency Electric Muscle Stimulation Combined With Physical Therapy After Total Hip Arthroplasty for Hip Osteoarthritis in Elderly Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract 

Gremeaux V, Renault J, Pardon L, Deley G, Lepers R, Casillas J-M. Low-frequency electric muscle stimulation combined with physical therapy after total hip arthroplasty for hip osteoarthritis in elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial.

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±8y) 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±10y) 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 200m 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.

Key Words: Aged, Electric stimulation therapy, Osteoarthritis, hip, Rehabilitation

List of Abbreviations: ANOVA, analysis of variance, LOS, length of stay, OA, osteoarthritis, PT, physical therapy, ROM, range of motion, 200mFWT, 200-meter fast walk test, 6MWT, six-minute walk test, THA, total hip arthroplasty