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Femoral quadriceps neuromuscular electrical stimulation after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients submitted to total knee arthroplasty. This was a systematic review with no language or publication status restriction. Our search was made in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS. Randomized or quasi-randomized clinical trials evaluating neuromuscular electrical stimulation after total knee arthroplasty were included. Four studies with moderate risk of bias and low statistical power were included, totalizing 376 participants. There was no statistically significant difference in knee function, pain and range of motion during 12 month follow-up. This review concluded that neuromuscular electrical stimulation was less effective than traditional rehabilitation in function, muscular strength and range of motion. However, this technique was useful for quadriceps activation during the first days after surgery.

Arthroplasty; knee; replacement; Knee prosthesis; Knee joint; Osteoarthritis; Physical therapy modalities; Electric stimulation; Quadriceps muscle

Resumo

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da estimulação elétrica neuromuscular em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de joelho. Esta foi uma revisão sistemática sem restrição de idioma ou status de publicação. Nossa pesquisa foi realizada na biblioteca Cochrane, MEDLINE, Embase e LILACS. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados ou quase-randomizados, avaliando a estimulação elétrica neuromuscular após a artroplastia total de joelho. Quatro estudos com risco de viés moderado e de baixo poder estatístico foram incluídos, totalizando 376 participantes. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na função do joelho, dor e amplitude de movimento durante 12 meses de seguimento. Esta avaliação concluiu que a estimulação elétrica neuromuscular foi menos eficaz do que a reabilitação tradicional na função, força muscular e amplitude de movimento. No entanto, essa técnica é útil para a ativação do quadríceps durante os primeiros dias após a cirurgia.

Artroplastia de joelho; Prótese do joelho; Articulação do joelho; Osteoartrite; Modalidades de fisioterapia; Estimulação elétrica; Músculo quadríceps

INTRODUCTION

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by reduction of articular cartilage in some areas, and can be related to bone hypertrophy (osteophytes and subchondral bone sclerosis) resulting from biochemical alterations and biomechanical stresses. It is estimated that 75% of the population aged over 65 years is affected by this disease, with a higher prevalence in women, mostly at the knee joint.(11. Pereira D, Peleteiro B, Araújo J, Branco J, Santos RA, Ramos E. The effect of osteoarthritis definition on prevalence and incidence estimates: a systematic review. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2011;19(11):1270-85. Review.,22. Labraca NS, Castro-Sánchez AM, Matarán-Peñarrocha GA, Arroyo-Morales M, Sánchez-Joya Mdel M, Moreno-Lorenzo C. Benefits of starting rehabilitation within 24 hours of primary total knee arthroplasty: randomized clinical trial. Clin Rehabil. 2011;25(6):557-66.)

All the above-mentioned alterations result in quality of life reduction due to functional limitation. Knee arthroplasty is a common and effective intervention for knee osteoarthritis treatment when the clinical therapy is unsuccessful. Its applicability grew 73% at the last 10 years and it is expected that its indication rises more than 600% (3.48 million procedures) until 2030.(33. Rosal MC, Ayers D, Li W, Oatis C, Borg A, Zheng H, et al. A randomized clinical trial of a peri-operative behavioral intervention to improve physical activity adherence and functional outcomes following total knee replacement. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2011;12:226.)

Such percent growth in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), first introduced in the 1960s, is due to pain relief and range of motion (ROM) gain. TKA main goal is to reestablish the patient’s joint compromised function. This is why TKA is considered as one of the most important surgery developments of this century. On the United States alone, currently nearly 140 thousand TKAs are performed each year. However, surgery itself is not capable to restore the patient’s complete functionality. Physical therapy is an integral part of treatment, yielding the best results regarding postoperative pain, physical function and quality of life.(44. Piva SR, Gil AB, Almeida GJ, DiGioia AM 3rd, Levison TJ, Fitzgerald GK. A balance exercise program appears to improve function for patients with total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial. Phys Ther. 2010;90(6):880-94.)

As such, early rehabilitation start following TKA significantly benefits joint mobility and muscle stretch gain, favoring important quality of life gains and preventing postoperative complications. Apart from the primary benefits, the immediate rehabilitation could reduce hospital stay and improve the joint functional ability in the short and medium-run.(55. Moffet H, Collet JP, Shapiro SH, Paradis G, Marquis F, Roy L. Effectiveness of intensive rehabilitation on functional ability and quality of life after first total knee arthroplasty: a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2004;85(4):546-56.) Another study showed joint pain relief and gait velocity and cadence improvement.(66. Ahmed AR, Abd-Elkader SM, Al-Obathani KS. Effect of a 6-week rehabilitation program on gait parameters after total knee arthroplasty. Saudi Med J. 2010;31(9):1032-5.)

Labraca et al.(22. Labraca NS, Castro-Sánchez AM, Matarán-Peñarrocha GA, Arroyo-Morales M, Sánchez-Joya Mdel M, Moreno-Lorenzo C. Benefits of starting rehabilitation within 24 hours of primary total knee arthroplasty: randomized clinical trial. Clin Rehabil. 2011;25(6):557-66.)showed that, despite the few scientific evidences, isometric and isotonic exercises designed for quadriceps strengthening between zero and 30° of flexion, ROM gain and inferior limb muscle stretching are usually employed with good results.

Other studies showed that postoperative weakness, muscle atrophy and knee function alterations are common during the first 4 weeks after surgery, causing a quadriceps strength déficit compared to the contralateral limb that reaches a 18% reduction.(77. Snyder-Mackler L, Delitto A, Bailey SL, Stralka SW. Strength of the quadriceps femoris muscle and functional recovery after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. A prospective, randomized clinical trial of electrical stimulation. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1995;77(8):1166-73.,88. Rosenberg TD, Franklin JL, Baldwin GN, Nelson KA. Extensor mechanism function after patellar tendon graft harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 1992;20(5):519-25; discussion 525-6.)

Although the neurophysiologic mechanisms for quadriceps muscle voluntary activationdéficits are not fully understood, spinal reflex activity from swelling or pain in the knee joint may change afferent input from the injured joint and result in diminished efferent motor drive to the quadriceps muscle (also referred to as “reflex inhibition”) that reduces muscle strength.(99. Stevens JE, Mizner RL, Snyder-Mackler L. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for quadriceps muscle strengthening after bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a case series. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2004;34(1):21-9.,1010. Snyder-Mackler L, De Luca PF, Williams PR, Eastlack ME, Bartolozzi AR 3rd. Reflex inhibition of the quadriceps femoris muscle after injury or reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1994;76(4):555-60.)

One of the measures to reduce voluntary activation deficits and prevent muscle atrophy after TKA is the neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) as an adjuvant restoring normal knee function.(99. Stevens JE, Mizner RL, Snyder-Mackler L. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for quadriceps muscle strengthening after bilateral total knee arthroplasty: a case series. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2004;34(1):21-9.)

OBJECTIVE

Based on the previously mentioned literature, the objective of this review was to systematically evaluate the effects (benefits and harms) of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients who underwent to total knee arthroplasty.

METHODS

Data sources and searches

Institutional review board approval (number 1,593-12) was obtained to perform this systematic review. The study was registered at - International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Prospero), protocol CRD42013005491.

Types of studies

We included randomized or quasi-randomized (in which participants therapy-allocation was not strictly random, i.e., using hospital register number, alternation, medical file number etc.) clinical trials evaluating physical therapy interventions with NMES after TKA.

Types of participants

We included studies that evaluated (skeletally mature) adults who underwent rehabilitation with NMES after TKA.

Types of intervention

All physical therapy interventions used at post-TKA treatment associated with NMES were considered. We compared NMES with physical therapy rehabilitation.

Studies comparing non-physical therapy-related or specific formation rehabilitation techniques (including Mulligan, Maitland, Pilates etc.) were excluded.

Types of outcome measures

Primary outcomes included function or disability evaluation. The inferior limb functional outcome was evaluated according validated questionnaires, such as the knee dysfunction-specific Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale,(1111. Lysholm J, Gillquist J. Evaluation of knee ligament surgery results with special emphasis on use of a scoring scale. Am J Sports Med. 1982;10(3):150-4.) including joint symptoms evaluation.

Quality of life (evaluated by 36-Item Short Form Health Survey − SF-36),(1212. Ware JE Jr, Sherbourne CD. The MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). I. Conceptual framework and item selection. Med Care. 1992;30(6):473-83.) and treatment failure (prosthesis loosening) were also observed.

Secondary outcomes included pain, with pain reports evaluated according to validated scales, such as Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Range of motion was checked by assessing the joint mobility degrees for both knee flexion and extension. Return to previous activities (work, sport, daily life activities etc.), as well as hospitalization time and costs were considered part of secondary outcomes.

Primary outcomes were evaluated at the following periods: short-term (up to 4 months of treatment) and long-term (over 4 months of treatment) follow-up.

Research methods for studies identification

Electronic searches

Our search was performed at Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials - CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library, August 2013 edition), MEDLINE (from 1966 up to August 2013), Embase (from 1974 up to August 2013) and LILACS (from 1982 up to August 2013). We also searched Current Controlled Trials (at http://www.controlled-trials.com) and Clinical Trials (at www.clinicaltrials.gov) for ongoing and recently completed studies. There were no language or publication status-based restrictions.

At MEDLINE (PubMed), a specific filter (sensitivity and maximum precision version) for randomized clinical trials identification was combined to a specific subject strategy.(1313. Lefebvre C, Manheimer E, Glanville J on behalf of the Cochrane Bias Methods Group. Searching for studies. In: Higgins JP, Green S, editors. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Version 5.1.0 [update Marc 2011]. [Internet] London (UK): The Cochrane Collaboration; 2011. [cited 2015 Aug 5]. Available from: http://handbook.cochrane.org/chapter_6/6_searching_for_studies.htm
http://handbook.cochrane.org/chapter_6/6...
) Search strategies were also performed at The Cochrane Library (Wiley InterScience), Embase (Elsevier) and LILACS (Bireme) as described in appendix 1 Appendix 1 Search strategy .

Searching other resources

We checked the reference lists of articles and reviews for possible relevant studies.

Study selection

Two authors independently selected potential eligible titles and abstracts to be included on this review and extracted data using pre-piloted form. Any disagreements were resolved by discussion and, when necessary, with adjudication by a third author. Authors were not blinded to journal and/or authors.

Data extraction and quality assessment

Data extraction and management

Two authors collected the following data using a pre-piloted data extraction form: study methodology characteristics, including study design and duration and the protocol publication prior patient recruitment; financing sources and register details; study participants characteristics, with study site, number of enrolled participants, number of evaluated participants, inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, participants’ age, prosthesis types and surgical techniques; study intervention characteristics, including intervention time, physical therapy intervention and other co-intervention types; study result characteristics, including follow-up time, loss at follow-up and outcome measures; and methodological domains, as described below at the risk of bias evaluation section. Any discrepancies were settled by a third reviewer. Two review authors inputted the data at Review ManagerTM.

Assessment of risk of bias in the included studies

The risk of bias of the included studies was independently evaluated by two authors. As recommended by The Cochrane Collaboration’s “Risk of bias” tool,(1414. Higgins JP, Deeks JJ, Altman DG on behalf of the Cochrane Bias Methods Group. Special topics in statistics. In: Higgins JP, Green S, editors. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Version 5.1.0 [update Marc 2011]. [Internet] London (UK): The Cochrane Collaboration; 2011 [cited 2015 Aug 5]. Available from: http://handbook.cochrane.org/
http://handbook.cochrane.org/...
) the following domains were assessed: random sequence generation; allocation concealment; blinding of participants and personnel; blinding of outcome assessment; incomplete outcome data; selective reporting; other bias (e.g., great imbalance between participants groups and risk of bias associated with testers and other caretakers’ inexperience).

Each individual criterion was deemed as presenting low risk of bias, high risk of bias and uncertain risk of bias (lack of information or uncertainties regarding potential bias). Discrepancies between authors were solved based on a consensus.

Data synthesis and analysis

Measures of treatment effect

The risk ratio with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated for dichotomous variables. Continuous variables results were expressed as mean differences (MD) with 95%CI.

Unit of analysis issues

At the studies included in this review, randomization was based on individual participants. Exceptionally, as in clinical trials including patients with bilateral knee prostheses, data may have been laterally evaluated rather than by individual patients. During the analysis of questions lacking proper corrections, the presentation of such clinical trials data was considered only when discrepancies between analysis units and randomization were small. After data compilation, a sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the effects of the incorrectly evaluated clinical trials in the studies correctly addressed.

Dealing with missing data

The data on outcome were extracted for all randomized patients. When required, the primary study authors were contacted to request missing data, with participant number, sampling loss details, uncertainty measures (standard deviation or error) or number of events.

The standard deviation of continuous variables, with no report of such figure, was calculated using p value and values (95CI%).(1414. Higgins JP, Deeks JJ, Altman DG on behalf of the Cochrane Bias Methods Group. Special topics in statistics. In: Higgins JP, Green S, editors. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Version 5.1.0 [update Marc 2011]. [Internet] London (UK): The Cochrane Collaboration; 2011 [cited 2015 Aug 5]. Available from: http://handbook.cochrane.org/
http://handbook.cochrane.org/...
) The impossibility of sampling loss data obtainment was described at the risk of bias table, including a discussion regarding the potential influence of such data at the results and conclusions of the present review. Sensitivity analysis was applied in order to explore these missing data effects.(1515. Deeks JJ, Higgins JP, Altman DG, editors, on behalf of the Cochrane Bias Methods Group. Analysing data and undertaking meta-analyses. In: Higgins JP, Green S, editors. Cochrane Handook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Version 5.1.0 [update Marc 2011]. [Internet] London (UK): The Cochrane Collaboration; 2008 [cited 2015 Aug 5]. Available from: http://handbook.cochrane.org/
http://handbook.cochrane.org/...
)

Assessment of heterogeneity

We assessed the heterogeneity of estimate effects between the included studies by visual inspection of the forest plot and using the I2 statistic.

We quantified the possible magnitude of inconsistency (i.e.heterogeneity) across studies, using the I2 statistic with a rough guide for interpretation as follows: zero to 40% might not be important; 30% to 60% may represent moderate heterogeneity; 50% to 90% may represent substantial heterogeneity; and 75% to 100% considerable heterogeneity.(1414. Higgins JP, Deeks JJ, Altman DG on behalf of the Cochrane Bias Methods Group. Special topics in statistics. In: Higgins JP, Green S, editors. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Version 5.1.0 [update Marc 2011]. [Internet] London (UK): The Cochrane Collaboration; 2011 [cited 2015 Aug 5]. Available from: http://handbook.cochrane.org/
http://handbook.cochrane.org/...
) In cases of considerable heterogeneity (defined as I2 75%), we explored the data further by comparing the characteristics of individual studies and conducting subgroup analyses.

Assessment of reporting biases

For meta-analysis with more than ten studies, primary outcomes graphs were draw in order to evaluate the potential publication bias (small studies effects). The presence of bias was also evaluated in small studies, to verify if random intervention events were more beneficial compared to fixed events estimative.(1616. Sterne JA, Egger M, Moher D on behalf of the Cochrane Bias Methods Group. Addressing reporting biases. In: Higgins JP, Green S, editors. Cochrane Handook for systematic Reviews of Intervention. Version 5.1.0 [update Marc 2011]. [Internet] London (UK): The Cochrane Collaboration; 2008 [cited 2015 Aug 5]. Available from: http://handbook.cochrane.org/chapter_10/10_addressing_reporting_biases.htm
http://handbook.cochrane.org/chapter_10/...
)

Data synthesis

When appropriate, results of comparable groups of studies were pooled in meta-analysis using the random-effects model as a default. For dichotomous outcomes, RR and 95%CI were calculated. When two or more studies presented continuous data from the same validated instrument of evaluation using the same units of measure, data were pooled as a MD with 95%CI. When primary studies state the same variable using different instruments and different units of measure, we used the standardized mean difference with 95%CI.

Subgroup analysis and investigation of heterogeneity

Subgroup analysis for following demographics was planned: age (adolescents, adults and people older than 65); type of surgical intervention TKA; and rehabilitation start (outpatient and inpatient).

Sensitivity analysis

We planned sensitivity analyses to measure the effects of including trials at risk of selection bias (inadequate or unclear allocation concealment) or detection bias (inadequate or unclear blinding of outcome assessor). We also planned to assess the presence of small study bias (i.e.intervention effect is more beneficial in smaller studies) in the meta-analysis by comparing the fixed-effect estimate with the random-effects estimate for primary outcomes.

‘Summary of findings’ tables and assessment of the quality of the evidence

When there is sufficient evidence in future to merit the preparation of summary of findings tables, we will develop these for the main comparisons. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of evidence related to each of the key outcomes listed in the types of outcome measures.(1717. Schünemann HJ, Oxman AD, Vist GE, Higgins JP, Deeks JJ, Glasziou P, and Gordon H Guyatt on behalf of the Cochrane Applicability and Recommendations Methods Group. Interpreting results and drawing conclusions. In: Higgins JP, Green S, editors. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Version 5.1.0 [updated Marc 2011]. [Internet] London (UK): The Cochrane Collaboration; 2011 [cited 2015 Aug 5]. Available from: http://handbook.cochrane.org/chapter_12/12_interpreting_results_and_drawing_conclusions.htm
http://handbook.cochrane.org/chapter_12/...
)

RESULTS

Search results

The search strategy (concluded in August 2013) identified a total of 584 registers at the following current databases: Cochrane Library (129), PubMed (166), Embase (143), LILACS (130), Clinical Trials (11) and Controlled Trials (5).

The search led to the identification of 18 potentially eligible studies, from which the complete papers were retrieved. A total of four studies, published between 1994 and 2013, were included on the review.(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.

19. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.

20. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.
-2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.)

Overall, there were four included studies, eight excluded studies and six ongoing studies (Figure 1).

Figure 1
Study flowchart

Included studies

This review was based on four randomized clinical trials: Gotlin et al.,(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.) Levine et al.,(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.) Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) and Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.)(all studies presented in English). These trials were found at PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase. Included studies details are specified at appendix 2 Appendix 2 Extraction form of the characteristics of the included studies .

Study design

Gotlin et al.,(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.) Levine et al.,(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.) Petterson et al. (2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) and Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.)were single-center controlled randomized studies. All studies compared two groups undergoing the same interventions (exercises versusexercises and NMES). Gotlin et al.(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.) evaluated exercises and continuous passive motion (Control Group) versus exercises, continuous passive motion and NMES (experimental group).

Participants

The four studies included trials totalized 376 participants.

Age and sex

Gotlin et al.(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.) described that mean age was 64.8 years in the exercise group (control) and 66.2 years in the NMES plus exercise group (intervention). The Control Group comprised 16 women and 15 men, and the intervention group comprised 20 women and 15 men. In Levine et al.,(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.) the mean age was 65.1 years in the Control Group, and 68.1 years in the intervention group. The Control Group comprised 21 women and 13 men, and the intervention group was composed of 25 women and 7 men. Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.)reported that the Control Group were composed of 45 woman and 55 were men with mean age of 65.2 years-old. In the intervention group, 47 participants were women and 53 were men, presenting mean age between sexs of 65.3 years-old. In Stevens-Lapsley et al.,(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.)the sample consisted of 16 women and 15 men in the Control Group and 20 women and 15 men in the intervention group, presenting mean age between sexs of 64.8 years-old for the Control Group and 66.2 years-old for the intervention group.

All participants, in all trials, held a unilateral or bilateral knee osteoarthritis diagnosis. None of the studies described the classification or TKA previous treatment.

Interventions

The included studies were grouped according to the interventions analyzed.

Gotlin et al.(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.) analyzed the effects of exercises and continuous passive motion (Control Group) versus exercises, continuous passive motion and NMES (experimental group) in 40 patients. Levine et al.(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.)compared a muscle strengthening program and knee ROM gainversus NMES associated only to knee ROM exercises in 70 participants. Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) and Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) compared a progressive muscle (quadriceps) strengthening program versus NMES associated with progressive muscle strengthening, both of early start (immediate postoperative), in 266 participants.

Primary outcomes

Function or deficiency

Knee function was evaluated in three studies.(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.

20. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.
-2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.)Levine et al.(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.) used Timed Up and Go (TUG), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire and Knee Society Score (KSS) to measure the joint function. Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) and Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.)used validated instruments − Timed Up and Go (TUG) Stair Climbing Test (SCT), 6-Minute Walk (6MW) − to evaluate knee functional compromise. Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.)also used the WOMAC questionnaire. In addition to these instruments, Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) and Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.)evaluated quadriceps muscle strength using dynamometry.

Quality of life

Gotlin et al.(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.) and Levine et al.(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.) did not measure this endpoint. Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) and Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.)evaluated the quality of life using SF-36.

Treatment failure

All included trials reported no treatment failures.

Secondary outcome

Pain

Pain was evaluated in three studies.(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.

20. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.
-2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) Levine et al.(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.) used the validated score from KSS to measure pain, and Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) used a validated score(Knee Outcome Survey - KOS and Activities of Daily Living Scale - ADLS); Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) measured individuals pain complaint applying a numeric visual scale.

Range of motion

In Gotlin et al.,(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.) Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) and Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) studies were evaluated through goniometry. Levine et al.(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.) also evaluated their participants’ knee ROM, but did not report which instrument was used to measure this outcome.

Excluded studies

Eight papers were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria. The reasons for exclusion are presented in chart 1.

Chart 1
Characteristics of the excluded studies

Ongoing studies

Our search for ongoing studies resulted in 16 papers on Clinical Trials and Current Controlled Trials. Ten studies were excluded for not meeting our inclusion criteria or being irrelevant. We included: ISRCTN89785408, ISRCTN50117467, NCT01096524, NCT01548040, NCT00224913 and NCT01844193 (Appendix 3 Appendix 3 Ongoing studies characteristics ).

Risk of bias in the included studies

All included trials had methodological flaws, rendering them at moderate risk of bias (Figure 2).

Figure 2
Risk of bias chart

Allocation (selection bias)

Gotlin et al.,(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.) Levine et al.,(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.)Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) and Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) did not report how the random sequence generation was performed.

Concealment of allocation before assignment was not described in any study, preventing its appreciation (unclear).

Blinding (performance bias and detection bias)

All trials were judged to be at high risk of performance and detection bias. As they all compared physical therapy interventions, it was not possible to blind treatment providers. No trials included sham intervention; therefore participants were not blinded. It may have been possible to blind outcome assessors; however, only two trials mentioned assessor blinding.(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.

19. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.
-2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.)

Incomplete outcome data (attrition bias)

Trials with 80% or more participants completing follow-up and those whose losses were balanced between intervention groups were deemed as presenting low risk of bias. All included trials(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.

19. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.

20. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.
-2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) were considered as presenting low risk of bias.

Selective report (reporting bias)

Three studies(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.

20. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.
-2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) were considered as presenting low risk of bias, since their protocols and pre-specified outcomes were available. On the other hand, Gotlin et al.(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.)was considered as high risk of bias, since it did not present a specified protocol.

Additional potential bias sources

Gotlin et al.,(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.)Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) and Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) trials seem to be free from additional biases. Only Levine et al.(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.) was considered as high risk of bias, since it not presented a NMES protocol.

Effects of interventions

The included studies evaluated the following outcomes: function or disability, ROM, quality of life and treatment failure. Additional outcomes planned in our protocol were not evaluated due to insufficient data.

Comparison

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation versus exercises (with or without continuous passive motion) starting up to the first postoperative week.

Function or disability

Function measures were analyzed and made available in the following sequence: TUG, 6MW, SCT, quadriceps activation, femoral quadriceps strength, and WOMAC.

Timed Up and Go

In Levine et al.,(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.) there were no significant differences in both the short-term (MD: 1.32; 95%CI: -0.45-3.09) and long-term endpoint (MD: 0.39; 95%CI: -1.02-1.80). In the Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) study, we noted a statistically significant difference favoring NMES in both the short-term (MD: -2.00; 95%CI: -3.27- -0.73) and long-term endpoint (MD: -1.60; 95%CI: -2.86- -0.34). Studies data grouping did not show any statistically significant difference between the two intervention groups (MD: -0.87; 95%CI: -1.90-0.17), (MD: -0.72; 95%CI: -1.66-0.22) at short-term and long-term endpoint, respectively (Figure 3).

Figure 3
Timed Up and Go graph

Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) reported no statistically significant difference (p>0.08).

6-minute walk test

Difference between groups in Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) study marginally favored control at the short-term endpoint (MD: 62.60; 95%CI: 15.51-109.69). At long-term endpoint, no difference between groups was noted (MD: 46.80; 95%CI: -0.53-94.13). No statistically significant difference was reported by Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) (p>0.08).

Stair Climbing Test

Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) report no significant difference for this outcome at the short-term or long-term endpoint (p>0.08). At Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.), no statistically significant difference between the two groups - NMES and exercises (MD: -2.70; 95%CI: -6.40-1.00), (MD: -3.30; 95%CI: -7.27-0.67) was noted in both short-term and long-term endpoint, respectively.

Quadriceps activation (%)

Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) reported the same, with p>0.08. Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.)reported no statistically significant difference at the short-term endpoint (MD: 1.10; 95%CI: -5.13-7.33) between both groups and at the post-TKA short-term endpoint (MD: 1.70; 95%CI: -4.17-7.57) (Figure 4).

Figure 4
Quadriceps activation chart

Femoral quadriceps strength (N-m/kg)

Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) also reported the lack of significant difference between groups (p>0.08). No statistically significant differences between the two groups at the short-term (MD: 0.22; 95%CI: -0.02-0.46) and the long-term endpoint (MD: 0.16; 95%CI: -0.09-0.41) were noted at Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.)

Quality of life

The SF-36 questionnaire was used to measure the quality of life during and after the physical therapy intervention in both Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) and Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.)studies and data were analyzed according to its components.

SF-36 physical component summary

Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) reported no significant difference between groups (p>0.08). Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) also reported no statistically significant differences at the short-term (MD: 3.20; 95%CI: -1.50-7.90) and the long-term endpoint (MD: 1.90; 95%CI: -1.97-5.77).

SF-36 mental component summary

Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) reported no significant difference, with p>0.08. At the mental component summary, Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) also reported no statistically significant difference in both the short-term (MD: 3.70; 95%CI: -1.55 -8.95) and long-term endpoint (MD: 3.00; 95%CI: -0.39 -6.39).

Quality of life and function

WOMAC questionnaire was used by Levine et al.(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.) to measure knee function, with no statistically significant difference between groups in both the short-term (MD: 5.67; 95%CI: -1.88-13.22) and long-term endpoint (MD: 5.81; 95%CI: -3.01-14.63). Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) also reported no statistically significant difference in both the short-term (MD: -6.80; 95%CI: -15.04-1.44) and at the long-term endpoint (MD: -4.30; 95%CI: -9.99-1.39). Data pooling showed no statistically significant difference in both the short-term (MD: -0.02; 95%CI: -5.59-5.54) and at the long-term endpoint (MD: -1.33; 95%CI: -6.11 -3.45) between the two intervention groups.

Levine et al.(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.) used the KSS questionnaire to check knee function and reported no statistically significant difference in both the short-term (MD: 4.97; 95%CI: -4.65-14.59) and the long-term endpoint (MD: 7.92; 95%CI: -2.29-18.13).

Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) used the KOS questionnaire to measure knee function and also reported no statistically significant difference in both short-term and long-term endpoint (p>0.01).

Treatment failure

All included trials reported no treatment failures.

Pain

None of the included studies individually evaluated this outcome.

Range of motion

Knee flexion

Levine et al.(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.) reported no statistically significant difference at short-term (MD: -3.20; 95%CI: -8.52 -2.12) and long-term endpoint (MD: 2.30; 95%CI: -4.25 -8.85). Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) reported no statistically significant difference between groups - NMES and exercises (MD: 2.90; 95%CI: -1.89-7.69 and MD: 2.40; 95%CI: -1.82-6.62) at the short-term and long-term endpoint, respectively. Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) also reported no statistically significant difference (p>0.01). Data pooling showed no statistically significant difference between the two intervention groups (MD: 0.17; 95%CI: -3.39-3.73; and MD: 2.37; 95%CI: -1.18-5.92) in both the short-term and long-term endpoint, respectively.

Knee extension

Gotlin et al.(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.) and Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) reported a statistically significant difference favoring the intervention group compared with the group without intervention in the short-term endpoint (MD: -2.65; 95%CI: -4.05- -1.25versus MD: -2.40; 95%CI -4.09- -0.71) respectively, with no statistically significant difference in the long-term endpoint, that was reported only in the study by Stevens-Lapsley et al.(2121. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther. 2012; 92(2):210-26.) (MD: -0.60; 95%CI: -2.43-1.23). Levine et al.(1919. Levine M, McElroy K, Stakich V, Cicco J. Comparing conventional physical therapy rehabilitation with neuromuscular electrical stimulation after TKA. Orthopedics. 2013;36(3):e319-24.)reported no significant difference in both the short-term endpoint (MD: 0.65; 95%CI -2.00 -3.30) and the long-term endpoint (MD: -0.96; 95%CI: -3.62-1.70). When data were pooled, a statistically significant difference in the short-term endpoint was noted (MD: -2.09; 95%CI: -3.09- -1.09); however, there was no statistically significant difference in the long-term endpoint (MD: -0.72; 95%CI: -2.22-0.79) in both intervention groups.

Petterson et al.(2020. Petterson SC, Mizner RL, Stevens JE, Raisis L, Bodenstab A, Newcomb W, et al. Improved function from progressive strengthening interventions after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized clinical trial with an imbedded prospective cohort. Arthritis Rheum. 2009;61(2):174-83.) report no significant difference between both groups during all months of intervention (p>0.01).

DISCUSSION

At this review, only randomized clinical trials were included, leading to the analysis of four trials deemed of moderate risk of bias and evaluating kinesiotherapic physical therapy interventions compared to NMES with physiotherapy use in 376 participants undergoing TKA.

No evidence indicated if NMES with physiotherapy provided benefits regarding the quality of life. The postoperative treatment with NMES can improve the femoral quadriceps function, but we are not sure about the effectiveness of this intervention, due to the low quality evidence.

Very low evidence from the included trials presented a low general quality resulting from methodological failures, including the lack of allocation concealment and participants and personnel blinding in all trials. However, the quantitative results of this review must be carefully interpreted, requiring confirmation of such data by evidence derived from high methodological quality trials.

We believe that our search strategy was complete, with no language restriction. However, it is possible that we missed some potentially eligible studies. We tried to contact the included studies’ authors in order to obtain some data, but with no success.

We found a systematic review comparing NMES versus exercise therapy to treat the quadriceps inhibition after TKA (Monaghan et al).(2929. Monaghan B, Caulfield B, O’Mathúna DP. Surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation for quadriceps strengtheing pre and post total knee replacement. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;20(1):CD007177. Review.) including two randomized and non-randomized clinical trials, and a total of 69 subjects. Our study results are consistent with the Cochrane systematic review results and our conclusion is similar to this publication.

Monaghan et al.(2929. Monaghan B, Caulfield B, O’Mathúna DP. Surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation for quadriceps strengtheing pre and post total knee replacement. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;20(1):CD007177. Review.) evaluated NMES use for quadriceps strengthening pre-and post-TKA and reported no significant differences for these outcomes; however, they considered included studies with a high risk of bias due to study design limitations and presented results imprecision, preventing a meta-analysis performance. The authors concluded that the identified studies do not allow any definition regarding NMES pre- or post-TKA.

Monaghan et al.(2929. Monaghan B, Caulfield B, O’Mathúna DP. Surface neuromuscular electrical stimulation for quadriceps strengtheing pre and post total knee replacement. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;20(1):CD007177. Review.) also interpreted that participants undergoing quadriceps NMES presented a slight advantage in function improvement and less deficiency than those conservatively treated in the short follow-up, just as we see at the clinical practice and consistent with the findings in Gotlin et al.(1818. Gotlin RS, Hershkowitz S, Juris PM, Gonzalez EG, Scott WN, Insall JN. Electrical stimulation effect on extensor lag and length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1994;75(9):957-9.) However, efficacy was reduced at the long-term follow-up.

Therefore, this review is inconclusive about NMES efficacy, and further evidence is required to support or deny its use at quadriceps activation after TKA. The authors are aware that this review subject is the object of an ongoing investigation and could be updated in order to incorporate new evidences.

CONCLUSION

The very low evidences from included studies found on this review do not allow any conclusions regarding neuromuscular stimulation application for quadriceps strengthening with physical therapy before or after total knee replacement. Until now, evidence for neuromuscular stimulation use to quadriceps strengthening in this patient group is unclear. However, it is critical that future studies verify the quadriceps strength pre- and post-neuromuscular stimulation using reliable evaluations and validated tools, as well as a clear description of the applied dose in the study design. It is also of uttermost importance that results be presented appropriately for meta-analysis performance.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to thank Renata Scavone de Oliveira who kindly contributed revising the original text in English.

Appendix 1


Search strategy

Appendix 2


Extraction form of the characteristics of the included studies

Appendix 3


Ongoing studies characteristics

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    30 Oct 2015
  • Date of issue
    Jan-Mar 2016

History

  • Received
    18 Apr 2014
  • Accepted
    8 Feb 2015
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