TO FIND OUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NMES & EXERCISE ALONG WITH PATIENT EDUCATION IN OSTEOARTHRITIS

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that causes pain, stiffness, and functional limitations, significantly affecting the quality of life of those impacted. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined rehabilitation approach involving Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), isometric knee exercises, and patient education in the management of chronic knee OA. A total of 100 participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A received NMES therapy, isometric knee exercises, and education, while Group B received conventional treatment with isometric knee exercises and education. The outcomes were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) for functional disability at both pre-treatment and post-treatment stages. The results demonstrated significant improvements in both pain reduction and functional mobility in both groups, with Group A showing more pronounced improvements compared to Group B. NMES combined with isometric exercises and education was found to be an effective intervention in improving pain, muscle strength, and function in knee OA patients. These findings suggest that incorporating NMES into rehabilitation programs for knee OA can offer additional benefits in the management of this chronic condition. Further research is required to explore the long-term effects and optimal protocols for these interventions.