Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Muscle Strength in Adults who Have Received Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review was conducted to find out if there is a correlation between neuromuscular electrical stimulation and muscle strength after a total knee arthroplasty in adults. Methods: Articles were screened on PubMed and CINAHL databases for a relationship between neuromuscular electrical stimulation and muscle strength in total knee arthroplasty. Results: Eight articles were reviewed. All eight articles showed a positive correlation between neuromuscular electrical stimulation and muscle strength after a total knee arthroplasty. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation helped more than physiotherapy alone after a total knee arthroplasty. Conclusion: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation is correlated with gaining muscle strength back after a total knee arthroplasty. Physical therapists should use neuromuscular electrical stimulation if they have a patient who has had a total knee arthroplasty. Keywords: muscle strength, muscle stability, total knee arthroplasty, total knee replacement, knee replacement, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, electrical stimulation, e-stim