The effect of quadriceps muscle neuromuscular electrical stimulation to functions and to muscle strength in romatoid arthritis patients

In Romatoid arthritis disease,muscular atrophy can be seen by the effect of various mechanisms. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to disease activity, to daily life activities and to muscle strength in romatoid arthritis patients with atrophy of quadriceps muscle.33 patients with romatoid arthritis were included in this study.The patients were divided into three groups;the first group received only the electrical stimulation therapy(n=11),the second group received both the electrical stimulation and the exercise therapy(n=12) and the third group received only the exercise therapy(n=10).The groups treated with electrical stimulation and with electrical stimulation plus exercise were given Russian type of current 3 times in a week for four weeks for the stimulation of the quadriceps muscle.The patients in the exercise group were trained to do knee exercises at home once a day.Before the beginning and after the end of the treatment sessions,disease activity scores(DAS 28),daily life activities and the peak values of the peak torqs at angular velocities of 60 and 180°/sec. were assessed.Considering the findings, before and after the treatment sessions ,there is no statistically significant difference in disease activity scores and the in the parameters that evaluate the functionality.However there is a statistically significant difference in pek torqs of knee extension at the right side at angular velocity of 60°/sec. and at both sides at angular velocity of 180°/sec.The improvement of muscle strength was the highest in the group which received exercise together with electrical stimulation. As a result electrical stimulation in combination with exercise can be a teratment method in Romatoid arthritis patients with atrophy of quadriceps muscle who are not able to do exercise.