This randomized-controlled trial aims to investigate the effect of NMES as an add-on to an exercise program in patients with degenerative meniscus tears.
To investigate the efficacy of NMES as an add-on to an exercise program, voluntary patients with degenerative meniscus tears, aged between 40 and 65 years, will be randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (NMES with Exercise) and Group 2 (Exercise). Interventions will be applied for 16 sessions (twice a week for 8 weeks). The patients will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the 8-week intervention. The pain during activity, at rest, and at night will be assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Active range of motion will be assessed with a digital goniometer. Isometric muscle strength will be measured with a handheld dynamometer. The functional status and symptoms will be evaluated by the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale. Health-related quality of life will be assessed with the Short Form-12 (SF-12).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
50
An 8-week exercise program used in conservative treatment of degenerative meniscus tears will be performed. The patients will do exercises under the control of the physiotherapist in the clinic. The patient will perform the exercises with the verbal and visual commands of the physiotherapist.
The Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) will be applied for 20 minutes. The patient will be seated with hips and knees flexed at 90°. Electrodes will be placed on the proximal and distal ends of the vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis muscles. The intensity will be increased as much as the patient can tolerate, and the patient will be asked to relax and not make voluntary muscle contractions.
Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
Istanbul, Bakırkoy, Turkey (Türkiye)
Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)
Short-term and long-term symptoms and function will be assessed with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) that is developed as an extension of the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index. The score is a percentage score from 0 to 100, 0 representing extreme problems and 100 representing no problems.
Time frame: Baseline
Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)
Short-term and long-term symptoms and function will be assessed with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) that is developed as an extension of the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index. The score is a percentage score from 0 to 100, 0 representing extreme problems and 100 representing no problems.
Time frame: At the end of 8-week intervention
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Pain intensity will be measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The participants will be asked to indicate their perceived pain at rest, during activity and at night on the 10 cm line between no pain and terrible pain. The score will be determined by measuring the distance on 10 cm line using a ruler. The higher scores indicate an higher level of pain.
Time frame: Baseline
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Pain intensity will be measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The participants will be asked to indicate their perceived pain at rest, during activity and at night on the 10 cm line between no pain and terrible pain. The score will be determined by measuring the distance on 10 cm line using a ruler. The higher scores indicate an higher level of pain.
Time frame: At the end of 8-week intervention
Active Range of Motion
Active knee range of motion including flexion and extension will be measured described by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) using a digital goniometer.
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Time frame: Baseline
Active Range of Motion
Active knee range of motion including flexion and extension will be measured described by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) using a digital goniometer.
Time frame: At the end of 8-week intervention
Muscle Strength
Isometric muscle strength will be measured with a handheld dynamometer for knee flexors and extensors. The process will be repeated three times in each direction, with the average value recorded.
Time frame: Baseline
Muscle Strength
Isometric muscle strength will be measured with a handheld dynamometer for knee flexors and extensors. The process will be repeated three times in each direction, with the average value recorded.
Time frame: At the end of the 8-week intervention
Lysholm Score
Functional limitations related to degenerative meniscal tear will be used with the Lysholm Score that is one of the most frequently used functional questionnaires. The total score is the sum of each response to the eight questions, and may range from 0-100. Higher scores indicate a better outcome with fewer symptoms or disability.
Time frame: Baseline
Lysholm Score
Functional limitations related to degenerative meniscal tear will be used with the Lysholm Score that is one of the most frequently used functional questionnaires. The total score is the sum of each response to the eight questions, and may range from 0-100. Higher scores indicate a better outcome with fewer symptoms or disability.
Time frame: At the end of the 8-week intervention
Short Form-12 (SF-12)
Short Form-12 (SF-12), which is developed based on Short Form-36, consists of 12 items: 7 items dealing with the physical components scores (PCS-12) and 5 items related to the mental components scores (MCS-12) of SF-12. Range of both scores is 0 to 100, where the higher scores indicate better health related quality of life.
Time frame: Baseline
Short Form-12 (SF-12)
Short Form-12 (SF-12), which is developed based on Short Form-36, consists of 12 items: 7 items dealing with the physical components scores (PCS-12) and 5 items related to the mental components scores (MCS-12) of SF-12. Range of both scores is 0 to 100, where the higher scores indicate better health related quality of life.
Time frame: At the end of the 8-week intervention