One strong quality randomised controlled trial (1) examined the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients awaiting total knee replacement surgery.
The intervention group used the neuromuscular electrical stimulation device (a digital electrical stimulator, used for quadricep muscle stimulation) daily for 20 minutes, five times a day, at home for six weeks prior to surgery, and were compared to a control group receiving no pre-operative intervention.
The evidence of effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation interventions is lacking for the following outcomes:
Muscle Strength:
Might be effective (one strong quality study(1), showing a significant effect for the intervention group compared to control).
Patient reported activity limitations (self-reported function):
Might be effective (one strong quality study(1), showing a significant effect for the intervention group compared to control).
Knee Range of Motion:
Might not be effective (one strong quality study(1), showing no effect for the intervention compared to control).
Function (objectively measured):
Might not be effective (one strong quality study(1), showing no effect for the intervention compared to control).
Quality of Life:
Evidence is inconsistent (one strong quality study(1), inconsistent results across different measures of quality of life).
The study(1) took place in Turkey, thus generalisability to the Welsh context needs to be considered.
The intervention took place in patients waiting for total knee replacement surgery and therefore may not be applicable to patients waiting for other elective surgeries.
It is suggested that further robust research and thorough evaluation of impact is needed.