Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and low-level laser therapy on the muscle architecture and functional capacity in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

45 patients were randomized to receive either neuromuscular electrical stimulation, low-level laser therapy, or both for an 8 week treatment period. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of the combination of interventions for knee osteoarthritis on muscle architecture, as well as pain and functional capacity in elderly women. Results demonstrated significant within-group effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation, with and without low-level laser therapy, on muscle thickness, with significant between-group differences compared to isolated low-level laser therapy. Within-group change in pennation angle was also significant for neuromuscular electrical stimulation with and without low-level laser therapy, but did not display significant differences relative to low-level laser therapy alone. Results also indicated significant improvement in performance during the 6-minute walk test and pain during both the 6MWT and Timed Up and Go test within all three groups from pre- to post-intervention, with no significant between-group differences.