Implementation of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, DENVER · Apr 29, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a treatment called neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to help patients recover after total knee replacement surgery. Many patients lose strength in their thigh muscles (quadriceps) after the surgery, which can make it harder to move around and regain function. The trial aims to see how effective and practical it is to use NMES in rehabilitation programs at two large healthcare organizations. NMES could help improve muscle strength and overall recovery for patients.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be between the ages of 65 and 74 and have recently undergone knee replacement surgery on one knee. They must be able to use an NMES unit within a week after their surgery and attend physical therapy sessions at one of the participating clinics. Participants will need to attend at least three physical therapy visits as part of their recovery. It's important for potential participants to know that those with certain health conditions, like having an implanted heart device or recent blood clots, cannot join the trial. If you meet the criteria and are interested, this study could provide valuable insights into improving recovery after knee surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Site Inclusion Criteria:
• • • UCHealth or Intermountain Health outpatient physical therapy clinic
• Patient Inclusion Criteria:
• • Underwent primary unilateral TKA
• • Used NMES unit within 7 days after TKA and attended outpatient rehabilitation at a participating clinic within 14 days after TKA
• • Attended at least 3 total outpatient physical therapy visits in total
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Patient Exclusion Criteria:
• • • NMES Contraindications \[Patients with implanted cardiovascular cardiovertedefibrillator (ICD), active cancer, post-operative diagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in involved lower extremity\]