Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and strengthening exercises on the functional ability of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joints: A case report

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disease among elderly individuals. It affects the ability to sit on a chair, stand, walk, and climb stairs. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of tens and strengthening exercises on functional ability in patients with OA of kne...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Milan Dhungana, Harish S Krishna, Sapna S
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Journal of Sports and Rehabilitation Sciences 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Sports and Rehabilitation Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.jsportrs.com/article_205641_b0c04d9599bf40f02500fa3387a69837.pdf
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Summary:Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disease among elderly individuals. It affects the ability to sit on a chair, stand, walk, and climb stairs. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of tens and strengthening exercises on functional ability in patients with OA of knee joints. We present a case of a 55-year-old female housewife with bilateral knee pain, which manifested suddenly as a dull ache exacerbated by walking and stair climbing and alleviated by rest. Clinical examination revealed crepitus, grade 1 tenderness, and reduced range of motion (ROM) in the left knee. The radiographic evaluation confirmed grade 3 osteoarthritis according to the Kellgren and Lawrence grading system, indicating moderate multiple osteophytes, definite joint space narrowing, some sclerosis, and potential bone deformity. The patient underwent a 4-week intervention comprising strengthening exercises and TENS. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), knee ROM with a goniometer, and functional limitations with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Assessments were conducted weekly throughout the intervention. The findings suggest that the combined application of TENS and strengthening exercises effectively alleviates pain and improves functional ability in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
ISSN:3060-6829