Neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined exercise training for treating patellofemoral joint pain syndrome

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of medicine, and particularly provides a method for treating patellofemoral joint pain syndrome (PFPS) through combination of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and exercise training. According to the method, NMES is adopted to stimulate quadriceps femoris muscles, and isometric and isotonic training and core stability training are combined, so that the stability and muscle force of knee joints are improved, pain of patients is relieved, and dysfunction is improved. The invention provides a non-invasive treatment means, has high clinical application value, and is suitable for sports injury rehabilitation and orthopedic rehabilitation treatment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical rehabilitation technology, and particularly relates to a method combining neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and exercise training for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Background Art

[0002] Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common chronic sports injury, manifested as pain between the patella and the femoral articular surface, which seriously affects the daily life and motor ability of patients. Existing treatment methods include physical therapy, muscle strength training, surgical intervention, etc., but the curative effect is limited and the patient compliance is low. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a more efficient and non-invasive treatment method to improve the pain and dysfunction of PFPS patients. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a treatment method combining neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and training, aiming to enhance the strength of the quadriceps femoris through muscle electrical stimulation and cooperate with exercise training to improve the knee joint stability, so as to relieve the pain of PFPS patients and improve their motor function. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] Figure 1 Statistical analysis of the VAS score for the reduction of patellofemoral joint pain by neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training in this invention patent.

[0005] Figure 2 Statistical analysis of the improvement of knee joint function by neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training in this invention patent.

[0006] Figure 3 Statistical analysis of the improvement of quadriceps femoris muscle strength by neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with exercise training in this invention patent. Technical Solution

[0007] 1. Device Composition (1) A neuromuscular electrical stimulation device, including electrodes, a controller, a power supply system and a fixing device; (2) Exercise training devices, such as elastic bands, stationary bicycles, balance pads, etc.

[0008] 2. Treatment Method (1) Patient assessment: Before treatment, assess the patient's knee joint stability, muscle strength, pain degree (VAS score) and function score (KPS, knee joint function); (2) NMES treatment: ① Stick the electrodes on the abdomen of the quadriceps femoris, and use a specific frequency (20 - 50 Hz), pulse width (200 - 400 μs) and appropriate current intensity to stimulate muscle contraction. ② Each stimulation lasts for 10 - 15 minutes, 3 - 5 times a week; (3)Exercise training: ① Combining isometric and isotonic training of the quadriceps femoris and core stability training to improve muscle strength and balance ability. ② The training time is 30 - 45 minutes each time, 3 - 5 times a week, for 6 - 8 weeks continuously; (4)Combined intervention: NMES and exercise training are alternated to enhance neuromuscular control and improve knee joint stability.

[0009] 3. Effect evaluation (1)After 6 - 8 weeks of treatment, the pain score (VAS) of the patients decreased significantly, and the knee joint function scores (KPS, knee joint function) increased significantly; (2)Observe the enhancement of the quadriceps femoris muscle strength and analyze the improvement degree of joint stability.

[0010] According to the method described in the claims: (1) A treatment method for patellofemoral pain syndrome, including: ① Using a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device to electrically stimulate the quadriceps femoris muscle of the patient to enhance muscle strength; ② Combining exercise training to improve knee joint stability and function; ③ Setting a reasonable treatment cycle and frequency to optimize the treatment effect. (2) According to the method described in claim (1), the parameters of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation include a frequency of 20 - 50 Hz, a pulse width of 200 - 400 μs, and individual adjustment of the current intensity. (3) According to the method described in claim (1) or (2), the exercise training includes isometric contraction training, isotonic training, balance training, and core stability training. (4) According to the method described in claim (1) or (2), the treatment cycle is 6 - 8 weeks, and the training is carried out 3 - 5 times a week.

[0011] Research subjects: 24 patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome were included and randomly divided into 2 groups; Control group: Exercise training (warm-up activities, strength training, balance training, and relaxation training); Experimental group: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (45 minutes / day) + exercise training (warm-up activities, strength training, balance training, and relaxation training).

[0012] Results: After 6 weeks in the experimental group, the VAS score of patellofemoral pain in the patients of the experimental group decreased significantly, and the knee joint function and lower limb muscle strength improved significantly.

[0013] Summary The present invention provides a non-invasive treatment method for PFPS. Through the combined intervention of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and exercise training, it can improve knee joint stability and quadriceps femoris muscle strength, relieve pain and improve dysfunction, and has high clinical application value.

Claims

1. A method for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), characterized in that: The following steps are involved: (1) Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is applied to the quadriceps, hip abductor muscles and peripatellar soft tissue of the patient through surface electrodes. The stimulation parameters are a frequency of 20-100 Hz, a pulse width of 100-400 μs, and a current intensity that causes obvious muscle contraction but does not cause pain. (2) While receiving electrical stimulation, instruct the patient to perform progressive resistance training, including closed-chain exercises (such as wall squats and step exercises) and open-chain exercises (such as straight-leg raises); (3) Electrical stimulation and training are carried out simultaneously, 1-2 times a day, 20-30 minutes each time, for 4-8 weeks.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The waveform of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation is a bidirectional symmetrical square wave or a modulated low-frequency pulse.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The load of the resistance training is 10%-50% of the patient's body weight and is dynamically adjusted as the treatment progresses.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a biofeedback step: real-time monitoring of muscle activation through electromyography (EMG) and dynamic adjustment of electrical stimulation parameters.

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