Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2024, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (9): 1099-1106.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2024.09.014

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Effect of manual therapy based on surface electromyography on knee osteoarthritis for older people: a randomized controlled trial

ZHU Bowen1, ZHAO Suhong1, LI Miaoxiu1, ZHANG Shuaipan1, YAO Chongjie2, ZHU Qingguang3,4, FANG Min1,3()   

  1. 1. Department of Tuina, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
    2. College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
    3. Shanghai Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
    4. Department of Tuina, Yueyang Hospital of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
  • Received:2024-07-22 Revised:2024-08-30 Published:2024-09-25 Online:2024-10-15
  • Contact: FANG Min, E-mail: fm-tn0510@shutcm.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(82305424);Innovative R & D Platform of Intelligent Rehabilitation Equipment for Aged Fascia and Bone Diseases in Chinese Medicine(SHDC2022CRT018);Shanghai Innovative Medical Device Application Demonstration Project(23SHS05400);Shanghai Science and Technology Qiming Star "Yangfan Special Project"(22YF1449000);China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine(CACM-2023-QNRC2-B13);Shanghai Oriental Talent Youth Project(Health Platform);Shanghai Shenkang Centre Demonstration Research Ward(SHDC2022CRW010)

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the effect of manual therapy based on surface electromyography on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in the older people.
Methods A total of 106 outpatient with unilateral KOA were selected from Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from August, 2023 to June, 2024, and were randomly divided into control group (n = 53) and experimental group (n = 53). The control group accepted routine manual therapy, and the experimental group accepted manual therapy based on the analysis of average electromyography (AEMG). They were assessed with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Tinetti Balance and Gait Score, and 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) distances before and after treatment.
Results One case dropped down in each group. Before treatment, AEMG decreased in the rectus femoris, medial femoris and medial head of gastrocnemius on the affected side in the experimental group (|Z| > 8.647, P < 0.001), and it increased in the lateral femoris, semitendinosus and biceps femoris (|Z| > 4.808, P < 0.001). The scores of WOMAC, VAS, Tinetti Balance and Gait Score, and distances of 6-MWT improved in both groups after treatment (|t| > 3.987, P < 0.001), and improved more in the experimental group than in the control group, except the VAS score (|t| > 2.213, P < 0.05).
Conclusion Manual therapy focusing on activation of rectus femoris, medial femoris and medial head of gastrocnemius, inhibition of the lateral femoris, semitendinosus and biceps femoris, and releasing the tension of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, according to the results of surface electromyography, can alleviate the pain of the KOA in the older people and improve the mobility of the knee.

Key words: knee osteoarthritis, aged, surface electromyography, manual therapy, randomized controlled trial

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