HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: ptj.20060123v1 87/8/1064    most recent Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Rapid Responses are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Piva, S. R Articles by Fitzgerald, G K. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Piva, S. R Articles by Fitzgerald, G K.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Volitional Exercise for Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Multiple-Patient Case Report

SR Piva, PT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT, is Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 6035 Forbes Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 (USA)
EA Goodnite, PT, MS, DPT, is Physical Therapist, Keesler Air Force Base Medical Center, Biloxi Miss
K Azuma, MD, is Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Pittsburgh
JD Woollard, PT, MS, is Doctoral Candidate, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh
BH Goodpaster, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
M Chester Wasko, MD, is Associate Professor, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
GK Fitzgerald, PT, PhD, OCS, is Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh

Address all correspondence to Dr Piva at: spiva{at}pitt.edu

Background and Purpose: Muscle atrophy is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a viable treatment for muscle atrophy, there is no evidence about the use of NMES in patients with RA. The purposes of this multiple-patient case report are: (1) to describe the use of NMES applied to the quadriceps femoris muscles in conjunction with an exercise program in patients with RA; (2) to report on patient tolerance and changes in lean muscle mass, quadriceps femoris muscle strength (force-producing capacity), and physical function; and (3) to explore how changes in muscle mass relate to changes in quadriceps femoris muscle strength, measures of physical function, and patient adherence.

Case Description: Seven patients with RA (median age=61 years, range=39–80 years) underwent 16 weeks of NMES and volitional exercises. Lean muscle mass and strength of the quadriceps femoris muscle and physical function were measured before and after treatment.

Outcomes: One patient did not tolerate the NMES treatment, and 2 patients did not complete at least half of the proposed treatment. Patients who completed the NMES and volitional exercise program increased their lean muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function.

Discussion: Because of the small sample, whether NMES combined with exercises is better than exercise alone or NMES alone could not be determined. However, the outcomes from this multiple-patient case report indicate that NMES is a viable treatment option to address muscle atrophy and weakness in patients with RA. Strategies to increase tolerance and adherence to NMES are warranted.