This article is part of the Oriems Fit Research Digest series. In this series, we regularly share interesting and legitimate research from respected universities and medical journals around the world.

Our goal is simple:
to inspire curiosity, learning, and independent thinking.

If you enjoy reading research, links to the original study are always provided at the end.
You can read the full paper, download the PDF, or fact-check everything yourself.

What Is This Research About?

This research looks at neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES - a niche of EMS) in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis is a very common cause of long-term knee pain, weakness, and difficulty walking, especially in older adults.

Many people with knee pain avoid exercise because:

• movement hurts

• they fear making joint damage worse

• muscles feel weak or unstable

This study asks an important question:

Can NMES be used as a practical option to support muscle strength when normal exercise is hard to do?

Who Did This Research, and Where?

The study was conducted by researchers from the United Kingdom, including:

• Bournemouth University

• University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

• Salisbury District Hospital (NHS)

These are public universities and hospitals connected to the UK National Health Service.

The research team included specialists in:

• orthopaedic research

• rehabilitation

• physiotherapy

The study was published in Clinical Medicine Insights: Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders, a peer-reviewed medical journal by SAGE.

The research received no commercial funding, which helps reduce bias.

Who Was Studied?

This was a systematic review, meaning the researchers reviewed many previous clinical studies.

In total, data from 15 clinical trials were included.

922 adults took part across all studies.

Participants included:

• people with knee osteoarthritis

• people before or after knee replacement surgery

• adults with mild to severe knee symptoms

All studies involved NMES applied to thigh muscles, mainly the quadriceps, which help support the knee joint.

What Is NMES (In Simple Words)?

NMES uses gentle electrical pulses placed on the skin.

These pulses:

• cause muscles to contract automatically

• do not rely on painful joint movement

• can be used while sitting or resting

This makes NMES different from normal exercise, which often loads the knee joint.

What Did the Researchers Find?

1. People Actually Used NMES Consistently

A common worry is that people will not stick with electrical stimulation.

This review found:

• Average NMES adherence: 85%

• Exercise or education programs: 84%

In simple terms:
👉 People used NMES just as reliably as normal exercise programs.

2. NMES Was Tolerated by Most People With Knee Pain

Across studies:

• discomfort was usually mild

• serious problems were rare

• dropout rates were similar to exercise programs

Most participants could continue NMES without worsening knee pain.

3. NMES Supported Muscle Strength Around the Knee

Many studies showed:

• improved quadriceps strength

• reduced muscle weakness

• better functional ability, such as standing or walking

Strong thigh muscles help:

• stabilize the knee

• reduce stress on the joint

• support daily movement

4. NMES May Be Helpful When Exercise Is Hard

Researchers highlighted NMES as useful for people who:

• fear painful movement

• cannot tolerate normal exercise

• are recovering from knee surgery

• have limited mobility

NMES allowed muscles to work without heavy knee loading.

Why This Matters for People With Knee Pain

Knee pain often creates a cycle:

Pain → less movement → weaker muscles → more pain

NMES may help interrupt this cycle by:

• activating muscles safely

• supporting strength

• reducing reliance on painful movement

This does not replace medical care, but it may be a useful supportive tool for muscle engagement.

Study Information

Original Research Title
Adherence to Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Interventions for Muscle Impairment in Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review

Simplified Title
Can People With Knee Osteoarthritis Stick With Electrical Muscle Stimulation?

Journal
Clinical Medicine Insights: Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders (SAGE)

Why This Source Is Trustworthy

• peer-reviewed medical journal

• university-based researchers

• NHS-linked hospitals

• no commercial funding

Original study link:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/11795441211028746

Featured Product

Original Oriems Ultimate Kit

Enhance your wellness routine with EMS technology trusted by over 10,000 Aussies.

• Proudly selected from 68,000+ nominees

• Voted Year’s Best 2024 & 2025

• Designed for muscle engagement and relaxation

This product is designed for general wellness and fitness purposes only.
It is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Key Findings Summary Table

Want to Share Your Thoughts?

Have you tried exercise, rehab, or electrical muscle stimulation for knee pain?
Did it feel easy or difficult to stick with?

Leave a comment and join the discussion.
Found this study digest helpful? 💡🦵
Share it with your friends 👇
https://bit.ly/4qkNGKV

Mandatory Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
For full details, visit:
https://oriems.fit/blogs/research-digest/disclaimer