Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Quadriceps Activation and Walking Mechanics in Patients with Anterior Knee Pain

Authors

Brian Wiseman, Brigham Young University
J. Ty Hopkins, Brigham Young University

Keywords

transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, quadriceps activation, walking mechanics, anterior knee pain

College

Life Sciences

Department

Exercise Sciences

Abstract

More than ten million people in the U.S. suffer from knee pain, and one in every two people may develop chronic knee pain by age 85.³ Knee pain is also 1 of 5 leading causes of disability among adults, and alters muscle function and walking mechanics, which in turn, decreases quality of life.⁶ To alleviate the effects of knee pain and its consequences, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is often used to decrease perceived pain⁵ and increase quadriceps activation.⁷ However, it is unclear whether these benefits could offer potential improvement for walking mechanics. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of TENS on quadriceps motor function and walking mechanics in patients with pathological knee pain. We hypothesized that knee pain patients will show decreased quadriceps maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), quadriceps central activation ratio (CAR), and (3) altered walking mechanics. However, compared to placebo treatment, TENS will effectively mitigate the aforementioned variables.

Recommended Citation

Wiseman, Brian and Hopkins, J. Ty (2016) "Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Quadriceps Activation and Walking Mechanics in Patients with Anterior Knee Pain," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2016: Iss. 1, Article 154.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2016/iss1/154