Electromyography changes in assessment of functional status of muscles in subjects with knee-osteoarthritis undergoing low level laser therapy

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disease which is one of the leading causes of disability in elderly people. Electromyography (EMG) is an electrophysiological method in evaluating skeletal muscle activity. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) is a modality of treatment used in several conditions required to suppress the pain, inflammation, stimulation of healing and restoration of function. Surface EMG parameters were studied before and after the low level laser therapy in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: Subjects with knee OA participated in the study. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) was administered using a laser device with probe giving maximum power output of 10 mw with a wavelength of 810 nm. Surface electromyography (sEMG) of quadriceps muscles was recorded in all the study participants before and after the therapy. The parameters were statistically compared. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the maximum contraction and duration of contraction before and after the laser intervention in all the muscles. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the muscle performance increased in the subjects with knee OA after the LLLT.