THE EFFECTS OF ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING AFTER MENISCECTOMY: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objective: Investigate the influence of a physiotherapy programme with electromyographic biofeedback in knee extension range of motion and functionality, quadriceps strength, vastus onset timing, and pain in patients submitted to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Methods: Thirty-three patients between 18 and 55 years old, submitted to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated in experimental (EG) (n = 16) and control groups (CG) (n = 17) performing a four-week physiotherapy programme with and without EMG BFB, respectively. The primary outcome measures were passive and active knee extension range of motion, quadriceps strength, motor control, knee functionality, and pain. Results: After two weeks, the groups had different active range of motion (p =.031), MVIC 90º (p =.048), MVIC 45º (p =.016) and gait (p =.012). These improvements continued after four weeks in active range of motion (p =.015), MVIC 90º (p =.014), MVIC 45º (p =.006) and gait (p =.013) in the EMG BFB group. Differences in other outcomes were non-significant. Conclusion: The inclusion of EMG BFB in a standard physiotherapy programme after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is effective in improving active knee range of motion, quadriceps strength and gait performance.