Corticospinal Excitability and Rehab in Knee Osteoarthritis

The TENS electrodes will be applied on the medial and lateral superior, as well as the medial and lateral inferior, borders of the patella. A continuous biphasic pulsatile current (150 Hz, phase duration 150 µs) will be applied at an intensity that produces a comfortable sensation but not a muscle contraction. The duration of intervention will be 8 hours per day for 1 week.

Patients will be given detailed verbal and hands-on instruction in a home exercise program. This program will consist of 6 exercises modeled from established protocols focuses on improving lower extremity strength. Patients will be instructed to do the exercises daily and to progress the exercises over the week for a maximum of 30 repetitions per day for 1 week.

Patients will be instructed to maintain their usual activity level.