Electromyostimulation and Strength Walking for Knee Injuries

Participants will train at 15-20% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) during weeks 1-3, 21-30% of MVC during weeks 3-6 and 31-40% of MVC during weeks 6-9, 41-50% of MVC during weeks 9-12, then sustain 50% of MVC during weeks 12-18. Incremental increases will be made at the 3, 6, 9, and 12-week clinic visits.

Strength Walking participants will maintain a daily training log. Pedometer readings will form the basis for setting activity goals. Initial step goals will be 10% above the average 3-day pedometer step count taken at baseline, with a 10% increase every other week, and then a gradual increase when 30% above the baseline step count has been achieved. At week 7, participants will be given a weighted vest to begin the strengthening component. Participants will be instructed to wear the vest during their 30-minute walk, 3 to 4 days a week. The beginning weight load for the vest will be calculated using 2% of baseline body weight and it will be increased by that same amount every week thereafter until the end of the 12 weeks.

All participants will receive the current standard of care at the 2 military sites (Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) and Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center (MGMCSC)) of the physical therapy rehabilitation protocol for knee injuries. This program includes treatment with a physical therapist at WRNMMC and MGMCSC physical therapy clinic.