Effects of combining electrical stimulation of the calf and thigh muscles in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: protocol for a double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial.

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a leading cause of disability and is characterised by degenerative changes causing pain and loss of function. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been shown to influence muscle size and strength in healthy subjects. A novel self-administered NMES device has been developed to help manage the symptoms of KOA.