Objective: Investigate if, in patients who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, the physical therapy program with electromyographic biofeedback (EMG BFB) was more effective than a physical therapy program alone for increasing knee extension range of motion, quadriceps strength, motor control, and knee functionality, and for reducing pain.Methods: Thirty-three subjects between 18 and 55 years old, submitted to arthroscopic partial meniscectomy were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated in experimental (n=16) and control groups (n=17) performing a four-week physical therapy program 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, groups had different active range of motion (p = .031), MVIC 90o (p = .013), MVIC 45o (p = .003), and gait (p = .012). These improvements continued after four weeks in active range of motion (p = .015), MVIC 90o (p = .003), MVIC 45o (p = .001) and gait (p = .013) in the EMG BFB group. Differences on other outcomes were non-significant.Conclusion: The inclusion of EMG BFB on a standard physical therapy program after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy is effective in improving active knee range of motion, quadriceps strength, and gait performance.

Date Submitted: 2021-01-24