Garment-based electrotherapy system for recovery from knee
conditions
17 December 2009
Mobilis Rolyan has launched in the UK a garment-based
EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) system, the Kneehab, which is
designed to treat thigh muscle wastage, or quadriceps atrophy.
Designed to accelerate rehabilitation for those recovering from serious
knee conditions, including anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,
knee replacement surgery, ligament damage, arthritis and general muscle
weakness, the Kneehab works by re-educating and strengthening the
quadriceps muscle through programmable cycles of contraction and
relaxation.
The
system’s neoprene thigh wrap, dual-channel controller and
anatomically-shaped electrodes were designed by the market leader in
home-based electrotherapy technology, Neurotech, in association with the
University College of Dublin’s School of Physiotherapy.
Kneehab is now available for direct purchase or monthly hire by
physiotherapists, orthopaedic consultants, sports clubs and patients
from Mobilis Rolyan, formed by the recent merger of Mobilis Healthcare
into the Homecraft Rolyan business, through its customer services desk,
trade catalogue and online shopping arm.
The velcro-attached thigh wrap is supplied for either the right or
left leg and reutilisation for other patients and injuries is
facilitated by replacement garments and gel-based electrodes, whilst
retaining the main digital EMS controller, rechargeable batteries and
charger.
Unlike small, hand-held EMS units, which make it difficult for
patients to locate the electrodes accurately and stimulate the large
thigh muscle properly, the Kneehab comprises a pad-carrier garment with
electrode positioning indicators for exact pad placement, ensuring
optimum performance, maximum compliance and error-free home therapy.
Large, anatomically-shaped electrode pads help to stimulate the thigh
muscles effectively, ensuring even load dispersion, with one pad
dedicated to the knee-stabilising VMO muscle and the remaining three to
the bulk quadriceps.
Kneehab’s patented Multipath technology, developed by Neurotech,
enables it to deliver highly focused and accurately coordinated
contractions to the VMO and bulk quadriceps, allowing an optimal muscle
fibre recruitment sequence and delivering stronger, yet comfortable
contractions.
The control unit has an LCD display that gives access to three
programs for a choice of rehabilitation parameters; while at the touch
of a button, the clinician is able to monitor compliance between visits.
Kneehab also monitors the quality of the electrical circuit and
automatically pauses the unit, if contact with the skin is impaired.
The efficacy of the system has been verified in a series of clinical
tests. In one study of its effectiveness after ACL reconstruction, it
was found that the Kneehab group demonstrated a clear advantage at the 6
week post-operative follow up, compared with the standard rehabilitation
groups. In another analysis of patients undergoing total knee
arthroplasty, Kneehab users recorded significant improvements in
pre-operative functional ability and quadriceps strength within 8 weeks,
coupled with a 99.5% patient compliance rate.
User testimonials come from Blackburn Rovers and former Manchester
United chartered physiotherapist, David Fevre, who regards Kneehab as a
valuable tool for keeping football players’ ‘injury time out’ to a
minimum; from Preston North End and ex-Liverpool FC professional
footballer, Neil Mellor, who says he benefited greatly from using
Kneehab as an aid to returning to full fitness, after several knee
operations; and Irish Olympic athlete, Eileen O’Keefe, who sustained a
serious knee injury and recommends Kneehab for accelerated
post-operative rehabilitation.
Utilised both pre- and post-operatively to limit muscle wastage and
speed recovery, Kneehab is typically used for two 20-minute sessions per
day, for around 8-12 weeks, and is also recommended for younger
arthritis sufferers, to keep them mobile and maintain muscle function.