Effects of Russian Electrical Stimulation on Knee Osteoarthritis v1

This protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of Russian electrical stimulation–enhanced quadriceps strengthening exercise compared with strengthening exercise alone in 70 older adults with knee osteoarthritis, assessing pain, muscle strength, and functional ability over 6 months. The intervention consists of Russian electrical stimulation (50 Hz sinusoidal symmetric pulses, 400 μs pulse duration, 10 ms on/off bursts, 25% duty cycle: 5 s on / 20 s off) combined with a 6-week conventional quadriceps strengthening program. Outcomes will be measured using the VAS scale, pressure pain threshold via algometer, automated portable dynamometer, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the 6-Minute Walk Test. This study includes both genders, records baseline OA duration and severity, and evaluates multiple clinically relevant outcomes. It is expected to demonstrate that adding Russian electrical stimulation to strengthening exercise significantly improves pain, muscle strength, and particularly functional outcomes, with sustained benefits across gender limitations.