Portable Versus Home Stimulators

Abstract

To the Editor: Snyder-Mackler et al are to be commended on their review of rehabilitation protocols for patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (“Use of Electrical Stimulation to Enhance Recovery of Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Force Production in Patients Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction”) in the October 1994 issue of Physical Therapy . I have several concerns, however, about the study and the authors' conclusions: 1. The brand name and number of the portable unit were not identified. 2. The authors did not state that the vastus medialis oblique muscle actually contracted with use of the portable muscle stimulator. 3. One group was trained on console stimulators at 65 degrees of flexion, whereas the group using battery-powered home stimulators was trained at approximately 90 degrees of flexion. To test both groups at 65 degrees of flexion would seem to favor the console-model electrical stimulator. [ ARTICLE][1] [1]: /lookup/volpage/74/901?iss=10