Effects of Low-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Patients After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

YAN Xiujie; HUANG Peng

doi:10.3639/j.issn.2095-3097.2025.11.026

Abstract：Objective To investigate the effects of low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS)on gait and quality of life in patients after anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)reconstruction.Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted,involving 60 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction at the Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital between December 2023 and December 2024.Participants were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group using a random number table,with 30 patients in each group.The experimental group received low-frequency TENS in addition to standard postoperative rehabilitation training,while the control group received only conventional rehabilitation training.All patients were assessed on postoperative days 1,3,and 6 using the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)for pain,Lysholm knee score,gait analysis(gait parameters:step length and walking speed),and quality of life(SF-36 score).Results On postoperative days 1,3,and 6,the Lysholm scores,SF-36 scores,walking speed,and step length in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group at the corresponding time points(all P<0.001).In contrast,the VAS scores in the experimental group on postoperative days 1,3,and 6 were significantly lower than those in the control group at the corresponding time points(all P<0.001).Conclusion Low-frequency TENS as an adjunctive therapy can significantly improve knee function,walking ability,and quality of life in patients after ACL reconstruction.As a non-invasive and safe physical therapy modality,low-frequency TENS can be recommended as an adjunctive treatment for postoperative rehabilitation following ACL surgery.