Stochastic Resonance Electrical Stimulation to Improve Postural Control in Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with reduced postural control, which may put those with knee OA at greater risk of falling. Adults with knee OA have reduced knee proprioception (joint position sense), suggesting reduced proprioception sensation about the knee [1]. Proprioceptive acuity is a key component of postural control. Stochastic resonance (SR) stimulation has been theorized as a means by which sensory input may be enhanced. Studies have shown improvements in postural control when plantar, trunk, or ankle stimulation (electrical or mechanical) were applied [2,3,4]. Knee sleeves have also shown some ability to improve postural control in knee OA [5]. However, the application of SR stimulation in combination with a knee sleeve in knee OA subjects has not previously been investigated as a means of improving postural control.