Effect of Neuromuscular Exercise Training Combined with Semiconductor Laser Therapy on Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of neuromuscular exercise (NEMEX训练) training combined with semiconductor laser therapy on patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).MethodsA total of sixty patients with knee osteoarthritis were treated in the Rehabilitation Medicine Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University from August 2023 to March 2024 were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an observation group using a random number table method, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received routine rehabilitation treatment (joint loosening, intermediate frequency electrical stimulation) and semiconductor laser treatment, with a laser wavelength of 808 nm and an irradiation power of 400-800 mW, continuous irradiation, each treatment lasting 20 minutes/time, once a day, 5 times a week, for a total of 4 weeks. The observation group received NEMEX训练 on the basis of the control group. Warm up exercise for 10 minutes per session; NEMEX训练 (stability training, posture orientation training, lower limb muscle strength training, functional exercise) 40 minutes per session; Relaxation training (gait adjustment and stretching) for 10 minutes per session, 1 session per day, 5 sessions per week, for a total of 4 weeks. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess the degree of pain before and after treatment; Evaluate knee joint function using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Lysholm Knee Score; Use Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to evaluate balance function; Using a surface electromyography system to record the root mean square (RMS) of surface electromyographic signals (sEMG) of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles during the squatting process of the affected knee joint, and calculate the coordinated contraction rate (CR); Compare the adverse events during the treatment process of two groups.Results(1) VAS, WOMAC, Lysholm, and BBS scores：Compared with before treatment, VAS and WOMAC scores in both groups decreased significantly after treatment (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05), while Lysholm and BBS scores increased significantly, and the differences were statistically significant (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed a significant decrease in VAS and WOMAC scores after treatment (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05), while Lysholm and BBS scores were significantly higher, and the differences were statistically significant (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). (2) CR：Compared with before treatment, the observation group showed a significant decrease in CR after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05), while the control group showed no statistically significant difference in CR after treatment (<italic>P</italic>&gt;0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed a significant decrease in CR after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (<italic>P</italic>&lt;0.05). (3) Safety：During the treatment process, there were no adverse events in both groups, and the patient compliance was good with high safety.ConclusionNEMEX training combined with semiconductor laser therapy can effectively improve pain, knee joint function, balance function, and muscle coordination and control around the knee joint in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.