Research Summary

Adding Whole-Body Muscle Stimulation to Strength Exercises Eased Kneecap Pain in Women, Small Trial Finds

By KneePainNews Editorial Team · · Editorial Standards

Not medical advice. This is a plain-English summary for general information. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist before changing your care. Read our medical disclaimer.

Women with pain around the kneecap who added whole-body electrical muscle stimulation to their strengthening exercises had less pain and better knee function than those who did the exercises alone, a small randomized trial found. The study was published online in October 2026 in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice.

What was studied

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) causes aching around or behind the kneecap, often when climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for long periods. Hip and knee strengthening is a core treatment. Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) uses a suit with electrodes that makes many muscle groups contract at once, and researchers wanted to know whether it adds anything to standard exercise.

Researchers in Iran randomized 36 women with PFPS in one knee. Everyone did hip and knee strengthening three times a week for 7 weeks (21 sessions). Half also received WB-EMS twice a week (14 sessions). The main outcomes were worst pain in the past week and the Kujala score, a questionnaire on kneecap-related symptoms and function, measured at 7 weeks and 3 months.

Key findings

  • Pain was significantly lower in the WB-EMS group at the 3-month follow-up.
  • Kujala function scores were higher in the WB-EMS group at 7 weeks (by about 5.6 points) and at 3 months (by about 7.3 points).
  • The WB-EMS group also did better on a step-down test and on knee flexor (hamstring) strength.

What it means for people with knee pain

Strengthening exercises remain the foundation of treatment for kneecap pain. This study hints that WB-EMS might boost results for some people, but it is an add-on, not a replacement. If you are interested, ask a physical therapist whether it is available and appropriate for you.

Limitations

The trial was small, included only women, was single-blind, and followed people for just 3 months, with strength and step-down tests measured only right after treatment. The extra WB-EMS sessions also meant more total treatment time. The authors call for larger, better-blinded trials with longer follow-up.

Source: Kiani Haftlang M, Orakifar N, Azimi Yancheshmeh S. The effect of adding whole-body electromyostimulation to hip and knee strengthening exercises on pain, muscle strength, and function in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Physiother Theory Pract. 2026 Oct 29:1-13. doi:10.1080/09593985.2026.2751575. PMID 42954254. Read the original

Frequently asked questions

What is patellofemoral pain syndrome?
It is pain around or behind the kneecap, often worse with stairs, squatting, running or long periods of sitting. It is common in active people and in women.
What is whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS)?
WB-EMS uses a suit or vest with electrodes that sends electrical impulses to make several muscle groups contract at the same time, usually while you do simple exercises.
Should WB-EMS replace knee strengthening exercises?
No. In this study everyone did strengthening exercises, and WB-EMS was added on top. Exercise remains the main treatment for kneecap pain.

Related reading

Sudden severe pain, swelling, or can't bear weight? Seek medical care promptly. In an emergency call 911.