Electronic knee sleeve transforms pain relief for common condition

A wearable device to reduce pain from osteoarthritis is being trialled in Southampton.

Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain and stiffness in people’s joints.

An electronic knee sleeve has been developed by a team from the University of Southampton (UoS) to help people living with these symptoms.

They worked in collaboration with people who have knee osteoarthritis. Physiotherapists and surgeons also had an input.

University Hospital Southampton is sponsoring the trial of the knee sleeve. The research team is recruiting 80 people to take part.

Reducing pain

The sleeve uses TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to relieve knee pain. It enables people to walk better, further and longer with less or no pain.

Electrodes are printed around the knee area. These connect to an electronic control unit that provides optimal TENS performance.

Professor Kai Yang leads the team behind the pioneering device. She is Professor of E-textiles in Healthcare at UoS.

Prof Yang said: “Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent condition affecting about five million people in the UK. We’ve developed the electrotherapy knee sleeve with healthcare professionals and with the input of people who have osteoarthritis knee pain.

“The response from participants has been fantastic. Most report that it is helping to reduce pain and stiffness, enabling them to do more activities. The device is also comfortable to wear and easy to use.”

The project is funded by the Medical Research Council.

Making dog walks easier

The device is currently undergoing a 12-week clinical trial involving people with knee osteoarthritis. They are using it for up to one hour at a time, five to seven days per week.

Participants include Mike Coyne, 58, from Hedge End, and Steve Marsh, 69, from Dibden Purlieu. Both are on the NHS waiting list for a knee replacement.

Mike has suffered with knee osteoarthritis for about eight years.

He said: “With the sleeve on, I can walk a lot further and a lot quicker, without limping. It’s really helped me when it comes to taking my dog Charlie for a walk. Taking him out is now enjoyable exercise rather than a painful chore. With the sleeve, I can get a bit of exercise – it’s improved my overall health.”

Steve can now walk his dog Bentley without being in pain.

He added: “In terms of improving everyday life, the sleeve has been fantastic for me. I walk Bentley twice a day, I can now walk further using the garment. I would highly recommend it.”

Join the trial

To take part, you will need to have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. You must also be aged between 45 and 75.

Please contact the research team at Etex@soton.ac.uk or call 07767 701701 for more information.