Frequency-Dependent Effects of Percutaneous Femoral Nerve Stimulation on Quadriceps Strength in A… (NCT07237867) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Frequency-Dependent Effects of Percutaneous Femoral Nerve Stimulation on Quadriceps Strength in Athletes With Patellar Tendinopathy
Spain19 participantsStarted 2025-09-20
Plain-language summary
This study investigates the immediate effects of different peripheral electrical nerve stimulation protocols applied to the femoral nerve on quadriceps strength in athletes with patellar tendinopathy. Patellar tendinopathy is a common overuse injury that often reduces quadriceps activation and limits sports performance. Peripheral percutaneous nerve stimulation (PPNS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are frequently used in rehabilitation, but their frequency-dependent effects on muscle strength are not well established.
In this randomized crossover trial, each participant receives three stimulation protocols in separate sessions: high-frequency PPNS (100 Hz), low-frequency PPNS (2 Hz), and conventional TENS. All stimulation is delivered at the maximal tolerated motor threshold and, for PPNS conditions, under ultrasound guidance. Quadriceps maximal isometric strength is evaluated using an isometric force sensor before and after each intervention.
The primary objective is to compare the acute changes in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) following each stimulation protocol. The study aims to clarify whether different stimulation frequencies can enhance, reduce, or have no effect on quadriceps strength in this athletic population.
By identifying frequency-specific neuromodulatory responses, this study may help clinicians and sports practitioners select the most appropriate stimulation parameters to optimize rehabilitation and performance in individuals with patellar tendinopathy.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 40 Years
Sex
MALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults aged 18 to 40 years.
* Recreational or competitive athletes with clinically diagnosed patellar tendinopathy for at least 3 months.
* Ultrasound-confirmed patellar tendinopathy, including hypoechoic areas, tendon thickening, or neovascularization consistent with clinical diagnosis.
Presence of pain during tendon-loading activities (e.g., jumping, running, squatting).
* Ability to perform maximal voluntary isometric contractions of the quadriceps.
* Ability to comply with all study procedures and attend all experimental sessions.
* Written informed consent obtained prior to participation.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Previous knee surgery or traumatic knee injury within the past 12 months.
* Complete or partial patellar tendon rupture.
* Neurological disorders affecting lower limb strength or motor control.
* Contraindications to electrical stimulation, including implanted electrical devices (e.g., pacemaker).
* Current lower-limb radiculopathy or neuropathy.
* Skin infections, open wounds, or dermatological conditions at the stimulation site.
* Use of analgesics, anti-inflammatories, or corticosteroid injections within the past 48 hours.
* Participation in another interventional study in the previous 30 days.
* Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Quadriceps Maximal Isometric Voluntary Contraction (MVC)
Timeframe: Baseline (pre-intervention), and at 2 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, and 30 minutes post-intervention.