Electrical stimulation to restore quadriceps after ACL tear
Official title: Mechanistic Assessment of NMES to Rescue Localized Neuromuscular Disruption after ACL Injury
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11180966 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will use neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to help people with ACL tears or reconstruction avoid quadriceps weakness and muscle loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | August 30, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $446,835 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR083375-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11180966 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with a recent ACL rupture or who are in the early period after ACL reconstruction would be the best candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with long-standing chronic ACL injuries, unrelated knee conditions, or implanted electrical devices (like pacemakers) may not benefit or be eligible.
What this research studies
After an ACL tear or reconstruction, the team will study early changes in the thigh muscle and its nerve connections that lead to long-term weakness and shrinkage. They will collect physiological measurements and small muscle samples to identify a molecular signature of local denervation and neuromuscular remodeling. The researchers will apply targeted NMES and track whether those molecular and functional changes improve compared with usual care. The project combines lab analyses with in-person muscle testing and therapy sessions to link biological changes to recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce lasting quadriceps weakness and speed recovery of strength and function after ACL injury or reconstruction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous NMES trials have had mixed results, but pilot data and mechanistic lab evidence in this project suggest NMES may target the underlying molecular changes and is promising though not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fry, Christopher — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Fry, Christopher
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Therapeutic approach to reduce cellular aging and improve thigh muscle recovery after ACL injury
A research project tests a drug (metformin) to help the thigh muscle heal better after ACL injury and reconstruction.
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From Knee Focus to Whole-Body Movement for ACL Injury Prevention in Teens
A study in teens with ACL injury explores how ankle, knee, and hip movements during sports affect injury risk and lifelong joint health.
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NMES approach to protect and restore thigh muscles after ACL injury
A researcher team at the University of Kentucky is testing how nerve-stimulating electrical therapy might prevent and reverse muscle weakness and shrinking after an ACL tear and reconstruction, with patients who have or will have ACL injuries in mind.
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Understanding Second ACL Injury Risk with a Smart Sensor
This project aims to find out which factors, measured with a new wearable sensor, put adolescent athletes at risk for tearing their ACL again after surgery.
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Improving recovery after ACL injuries
This study is looking to help people recover better from ACL injuries by figuring out the best ways to use electrical stimulation to strengthen muscles after the injury, so you can get back to your activities faster and with less risk of future problems.
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Understanding how electrical stimulation can help recover muscle function after ACL injuries
This study is looking at how a special treatment called neuromuscular electrical stimulation can help your muscles recover better after an ACL injury, so you can get back to your normal activities faster and stronger.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.