Neuromuscular electrical stimulation after knee replacement
Official title: Implementation of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11391102 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether using electrical stimulation of the thigh muscles after knee replacement helps people recover strength and function faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,020,402 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG084683-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391102 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults undergoing total knee arthroplasty within participating health systems who are starting outpatient rehabilitation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unlikely to benefit may include those with contraindications to NMES or those not engaged in outpatient rehab.
What this research studies
After total knee replacement, patients often lose a lot of quadriceps strength, which can limit recovery. This project will test a real-world approach: applying neuromuscular electrical stimulation during rehabilitation in two health systems to see if it preserves muscle strength and improves function. The study uses a cluster randomized design to compare usual rehab with and without NMES in outpatient settings. Results could inform everyday care and help more patients regain mobility after knee surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may recover strength and function sooner after knee replacement, improving daily activities and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior controlled settings showed NMES can reduce early quadriceps strength loss, but real-world effectiveness remains to be demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stevens-Lapsley, Jennifer E. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Stevens-Lapsley, Jennifer E.
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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.