Understanding how electrical stimulation can help recover muscle function after ACL injuries
Official title: Mechanistic Assessment of NMES to Rescue Localized Neuromuscular Disruption after ACL Injury
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10776091 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $488,782 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR083375-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10776091 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered an ACL injury and are undergoing or have undergone ACL reconstruction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced an ACL injury or those with pre-existing severe muscle or neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle recovery following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. It aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that lead to muscle weakness and atrophy after ACL reconstruction. By analyzing molecular changes in the quadriceps muscle, the study seeks to identify how NMES can effectively target these issues and improve rehabilitation outcomes. Patients may benefit from a more tailored approach to recovery that addresses the underlying causes of muscle dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies that enhance muscle recovery and functional outcomes for patients with ACL injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with NMES in muscle recovery, but this study aims to provide a more rigorous mechanistic understanding, making it a novel approach.
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.
-
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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Electrical stimulation to restore quadriceps after ACL tear
This will use neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to help people with ACL tears or reconstruction avoid quadriceps weakness and muscle loss.
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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.
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.