Using electrical stimulation to improve recovery after knee surgery

Implementation of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation after Total Knee Arthroplasty

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10977557

This study is looking at how using a special electrical stimulation can help people get their leg strength back after knee surgery, making it easier for them to recover and get back to their daily activities.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10977557 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to help patients regain strength in their quadriceps after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Following TKA, patients often experience significant muscle weakness and atrophy, which can hinder their recovery and functional performance. The study aims to implement NMES in real-world clinical settings to see if it can effectively reduce strength loss and improve rehabilitation outcomes. By conducting a cluster randomized trial across two healthcare systems, the research will evaluate the practical application of NMES as recommended in clinical guidelines.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing total knee arthroplasty or have contraindications to neuromuscular electrical stimulation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery and functional performance for patients undergoing knee surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that neuromuscular electrical stimulation can effectively reduce muscle strength loss in controlled settings, but this research aims to test its effectiveness in real-world clinical environments.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.