Using electrical stimulation to improve recovery after knee surgery
Official title: Implementation of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10977557 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,023,154 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG084683-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977557 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing total knee arthroplasty or have contraindications to neuromuscular electrical stimulation may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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.