Eco-guided nerve stimulation to boost leg strength in amateur athletes
Official title: Effectiveness of Eco-guided Neuromodulation of the Femoral Nerve on the Performance of Amateur Athletes. Randomized Controlled Crossover Clinical Trial
Run by Universitat Internacional de Catalunya · NCT07719179 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests different ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation patterns to see if they improve neuromuscular performance in healthy young athletes.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 23 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universitat Internacional de Catalunya Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07719179 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy athletes aged 18–30 who regularly train and are familiar with barbell back squats.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with recent injuries, needle fear, or conditions that could affect neuromuscular performance may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this randomized crossover study, healthy adults undergo five different PENS protocols applied to the femoral nerve under ultrasound guidance, with sessions separated by a two-week washout. The protocols include an LTP-based train, a 10 Hz pattern, a 5-55 high-frequency pattern, a high-intensity burst near 1000 mA, and a placebo. Each participant serves as their own control across sessions to compare effects on quadriceps strength and performance tasks. Interventions are delivered bilaterally by a trained physiotherapist, and safety is monitored throughout.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a non-pharmacological method to enhance leg muscle performance in athletes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has explored PENS for neuromuscular modulation, with mixed results, making this approach exploratory in healthy athletes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Athletes aged between 18 and 30 years. * Familiarized with performing barbell back squats using an Olympic bar. * Engaged in regular training at least three times per week during the last six months. * Able to perform squat and jump tests safely. * Provided written informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Sports injury within the last two months or current inability to perform physical activity. * Inability to understand or follow the instructions provided by the therapist. * Participation in another research study during the same period. * Belonephobia (fear of needles). * Ongoing medical or pharmacological treatment that could interfere with neuromuscular performance (e.g., anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or similar medications).
Where it's running
-
Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jacobo Rodríguez Sanz, PhD
- Email: jrodriguezs@uic.es
- Phone: +34 636-136-789
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
How short power-training sessions affect muscle power and movement in older adults.
This test will try three leg-press power-training sessions with different fatigue levels to see which approach is safest and most helpful for adults aged 65–85.
-
Effects of menstrual cycle-based resistance training on female athletes' performance
This study tests if resistance training that changes with the menstrual cycle can improve strength and performance in female athletes compared to those using birth control.
-
Exercise with metronome cues for athletes recovering from ACL surgery
This study tests if using a metronome to guide knee exercises can help athletes recovering from ACL surgery improve their muscle control and function.
-
Effects of milk fat globule membrane supplementation on muscle function in active adults
This study is testing if a special milk protein can help active adults improve their muscle strength and power over 12 weeks compared to a placebo.
-
Effects of Exercise Snacks on Muscle Size and Strength in Healthy Young Adults
This study tests whether many small workouts throughout the week can build muscle size and improve strength in healthy, untrained young adults compared with the usual twice-weekly workouts.
-
ORX489 safety and dosing in healthy adults ages 18 to 60
This will test whether ORX489 tablets are safe, well tolerated, and how they are processed in the body in healthy men and women aged 18 to 60.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.