Femoral nerve electrical stimulation to boost quadriceps strength in athletes with jumper's knee
Official title: Frequency-Dependent Effects of Percutaneous Femoral Nerve Stimulation on Strength in Athletes With Patellar Tendinopathy: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Hospital Clinic of Barcelona · NCT07237867 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether three types of electrical stimulation applied to the femoral nerve can immediately increase quadriceps strength in athletes with patellar tendinopathy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 19 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Hospital Clinic of Barcelona Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Barcelona, Barcelona) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 15, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | December 5, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07237867 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are athletes aged 18–40 with at least three months of clinically and ultrasound-confirmed patellar tendinopathy who can perform maximal voluntary isometric quadriceps contractions and tolerate electrical stimulation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who recently had knee surgery, have partial or complete tendon rupture, neurological disorders affecting the leg, implanted electrical devices, or current radiculopathy/neuropathy are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized crossover trial compares three stimulation protocols—high-frequency peripheral percutaneous nerve stimulation (100 Hz), low-frequency peripheral percutaneous nerve stimulation (2 Hz), and conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)—delivered at the maximal tolerated motor threshold. PPNS is placed under ultrasound guidance and each participant receives the three protocols in separate sessions. Quadriceps maximal isometric strength is measured with an isometric force sensor before and after each intervention to detect immediate changes. Participants are recreational or competitive athletes aged 18–40 with ultrasound-confirmed patellar tendinopathy and pain during tendon-loading activities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify a specific stimulation frequency and method that briefly increases quadriceps activation and could be used to refine rehabilitation and performance strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that TENS and peripheral nerve stimulation can alter motor output and pain, but frequency-dependent immediate effects on quadriceps strength in patellar tendinopathy are not well established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 40 years. * Recreational or competitive athletes with clinically diagnosed patellar tendinopathy for at least 3 months. * Ultrasound-confirmed patellar tendinopathy, including hypoechoic areas, tendon thickening, or neovascularization consistent with clinical diagnosis. Presence of pain during tendon-loading activities (e.g., jumping, running, squatting). * Ability to perform maximal voluntary isometric contractions of the quadriceps. * Ability to comply with all study procedures and attend all experimental sessions. * Written informed consent obtained prior to participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous knee surgery or traumatic knee injury within the past 12 months. * Complete or partial patellar tendon rupture. * Neurological disorders affecting lower limb strength or motor control. * Contraindications to electrical stimulation, including implanted electrical devices (e.g., pacemaker). * Current lower-limb radiculopathy or neuropathy. * Skin infections, open wounds, or dermatological conditions at the stimulation site. * Use of analgesics, anti-inflammatories, or corticosteroid injections within the past 48 hours. * Participation in another interventional study in the previous 30 days. * Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
Where it's running
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Blanquerna University
Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Javier Picañol Parraga Picañol, Phd
- Email: xpicanol@ub.edu
- Phone: +34655394127
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.