Femoral nerve electrical stimulation to boost quadriceps strength in athletes with jumper's knee
Frequency-Dependent Effects of Percutaneous Femoral Nerve Stimulation on Strength in Athletes With Patellar Tendinopathy: a Randomized Controlled Trial
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 19 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Hospital Clinic of Barcelona Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Barcelona, Barcelona) |
| Trial ID | NCT07237867 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Barcelona, Barcelona
- Blanquerna University — Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Javier Picañol Parraga Picañol, Phd
- Email: xpicanol@ub.edu
- Phone: +34655394127
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.