Immediate neuromuscular electrical stimulation for Achilles tendon pain and function
Official title: Immediate Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Pain and Functional Performance in Individuals With Achilles Tendinopathy and Tendon Rupture: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial
Run by University of Brasilia · NCT07453485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will try two types of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to see if they immediately reduce pain and improve heel-rise performance in people with Achilles tendinopathy or a past Achilles tendon rupture.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Brasilia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brasília, Federal District) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 6, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 30, 2029 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | March 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07453485 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people with pain localized to the mid-portion (2–6 cm from the calcaneus) or insertion of the Achilles tendon and/or a history of Achilles tendon rupture at least three months earlier, who have pain on palpation and pain during load-bearing activities.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with isolated bursitis confirmed by ultrasound, other concurrent lower-limb injuries, recent lower-limb surgery within the past year, or tenoplasty less than three months ago may not receive benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants with mid-portion or insertional Achilles pain or a history of Achilles rupture will complete two intervention blocks separated by a seven-day washout. Block A compares no active intervention with electrical stimulation at the maximum tolerated intensity, and Block B compares sham stimulation with sensory-level stimulation, with Block A always performed first. Each intervention is delivered in three sets of 10 repetitions (six sets total per day) during a single-leg heel-rise task while pain, functional performance, peripheral oxygen extraction, and maximal tendon displacement are recorded. The study also characterizes Achilles tendon structural properties and ankle plantarflexor strength in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, NMES could provide immediate pain relief and improved heel-rise function and help define better dosing for Achilles tendon rehabilitation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies of NMES for tendon pain are limited and have produced mixed or inconclusive results, so the approach is not yet well established for Achilles rehabilitation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary complaint of pain localized in the midportion (2-6 cm proximal to the calcaneus) or insertion of the Achilles tendon, and/or a history of Achilles tendon rupture occurring at least 3 months prior to assessment. * Pain on palpation of the Achilles tendon. * Pain during load-bearing activities Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusive diagnosis of bursitis confirmed by ultrasonographic assessment * Any other lower limb injury * History of lower limb surgery within the past year * Previous Achilles tendon tenoplasty performed less than 3 months prior to assessment
Where it's running
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University of Brasilia
Brasília, Federal District, Brazil Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: João LQ Durigan, PhD
- Email: joaodurigan@gmail.com
- Phone: +55 61 3107-8450
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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.