Immediate neuromuscular electrical stimulation for Achilles tendon pain and function
Immediate Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Pain and Functional Performance in Individuals With Achilles Tendinopathy and Tendon Rupture: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Brasilia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brasília, Federal District) |
| Trial ID | NCT07453485 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Brasília, Federal District
- 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
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.