Immediate TENS on calf muscle or sympathetic ganglion to boost popliteal blood flow
Official title: The Immediate Effect of Applying Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on Sympathetic Ganglion and Gastrocnemius for Popliteal Blood Flow
Run by Kaohsiung Medical University · NCT06882733 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether TENS applied to the calf muscle or thoracolumbar sympathetic ganglia at two different frequencies can immediately increase blood flow behind the knee in healthy adults with normal BMI.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 43 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kaohsiung Medical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kaohsiung City, Taiwan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 3, 2024 |
| Main results expected | March 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | July 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06882733 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy adults aged 18 and older with BMI 18.5–24 who can lie flat for 1–2 hours and do not have metal implants, open wounds, pregnancy, sensory loss, obvious varicose veins, smoking, or ABI outside 0.9–1.3 are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with significant vascular disease, abnormal ABI, or contraindications to electrotherapy (including metal implants, open wounds, pregnancy, sensory loss, or active smokers) are unlikely to benefit and are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The trial compares immediate hemodynamic effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) using two frequencies (80 Hz and 4 Hz) and two stimulation sites (gastrocnemius muscle versus thoracolumbar sympathetic ganglia) on the popliteal artery and vein. Healthy adult participants with BMI in the normal range receive two interventions within one week, with hemodynamic measurements taken before and immediately after each stimulation to capture acute changes. The within-subject design permits direct comparison of frequency and site to identify which configuration produces the largest increase in popliteal blood flow. Individuals with contraindications to electrotherapy or abnormal ankle-brachial indices are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a noninvasive way to temporarily increase leg blood flow that might help people who cannot undergo standard vascular treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small physiological studies have suggested TENS can increase peripheral blood flow, but direct comparisons of frequencies and sympathetic-ganglion versus muscle site stimulation remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Healthy people 2. Age: 18 years and above (inclusive) 3. Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to complete two interventions within a week 2. Have contraindications to electrotherapy (for example: metal implants in the body, open wounds, pregnancy, sensory loss) 3. Obvious varicose veins 4. Unable to lie down for about 1 to 2 hours 5. Taking drugs or nutritional supplements that affect autonomic nervous activity or vasodilation (for example: Ginkgo biloba) 6. Smoking 7. Ankle and Ankle Index (ABI) less than 0.9 or greater than 1.3
Where it's running
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Kaohsiung Medical University
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mengjie Shen
- Email: mengjie910419@gmail.com
- Phone: +886935751158
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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.