NMES combined with PNF for ankle sprain rehab

Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Combined With Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Adults With a History of Ankle Sprain

NA · Fooyin University · NCT07190599

This program will test whether adding electrical muscle stimulation (NMES) to PNF stretching helps 18–30-year-olds with past ankle sprains reduce pain and improve balance, strength, and movement.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorFooyin University (other)
Locations1 site (Kaohsiung City, No. 151, Jinxue Road, Daliao District)
Trial IDNCT07190599 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional trial will enroll 60 adults aged 18–30 with a history of ankle sprain and randomize them into two groups of 30. The experimental group will receive PNF stretching combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) while the control group will receive PNF stretching alone, with both groups training three times per week for four weeks (12 sessions total). Outcomes measured before and after the program include pain, balance, range of motion, proprioception, strength, joint mobility, and functional limitations. Participants with fractures, dislocations, grade III sprains, bony restrictions, swelling, neuropathy, or other neuromuscular disorders are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–30 with a prior ankle sprain who do not have fractures, dislocations, grade III sprains, significant swelling, bony restrictions, neuropathy, or other neuromuscular disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with recent fractures, dislocations, grade III sprains, active swelling, bony mechanical restrictions, neuropathy, or other neuromuscular conditions are unlikely to be eligible or benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, combining NMES with PNF could reduce pain and improve balance, strength, and functional ability more than PNF alone for young adults with chronic ankle problems.

How similar studies have performed: Separate studies support NMES for strengthening and PNF for flexibility and proprioception, but direct evidence for the combined NMES+PNF approach in ankle sprain rehab is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18-30 years
* Adults with a history of ankle sprain

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants with ankle fractures, dislocations, grade III ankle sprains, bony restrictions, swelling, neuropathy, or any other neuromuscular disorders are excluded.

Where this trial is running

Kaohsiung City, No. 151, Jinxue Road, Daliao District

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Ankle Sprain, Ankle sprain, Balance, Proprioception, Strength, Pain, Range of motion

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.