Quadriceps strengthening after ACL reconstruction in adolescents
Effects of Quadriceps Focused Interventions in Adolescent With ACL Reconstruction
This project will test whether adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and blood flow restriction (BFR) training to standard physical therapy improves knee strength and movement in adolescents after ACL reconstruction.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sunnyvale, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT07015541 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study enrolls adolescents who have undergone ACL reconstruction and have no prior contralateral knee injury. Participants receive quadriceps-focused interventions—neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and blood flow restriction (BFR)—alongside standard physical therapy, with outcomes compared to usual rehabilitation. Knee function and biomechanics will be measured using objective strength testing and motion analysis during the rehabilitation period. The study excludes patients with bilateral injuries, prior ligament surgery, multiple ligament ruptures, or contraindications to NMES/BFR and is conducted at Stanford Medicine Children's Health in Sunnyvale, CA.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adolescents who have had ACL reconstruction on one knee, have no prior contralateral knee injury or multiple ligament damage, and have no contraindications to NMES or BFR are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with bilateral knee injuries, prior ligament surgery, multiple ligament ruptures, or medical contraindications to NMES or BFR are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could speed recovery of quadriceps strength and improve knee mechanics after ACL reconstruction, which may reduce re-injury risk and help adolescents return to sport more safely.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work using NMES or BFR in orthopedic rehabilitation has shown promising gains in muscle strength, but combining these modalities specifically after adolescent ACL reconstruction remains under active study.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * no history of knee injury/surgery of the contralateral limb Exclusion Criteria: * (1) bilateral knee injuries * (2) prior knee ligament injury and/or surgery * (3) multiple ligament injuries and/or ruptures * (4) conditions in which NMES and BFR are contraindicated
Where this trial is running
Sunnyvale, California
- Stanford Medicine Children's Health — Sunnyvale, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alexandra M Abbott, MD — Stanford School of Medicine
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.