Quadriceps strengthening after ACL reconstruction in adolescents
Official title: Effects of Quadriceps Focused Interventions in Adolescent With ACL Reconstruction
Run by Stanford University · NCT07015541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sunnyvale, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 29, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 2028 |
| Study ends | November 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07015541 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Stanford Medicine Children's Health
Sunnyvale, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alexandra M Abbott, MD — Stanford School of Medicine
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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.