Rehabilitation for Achilles tendon rupture using electrical stimulation
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Achilles Tendon Rupture Rehabilitation
This study is testing a new way to help people recover from Achilles tendon ruptures by using electrical stimulation to strengthen their calf muscles and improve tendon health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (State College, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT04727047 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate a new rehabilitation protocol utilizing Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) to address long-term functional deficits in patients with Achilles tendon ruptures. The protocol focuses on reducing muscle atrophy and improving tendon properties by applying controlled electrical stimulation to the calf muscles, which can induce low-magnitude cyclic loading to the tendon. This approach is designed to counteract the negative effects of tendon elongation and muscle atrophy that commonly occur during recovery. If successful, the NMES protocol could be easily integrated into standard care for these patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals who have suffered an Achilles tendon rupture and are capable of understanding and consenting to the study.
Not a fit: Patients who have undergone non-operative treatment or have additional health conditions that impair healing may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance recovery outcomes for patients with Achilles tendon ruptures by improving muscle strength and tendon function.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of NMES in rehabilitation is not entirely novel, this specific application for Achilles tendon rupture is innovative and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Achilles tendon rupture Exclusion Criteria: 1. Those unable to understand spoken English. 2. Participants treated non-operatively 3. Augmented surgical repair (i.e., use of additional tissue at the repair site) 4. Tendon ruptures associated with the use of fluoroquinolones (Examples include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin)) 5. Allergy to ultrasound gel 6. Any other condition affecting the ability of the participant to walk or jump 7. Any other health conditions known to impair normal healing: Diabetes, Cardiovascular conditions decreasing blood supply to the leg 8. Those unable to consent
Where this trial is running
State College, Pennsylvania
- Penn State University — State College, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Daniel Cortes
- Email: dhc13@psu.edu
- Phone: 814-863-3103
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.