Rehabilitation for Achilles tendon rupture using electrical stimulation
Official title: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Achilles Tendon Rupture Rehabilitation
Run by Penn State University · NCT04727047 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (State College, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT04727047 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have undergone non-operative treatment or have additional health conditions that impair healing may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Penn State University
State College, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Daniel Cortes
- Email: dhc13@psu.edu
- Phone: 814-863-3103
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Immediate neuromuscular electrical stimulation for Achilles tendon pain and function
Researchers will try two types of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to see if they immediately reduce pain and improve heel-rise performance in people with Achilles tendinopathy or a past Achilles tendon rupture.
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Achilles Tendon Rupture: 12-Month Outcomes After Non-Surgical Rehab
This study tests how well people recover 12–15 months after non-surgical treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture using a structured rehab protocol in an NHS setting.
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Blood flow restriction training to improve recovery after Achilles tendon repair
This trial will test whether adding blood flow restriction training to standard rehabilitation helps adults recover muscle strength and tendon function after surgical repair of an Achilles tendon rupture.
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Collagen scaffold augmentation to support Achilles tendon repair
This trial will test whether adding a collagen scaffold during surgical repair helps adults with acute Achilles tendon ruptures recover better than standard repair.
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Strength training effects on recovery after Achilles tendon rupture
This study is testing how different levels of strength training can help men recover better after an Achilles tendon rupture.
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New surgical method for repairing ruptured Achilles tendon
This study is testing a new two-layer surgery for fixing a ruptured Achilles tendon to see if it helps people recover better than the usual non-surgical treatment.
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.