Ultrasound-guided neuromodulation to boost squat speed in CrossFit athletes
Official title: Effect of Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation of the Transversus Abdominis on the Force-Velocity Profile During the Squat Performance in Crossfit Practitioners.
Run by CEU San Pablo University · NCT07684534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A randomized, blinded study tests whether a targeted ultrasound-guided needle-based neuromodulation near the transversus abdominis can improve squat velocity in healthy CrossFit practitioners.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | CEU San Pablo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Murcia, Murcia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 8, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07684534 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Healthy male and female CrossFit practitioners aged 18–60 with at least one year of training and 2–6 sessions per week.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with contraindications to needle-based neuromodulation or those not experiencing neuromuscular responsiveness may not see a benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, blinded trial investigates whether ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation near nerves of the transversus abdominis can influence squat performance, measured by mean velocity and related metrics. Participants are healthy adult CrossFit athletes aged 18–60 with at least one year of training and 2–6 sessions per week. The intervention uses ultrasound guidance to apply electrical stimulation via a needle, with a sham control for comparison. Outcomes focus on neuromuscular activation and velocity-related variables during the back squat to assess potential performance effects. The study aims to clarify immediate performance changes following the neuromodulation procedure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, athletes may experience improved squat velocity and more efficient force transmission between the trunk and lower limbs.
How similar studies have gone: Evidence in this area is limited; similar approaches have shown mixed results and require further validation in sports performance settings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 60 years * At least 1 year of CrossFit training experience * Training frequency between 2 and 6 sessions per week Exclusion Criteria: * Belonephobia (fear of needles) * Presence of cardiac conditions or implanted cardiac devices (e.g., pacemaker) * Pregnancy * Active oncological process * Skin conditions or lesions in the intervention area * Neurological or neurosensory disorders * Epilepsy * Current febrile condition * Recent use of antibiotics * Treatment with anticoagulant medication * Use of medications that may affect physical performance * Autoimmune diseases or use of immunosuppressive therapy * Active lumbar or abdominal pathology * Recent lumbar surgery or operations related to the intervention area * Active musculoskeletal injury or pain affecting squat technique or -performance * Undiagnosed pain affecting execution of the sporting movement.
Where it's running
-
Fisiosport premium SL
Murcia, Murcia, Spain Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Francisco N Navarro Pastor, Physiotherapist — CEU San Pablo University
- Study coordinator: Paco N Navarro Pastor, Physiotherapist
- Email: navarropastorpaco@gmail.com
- Phone: +34 685536102
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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.