Using brain stimulation to improve pain and function in knee tendon injuries
Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Functionality and Pain in Individuals with Patellar Tendinopathy: Randomized Clinical Trial
NA · University of Valencia · NCT06729437
This study is testing if a new brain stimulation technique combined with special exercises can help people with knee tendon injuries feel less pain and move better.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Valencia (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Valencia, Valencia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06729437 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with a therapeutic eccentric exercise program for individuals suffering from patellar tendinopathy. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving tDCS or a control group receiving sham stimulation, both undergoing an 8-week exercise program. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12 to evaluate pain, functionality, muscle activity, strength, proprioception, and quality of life. The goal is to enhance treatment adherence and clinical outcomes for this common and persistent knee condition.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 50 with a diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy and persistent pain lasting more than 3 months.
Not a fit: Patients with previous knee surgery, systemic inflammatory diseases, or contraindications for tDCS are unlikely to benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve functionality for patients with patellar tendinopathy.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of tDCS with therapeutic exercise is an emerging approach, existing studies have shown promising results, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 50 years. * Diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy (VISA-P score of 80 or lower). * Pain lasting more than 3 months. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous knee surgery. * Corticosteroid injection in the previous 6 weeks. * Systemic inflammatory, autoimmune, or rheumatic diseases. * Cognitive or behavioural issues that hinder comprehension and adherence to the intervention. * Any neurological disease. * Neoplastic disease. * Subjects presenting contraindications for tDCS (Thair et al., 2017), including: personal and family history of epilepsy, metallic implants in the head, implanted medication pump, pacemaker, recurrent headaches, skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema), or major head surgeries, pregnancy, heart diseases, and various medications (psychotropic or antihistamines). * Subjects must not have undergone pharmacological treatment or knee physical rehabilitation programs for a period of 1 year.
Where this trial is running
Valencia, Valencia
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia — Valencia, Valencia, Spain (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marta Inglés, Dr — Univeristy of Valencia
- Study coordinator: Marta Inglés, Dr
- Email: marta.ingles@uv.es
- Phone: 963 98 38 55
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.
Conditions: Patellar Tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, transcranial direct current stimulation, therapeutic exercise, eccentric exercise