Using brain stimulation to improve pain and function in knee tendon injuries
Official title: Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Functionality and Pain in Individuals With Patellar Tendinopathy: Randomized Clinical Trial
Run by University of Valencia · NCT06729437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Valencia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Valencia, Valencia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06729437 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 50 with a diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy and persistent pain lasting more than 3 months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with previous knee surgery, systemic inflammatory diseases, or contraindications for tDCS are unlikely to 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 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.
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 gone: While the combination of tDCS with therapeutic exercise is an emerging approach, existing studies have shown promising results, indicating potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Platelet-rich plasma treatment for patellar, Achilles, elbow (epicondylitis), and plantar heel tendinopathies.
This multicenter observational project will try platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to see if they reduce pain and improve function in adults with chronic patellar, Achilles, lateral elbow (epicondylitis), or plantar heel (fasciitis) tendinopathies.
-
Early plyometric exercises for Achilles, patellar, and plantar tendinopathy rehabilitation
This trial will test whether adding early plyometric exercises to standard heavy, slow resistance training helps adults (18–50) who run or play jumping sports with Achilles, patellar, or plantar tendinopathy recover jump function and avoid re-injury.
-
Aquatic power training dosing strategies and creatine in older adults
This trial tests whether different aquatic power training dosing methods and creatine supplementation help improve function in community-dwelling adults aged 60 and older.
-
Strength and dual-task training to help people with Parkinson’s improve strength and function
This trial tests three levels of physiotherapy, including progressive resistance training with and without cognitive dual-task and instability components, to see if they improve muscle strength, body composition, and physical function in adults with Parkinson’s or related syndromes.
-
Effect of Cardiorespiratory Changes on Carotid Flow Time During Lung Resection
This study tests how anesthesia-related changes during lung surgery affect carotid flow time to see if it reflects fluid status and heart pre-load for patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung resection.
-
Materials to Spread Pressure in Diabetic Foot Ulcers
A test to see if pressure-distributing materials like felt padding help heal neuropathic foot ulcers in people with diabetes.
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.