Using electrical stimulation to improve recovery after knee surgery
Official title: Implementation of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Total Knee Arthroplasty
Run by University of Colorado, Denver · NCT06953375 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using electrical stimulation can help people recover better and get stronger after knee surgery compared to regular rehab.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 3250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Aurora, Colorado and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 12, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 2029 |
| Study ends | April 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 29, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06953375 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients who have undergone primary unilateral TKA and are able to start NMES within a week post-surgery.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications for NMES, such as those with implanted cardiovascular devices or active cancer, 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 trial investigates the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to enhance recovery and reduce quadriceps weakness in patients who have undergone total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study will be conducted in two healthcare systems, UCHealth and Intermountain Health, involving outpatient physical therapy clinics. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of implementing NMES in real-world rehabilitation settings, where its use has been notably low despite its clinical recommendations. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either NMES or usual care during their rehabilitation process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve functional recovery and strength in patients after knee surgery.
How similar studies have gone: While NMES has shown efficacy in controlled settings, its implementation in real-world clinical practice remains underexplored, making this approach novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Site Inclusion Criteria: • UCHealth or Intermountain Health outpatient physical therapy clinic Patient Inclusion Criteria: * Underwent primary unilateral TKA * Attended outpatient rehabilitation at a participating clinic within 5 days after TKA * Attended at least 3 total outpatient physical therapy visits in total Exclusion Criteria: Patient Exclusion Criteria: * NMES Contraindications \[Patients with implanted cardiovascular cardiovertedefibrillator (ICD), active cancer, post-operative diagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in involved lower extremity\] * Previous lower extremity arthroplasty less than 12 weeks prior to scheduled TKA surgical date
Where it's running
-
UCHealth
Aurora, Colorado, United States Recruiting -
University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz
Aurora, Colorado, United States Recruiting -
Intermountain Health
Murray, Utah, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer Stevens-Lapsley, PT, PhD — University of Colorado, Denver
- Study coordinator: Maggie Givan, MA
- Email: maggie.givan@cuanschutz.edu
- Phone: 719.251.7533
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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.