Using electrical stimulation to improve recovery after knee surgery
Implementation of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Total Knee Arthroplasty
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 3250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Aurora, Colorado and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06953375 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients who have undergone primary unilateral TKA and are able to start NMES within a week post-surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for NMES, such as those with implanted cardiovascular devices or active cancer, may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: While NMES has shown efficacy in controlled settings, its implementation in real-world clinical practice remains underexplored, making this approach novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Aurora, Colorado and 2 other locations
- 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
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.