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Frequency-Dependent Effects of Percutaneous Femoral Nerve Stimulation on Quadriceps Strength in Athletes With Patellar Tendinopathy

NCT07237867 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 19

Last updated 2025-12-05

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study investigates the immediate effects of different peripheral electrical nerve stimulation protocols applied to the femoral nerve on quadriceps strength in athletes with patellar tendinopathy. Patellar tendinopathy is a common overuse injury that often reduces quadriceps activation and limits sports performance. Peripheral percutaneous nerve stimulation (PPNS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) are frequently used in rehabilitation, but their frequency-dependent effects on muscle strength are not well established.

In this randomized crossover trial, each participant receives three stimulation protocols in separate sessions: high-frequency PPNS (100 Hz), low-frequency PPNS (2 Hz), and conventional TENS. All stimulation is delivered at the maximal tolerated motor threshold and, for PPNS conditions, under ultrasound guidance. Quadriceps maximal isometric strength is evaluated using an isometric force sensor before and after each intervention.

The primary objective is to compare the acute changes in maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) following each stimulation protocol. The study aims to clarify whether different stimulation frequencies can enhance, reduce, or have no effect on quadriceps strength in this athletic population.

By identifying frequency-specific neuromodulatory responses, this study may help clinicians and sports practitioners select the most appropriate stimulation parameters to optimize rehabilitation and performance in individuals with patellar tendinopathy.

Conditions

  • Patellar Tendinopathy / Jumpers Knee

Interventions

DEVICE

Electrical stimulation

All electrical stimulation procedures are performed under real-time ultrasound guidance to accurately locate the femoral nerve and ensure safe and consistent electrode placement. For the percutaneous interventions (PPNS), a sterile needle electrode is inserted adjacent to the femoral nerve and stimulation is delivered at either high frequency (100 Hz) or low frequency (2 Hz), depending on the study arm. For the transcutaneous intervention (TENS), surface electrodes are positioned over the femoral nerve region using ultrasound guidance to confirm anatomical landmarks and optimize current delivery. In all conditions, stimulation is applied at the maximal tolerated motor threshold to elicit visible quadriceps activation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Hospital Clinic of Barcelona

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
40 Years
Sex
MALE
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-09-20
Primary Completion
2025-11-30
Completion
2025-12-15

Countries

  • Spain

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07237867 on ClinicalTrials.gov