NCT07453485

Immediate Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Pain and Function in Achilles Tendon Disorders

Immediate Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Pain and Functional Performance in Individuals With Achilles Tendinopathy and Tendon Rupture: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Brasilia · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The Achilles tendon exhibits high tensile strength and can withstand extremely high loads. However, it is susceptible to injuries such as tendinopathies and ruptures, which are associated with structural alterations and loss of function. Strategies have been investigated to enhance clinical rehabilitation. Nevertheless, the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on pain and functional improvement, as well as the optimal dosing parameters for the rehabilitation of Achilles tendon injuries, remain inconclusive. The aim of this study is to compare the immediate effects of two electrical stimulation protocols on pain, functional performance, peripheral oxygen extraction, and maximal tendon displacement during a single leg heel rise functional task in patients with Achilles tendinopathy and/or a history of Achilles tendon rupture. In addition, this study aims to characterize Achilles tendon structural properties and ankle plantarflexor muscle strength in this population.

Detailed description

All groups will be composed of participants with a primary complaint of pain and/or a history of previous Achilles tendon rupture. Participants will perform the interventions in two blocks separated by a seven-day interval (wash-out). Block A: (1) control without active intervention and (2) electrical stimulation applied at the maximum tolerated intensity. Block B: (3) control with sham stimulation and (4) sensory-level electrical stimulation. Block A will always be performed first, followed by Block B. Interventions within each block will be conducted in three sets of 10 repetitions, totaling six sets per day.

Conditions

• Achilles Tendinopathy (AT)
• Achilles Tendon Rupture

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)	Neuromuscular electrical stimulation-induced contractions will be delivered using an electrical stimulator connected to a pair of 5×5 cm self-adhesive surface electrodes. Stimulation will be applied in a superimposed manner during voluntary movement, at a frequency of 75 Hz and a phase duration of 400 µs.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-06
• Primary completion: 2029-08-30
• Completion: 2029-12-30
• First posted: 2026-03-06
• Last updated: 2026-03-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Brazil