Ultrasound-Guided Electrical Stimulation of the Femoral Nerve to Enhance Performance in Amateur Athletes Aged 18 to 30

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating different protocols of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation PENS to determine their effects on neuromuscular performance in healthy amateur athletes aged 18 to 30 years. This randomized crossover study focuses on how various electrical stimulation patterns applied to the femoral nerve may influence muscle function, specifically squat execution velocity, jump height, and quadriceps strength. The trial is sponsored by Universitat Internacional de Catalunya and aims to identify the most effective stimulation strategy for improving performance. Participants will undergo five separate intervention sessions, each using a different PENS protocol applied bilaterally under ultrasound guidance by an experienced physiotherapist. These include a theta-burst pattern designed to mimic long-term potentiation, a 10 Hz stimulation with alternating 10-second periods of stimulation and rest, a 100 Hz stimulation pattern with 5 seconds on and 55 seconds rest, a high-intensity burst protocol with current near 1000 mA, and a placebo session with needle insertion but no electrical stimulation. Each session is separated by a two-week washout period to prevent carry-over effects. During the study, participants neuromuscular performance will be assessed immediately before and after each intervention. Measurements include squat execution velocity using a linear encoder, vertical jump height via the MyJump2 app, quadriceps strength with a force gauge, and muscle activation through surface electromyography. These assessments will help researchers evaluate changes caused by the different stimulation patterns. The total study duration for each participant includes all five sessions with washout periods, allowing comprehensive evaluation of each protocols effects.

Eco-guided Neuromodulation of the Femoral Nerve on the Performance of Amateur Athletes.