The Effect of Early Treatment With Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) After Achilles Tendon Rupture

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating new ways to treat patients who have suffered an Achilles tendon rupture (ATR), aiming to improve and personalize treatment beyond the current question of whether surgery should be used. This study focuses on the early use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) applied to calf muscles of the injured leg to see how it affects tendon length, functional performance, biomechanical factors, and patient-reported outcomes over both short and long terms. The research will also study how the healthy limb is affected by the injury to help prevent overuse injuries. The trial is a randomized controlled study involving 70 patients who will be divided into two groups. One group will receive NMES treatment at home, using a device applied to the calf muscles twice daily for 15 minutes during weeks 3 to 8 after injury, alongside standard rehabilitation. The other group will receive standard rehabilitation alone. Outcomes will be assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months, including measures like heel-rise height, tendon length via ultrasound, jumping ability, biomechanical data, and muscle recruitment patterns. Participants will undergo various tests including heel-rise work tests, ultrasound imaging of the tendon, and biomechanical evaluations during walking, running, and jumping. Muscle activity will also be measured with electromyography. These assessments will occur across multiple time points up to one year after injury. The study aims to gather detailed information to help guide rehabilitation and support patients in returning to their previous or higher physical activity levels.

Effect of Additional Treatment With NMES After Achilles Tendon Rupture