Actively Recruiting
Immediate Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Pain and Functional Performance in Individuals With Achilles Tendinopathy and Tendon Rupture: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial
Led by University of Brasilia · Updated on 2026-03-06
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
17 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying patients with Achilles tendinopathy or a history of Achilles tendon rupture to compare the immediate effects of two types of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on pain, function, oxygen use, and tendon movement during a single leg heel rise task. The study also aims to assess Achilles tendon structure and ankle muscle strength in this group. This randomized crossover clinical trial investigates optimal electrical stimulation dosing for rehabilitation in these tendon conditions. Participants will complete two intervention blocks separated by a seven-day break. Block A includes a control without stimulation and electrical stimulation at maximum tolerated intensity causing muscle contraction and discomfort. Block B includes a control with sham stimulation and sensory-level stimulation without visible muscle contraction. Each intervention involves three sets of 10 repetitions of the single leg heel rise task, with assessments immediately after each set. During the trial, researchers will measure pain levels, functional performance, peripheral oxygen extraction, and maximal tendon displacement right after the exercises. Baseline evaluations include Achilles tendon length, thickness, cross-sectional area, neovascularization, elasticity, shear wave velocity, depth, and muscle strength. The study monitors these outcomes to better understand treatment effects in adults aged 18 to 60 with Achilles tendon pain or rupture history.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Immediate Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Pain and Function in Achilles Tendon Disorders
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Primary complaint of pain located in the midportion (2-6 cm above the heel bone) or insertion of the Achilles tendon, or a history of Achilles tendon rupture at least 3 months before assessment
- Pain when touching the Achilles tendon
- Pain during activities that put weight on the leg
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of bursitis confirmed by ultrasound only
- Any other injury to the lower limb
- History of lower limb surgery within the past year
- Achilles tendon surgery performed less than 3 months before assessment
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 2 weeks including wash-out period
Participants perform functional tasks with different neuromuscular electrical stimulation conditions, including control, maximum tolerated intensity, sham stimulation, and sensory-level stimulation, in two blocks separated by a seven-day wash-out period.
4 visits (in-person) consisting of 2 visits per block
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Brasilia
Brasília, Federal District, Brazil, 72220900
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
João LQ Durigan, PhD
J
José RS Júnior, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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