A Study Comparing Two Types of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation During the First Month After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with voluntary muscle contraction compared to stimulation without voluntary contraction during the first month of rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction ACLR. This randomized controlled trial involves 40 patients who recently underwent ACLR surgery, aiming to improve muscle strength and function during recovery. The study focuses on measuring the maximal strength of knee extensors as the main outcome, with additional assessments of muscle size, knee pain, swelling, joint movement, and functional ability. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups one group receives neuromuscular electrical stimulation paired with voluntary quadriceps contractions NMES group, while the other group receives electrical stimulation alone without voluntary contraction NMES group. Both groups follow the same rehabilitation program during the first month after surgery, which addresses symptom management, inflammation control, swelling reduction, joint mobility improvement, and muscle function restoration. Assessments occur at four time points before surgery and at 2, 15, and 30 days after ACLR. These evaluations include strength testing, muscle size measurement, self-reported function, knee pain and swelling checks, range of motion tests, and quadriceps activation status. The study monitors progress closely during the first month of rehabilitation to understand how the two stimulation methods affect recovery. Total participation lasts through the first 30 days after surgery.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Superimposed or Not on Voluntary Contraction After Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: a Randomized Controlled Trial