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

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

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.

Study 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.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Pain level — Immediately after the performance of the functional task
  Pain intensity during the single leg heel rise task will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, consisting of a numerical scale ranging from 0 to 10 points, in which 0 represents no pain and 10 corresponds to the worst pain ever experienced by the participant.

Trial sites (1)

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