Experimental Group: Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on the Sciatic Nerve
Study summary
After randomization, the control group will receive conventional physiotherapy, including manual therapy and therapeutic exercise for ACL rehabilitation. The first experimental group will undergo percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of the sciatic nerve, while the second experimental group will receive a placebo stimulation. Both interventions aim to improve isometric strength, muscle activation, joint range of motion, and thigh circumference, as well as reduce pain and intra-articular effusion. The procedure involves needle insertion into the sciatic nerve epineurium, placement of a surface electrode on the hamstrings, and connection to an electrostimulator.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
18 Years
Max age
60 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* Use of the Semitendinous and Gracilis tendons for ACL Reconstruction
* Joint Range of Motion greater than or equal to 90
* Primary ACL injury in the leg to be treated
Exclusion Criteria:
* Chronic or rheumatic joint disease
* Central nervous system disorder
* Heart disease (pacemaker)
* Neoplasms
* Epilepsy
* Coagulopathies (use of anticoagulants)
* History of spinal surgery or lumbar disease
* History of neurological disorders
* Prosthesis or osteosynthesis in the operated leg
* Structural discrepancy in lower-limb length
* Belonephobia (overwhelming fear of needles)
* Neuropathic pain or bilateral symptoms
* Use of analgesics
* Quadriceps tendon graft harvest
* Body mass index \<20 or \>30 kg/m²
* Acute muscle injuries
* Knee joint instability
* Acute joint inflammation
Primary outcome measure(s)
Maximal Isometric Strength of the Hamstring Musculature — 5 weeks after surgery Maximal Isometric Strength of the Hamstring Musculature
This was recorded with the patient in a prone position, with the knee flexed at 90 degrees and the ankle in plantar flexion.
The patient was instructed to perform an isometric knee flexion against a Lafayette hand-held dynamometer, positioned at the level of the Achilles tendon.
Three repetitions were recorded and measured in Newtons, with a 60-second rest interval between repetitions.
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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