Electrical Stimulation for Ruptured Achilles Tendon

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+1 other location

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Penn State University

No Placebo Group

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing NMES, a technique that uses electrical impulses to strengthen muscles, on patients with Achilles tendon ruptures. These patients often have long-term issues like weak calf muscles. NMES helps by making the muscles work, which supports better tendon healing. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used to improve muscle strength and activation in various conditions, including knee osteoarthritis, spinal cord injury, and muscle wasting in heart failure patients.

Research Team

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals who have experienced an Achilles tendon rupture and are undergoing recovery. It's not suitable for those who can't understand English, were treated non-operatively, had ruptures related to fluoroquinolone antibiotics use, or have conditions like diabetes or poor leg circulation that affect healing. People with augmented surgical repairs or allergies to ultrasound gel aren't eligible either.

Inclusion Criteria

I have a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot understand spoken English.

I have had tendon ruptures from taking certain antibiotics.

Allergy to ultrasound gel

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Treatment Details

Interventions

NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation)

Trial OverviewThe study is testing a new rehab method using Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) on patients with Achilles tendon ruptures. The aim is to see if NMES helps reduce muscle loss and improve the quality of the repaired tendon compared to standard care.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Active Control

Group I: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Patients will follow standard therapy for Achilles tendon repair.

Group II: Neuromuscular Electrical StimulationActive Control1 Intervention

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation will be applied to the calf muscles. The level of stimulation will be increased weekly from 10 to 30 mA during the first 6 weeks after surgery. In addition, patients will follow standard therapy for Achilles tendon repair.