MedPath

The Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Rupture of Anterior Cruciate Ligament
Interventions
Device: Functional electrical stimulation
Device: Neuro-muscular electrical stimulation
Procedure: Active exercises
Registration Number
NCT02817399
Lead Sponsor
Medical Corps, Israel Defense Force
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the short term effect of functional electrical stimulation treatment versus neuro-muscular electrical stimulation on gait quality for patient after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Detailed Description

Background: Quadriceps weakness is common following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The inadequate quadriceps strength contributes to altered gait patterns following ACL reconstruction. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been shown to reduce quadriceps atrophy post-ACL reconstruction. However, the effect of functional electrical stimulation (FES), a modulation of NMES which enables quadriceps stimulation synchronized with gait, has not been tested.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of FES to improve the gait pattern of patients post ACL reconstruction.

Methods: Fifty six Individuals post-ACL reconstruction will be randomly placed into FES or NMES treatment group. All patients will receive a standard exercise program three sessions weekly. In addition, each group will receive a different electrical stimulation treatment: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) or Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). Outcome measures will include spatiotemporal gait measures (e.g., gait speed, single limb support, and asymmetry index), as well as isometric quadriceps strength. Measures will be taken a week before the surgery, a week after it, and one month from the beginning of rehabilitation. Strength and gait pattern will be measured. Isometric Quadriceps strength will measured using the Biodex isokinetic system, and gait analysis will be carried out through the spatio-temporal Optogait system.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
23
Inclusion Criteria
  • Intended patients for ACL reconstruction procedure
    • Age 18-30
    • Committed for three sessions per week for 4 weeks
Exclusion Criteria
  • Previous surgery at the same knee
    • Chronic knee swelling
    • Knee injury
    • History of recurrent ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, or lower limb

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Neuro-muscular electrical stimulationActive exercisesActive exercises \& Neuro-muscular electrical stimulation in a stationary position (lying and/or sitting).
Functional electrical stimulationFunctional electrical stimulationActive exercises \& Functional electrical stimulation while walking.
Functional electrical stimulationActive exercisesActive exercises \& Functional electrical stimulation while walking.
Neuro-muscular electrical stimulationNeuro-muscular electrical stimulationActive exercises \& Neuro-muscular electrical stimulation in a stationary position (lying and/or sitting).
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Percentages of single support at each legOne year

The test will perform with the Optogait system (a device for the Gait Analysis). Single support phase within the gait cycle during which the body mass is carried by a single limb. This parameter calculated by percentage of stride (normally about 40%).

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Gait speedOne year

Measured by kilometer per hour

Step lengthOne year

Measured by length of the average step for each leg

Quadriceps strengthOne year

Measured by maximal peak torque in each leg (through Biodex Isokinetic dynamometer)

strength symmetryOne year

The method of assessment for this Outcome Measure is by calculated the differences between the right Quadriceps strength and the left Quadriceps strength

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Zrifin

🇮🇱

Rishon LeZion, Doar Tsvai, Israel

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath