Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation of the Femoral Nerve on Vertical Jump Performance.

Vertical jump performance is a determinant factor in physical performance, both in sports and in daily life and work activities. The muscular power of the lower limbs and the ability to generate explosive strength directly influence vertical jump performance and athletic success. For this reason, the vertical jump is widely used as a field test to evaluate performance capacity.

Different strategies have been used to improve vertical jump performance, such as plyometric training (PT) and electrostimulation (EMS). PT consists of stretch-shortening cycle movements that involve high-intensity eccentric contractions followed by rapid and powerful concentric actions. EMS applies electrical current over muscles or peripheral nerves to generate involuntary muscle contractions. Both methods have shown significant effects in improving vertical jump height.

In recent years, new therapeutic techniques have emerged in physiotherapy to improve neuromuscular recruitment and functionality, such as ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM-e). This technique consists of the electrical stimulation of a peripheral nerve or a motor point through a needle under ultrasound guidance, for therapeutic purposes. Evidence suggests that PNM-e can improve pain, functionality, balance, and muscle endurance, and increase muscle strength immediately after application. Specifically, low-frequency PNM-e applied to the femoral nerve has been shown to increase maximal quadriceps strength and vertical jump height in athletes.

The femoral nerve plays a key role in quadriceps activation, a muscle group essential for knee extension and hip flexion, functions that are indispensable for both daily and sports activities. However, the specific effects of femoral nerve PNM-e on power and biomechanics of the vertical jump have not been sufficiently explored.

Therefore, the main objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation of the femoral nerve on vertical jump performance. The secondary objective was to compare the effects of isolated plyometric training versus its combination with PNM-e to determine whether the combined approach offers additional benefits on jump performance.

A randomized experimental study was carried out with healthy athletes who regularly practice sports. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (two plyometric training sessions) or to an experimental group (two plyometric training + PNM-e interventions sessions); in both cases the sessions were separated by 7 days. Vertical jump performance was measured twice using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test (before the first session and after the second one).

It is expected that ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation of the femoral nerve, combined with plyometric training, will produce greater improvements in jump performance due to enhanced quadriceps activation and neuromuscular efficiency.