Eco-guided Neuromodulation of the Femoral Nerve on the Performance of Amateur Athletes.
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In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Theta Burst Protocol, 10-10-10 Protocol, 5-55 Protocol, Placebo.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Healthy Volunteers, Neuromuscular Function. Basic parameters: 18 years — 30 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Spain
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Effectiveness of Eco-guided Neuromodulation of the Femoral Nerve on the Performance of Amateur Athletes. Randomized Controlled Crossover Clinical Trial
Overview
This randomized crossover study aims to evaluate whether different percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) protocols produce changes in neuromuscular performance in healthy adults. PENS involves the ultrasound-guided application of an electrical current through a needle to modulate motor neuron excitability. Each participant will undergo five intervention sessions: (1) a long-term potentiation (LTP)-based protocol with impulse trains, (2) a 10 Hz protocol with 10 s stimulation and 10 s rest repeated ten times, (3) a 5-55 protocol with 100 Hz stimulation for 5 s followed by 55 s rest repeated five times, (4) a high-intensity burst (HIB) protocol applied at a high current intensity close to 1000 mA and repeated three times, and (5) a placebo condition. All interventions will be applied bilaterally by an experienced physiotherapist under ultrasound guidance, with a two-week washout between sessions. The objective of this trial is to assess whether these stimulation patterns produce measurable changes in squat execution velocity, jump performance, and quadriceps strength. The findings may help identify the most effective stimulation strategy for enhancing neuromuscular performance.
Interventions
- Device Theta Burst Protocol
The intervention consists of the bilateral, ultrasound-guided insertion of a needle for percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS), following a theta-burst pattern designed to produce long-term potentiation-like effects. An asymmetric biphasic compensated current with a rectangular positive phase and a triangular negative phase is applied at a frequency of 100 Hz for 5 seconds, followed by 55 seconds of rest, repeated five times. The pulse width is 240 µs, and the intensity is maintained a - Device 10-10-10 Protocol
Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) applied under ultrasound guidance at 10 Hz, consisting of 10 seconds of stimulation followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated ten times. The current intensity is adjusted to produce visible muscle contraction without pain. - Device 5-55 Protocol
Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) applied under ultrasound guidance at 100 Hz for 5 seconds, followed by 55 seconds of rest, repeated five times. The current intensity is adjusted to elicit a mild tingling sensation while remaining below the pain threshold. - Device Placebo
A sham PENS procedure involving ultrasound-guided needle insertion at the same anatomical site without electrical stimulation. The device is manipulated to simulate treatment, but no current is delivered. Participants are informed they might not feel any sensation during the session. - Device High-Intensity Burst (HIB) Protocol
Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) applied under ultrasound guidance using high-intensity bursts delivered bilaterally at a current intensity close to 1000 mA, repeated three times. The stimulation intensity is individually adjusted to approach but not exceed the participant's tolerance threshold.
Primary outcome measures
- Changes in squat execution velocity (m/s) measured with a linear encoder [Time frame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention]
Secondary outcome measures (3)
- Changes in vertical jump performance (jump height) measured with the MyJump2 app. [Time frame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention]
- Changes in quadriceps strength measured in newtons using a force gauge [Time frame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention]
- Changes in muscle activation in microvolts (μV) measured via surface electromyography [Time frame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Athletes aged between 18 and 30 years.
- Familiarized with performing barbell back squats using an Olympic bar.
- Engaged in regular training at least three times per week during the last six months.
- Able to perform squat and jump tests safely.
- Provided written informed consent to participate in the study.
Exclusion criteria
- Sports injury within the last two months or current inability to perform physical activity.
- Inability to understand or follow the instructions provided by the therapist.
- Participation in another research study during the same period.
- Belonephobia (fear of needles).
- Ongoing medical or pharmacological treatment that could interfere with neuromuscular performance (e.g., anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or similar medications).
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Double blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Spain · 1 center
- Universitat Internacional de Catalunya — Sant Cugat del Vallès
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07719179 · CBAS-2023-19