Shocking ACL recovery: electric pulses and eccentric lifts show promise

NCT ID NCT03626857

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Michigan Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and eccentric leg press exercises to standard rehabilitation can help people regain muscle strength and protect knee cartilage after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. 135 participants who had ACL surgery were assigned to different rehab combinations. The goal was to see if these extra therapies improve muscle function and potentially lower the risk of future knee osteoarthritis.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device and eccentric leg press exercise
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could improve muscle recovery and reduce the risk of post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis after ACL reconstruction.
What could go wrong: This is a completed early-stage study with 135 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The interventions are add-ons to standard rehab, not a standalone cure.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

MedSport

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

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