Post Operative Use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) Device for ACLR Patients

This study is being conducted to learn about how neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in addition to standard of care aids in the recovery of muscle strength in patients undergoing ACLR procedure.

Enrolling by Invitation

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Key information

Conditions

ACL Reconstruction ACL Injury ACL Surgery Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Asthenia Atrophy Electrotherapy Knee Injuries Leg Injuries Muscle Atrophy or Weakness Muscular Atrophy Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Anatomical Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Wounds and Injuries

Age range

15 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Kansas Medical Center

Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, United States

About this study

The addition of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to standard ACLR rehabilitation has been demonstrated to improve knee extension and flexion compared to standard treatment only. NMES has also shown improved lower limb loading symmetry, walking velocity, stance time, cadence, maximum voluntary isometric contraction, motor unit behavior, muscle quality, and an increase in absolute muscle strength in functional tests compared to standard care of ACLR recovery. In this study we will be comparing bi-lateral presurgical and post surgical muscle strength symmetry in patients that follow the standard ACLR rehabilitation program and patients that use the NMES in addition to standard rehab.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

ACLR surgical patients at KUMC sports medicine
15 to 50 years old
BMI between 18 - 30 kg/m2
No limitations impacting physical function within the last 6 months (not including the ACL injury)

Exclusion criteria

Previous lower limb or spine injury involving surgical treatment
Prior spine surgery
Lower limb injury (other than ACL) preventing participation in physical activity for over two weeks in the past 6 months
Non english speaking
Vulnerable population, prisoner, or ward of the state

Treatment and study plan

Zynex NexWave Electrotherapy Device

Device

All participants will use the NMES device in addition to standard rehabilitation

Primary outcomes

Bilateral Muscle Symmetry Index

Time frame: pre-operative to 3 months post-op

Comparing muscle size strength and function between operative and non-operative limbs

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Kansas Medical Center

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects on Patient Outcomes With Post-Operative Use of Zynex Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES): Zynex-25

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2027
Study completion: 2028
First posted: Sep 12, 2025
Registry last updated: Mar 17, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed