Motor and Sensory Deficits Following Partial Meniscectomy

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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To determine changes in thigh muscle function and knee pain after a partial meniscectomy surgery and to also determine the effects of applying electrical stimulation to the knee to determine if this improves thigh muscle function and decreases pain.

Detailed Description
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The objective for this study is to determine the differences in corticospinal excitability and central sensitization of nociceptive pathways in individuals with a history of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy compared to healthy controls. Our central hypothesis is that quadriceps weakness following partial meniscectomy is due to higher levels of corticospinal excitability and central sensitization of nociceptive pathways, which can be modified with therapeutic interventions.

Official Title
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Motor and Sensory Deficits Following Partial Meniscectomy

Conditions
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Meniscus Tear

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age 15-65 Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy with in the past 15 years Exclusion Criteria: History of traumatic spine or lower extremity injury within the last 6 months Previous adverse reaction to electrical stimulation (i.e. burns or hypersensitivity) Cardiac pacemaker Metal implants in head Current pregnancy Neurological disorders History of seizures Unable to give consent or understand the procedures of this study

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 15 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Electrical Stimulation (TENS)<br>The TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) electrodes will be applied on the medial and lateral superior, as well as the medial and lateral inferior, borders of the patella. A continuous biphasic pulsatile current (150 Hz, phase duration 150 µs) will be applied at an intensity that produces a comfortable sensation but not a muscle contraction. The duration of intervention will be 40 minutes. | Other: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation<br>* The TENS electrodes will be applied on the medial and lateral superior, as well as the medial and lateral inferior, borders of the patella. A continuous biphasic pulsatile current (150 Hz, phase duration 150 µs) will be applied at an intensity that produces a comfortable sensation but not a muscle contraction. The duration of intervention will be 40 minutes.<br>* Other names: Sensory TENS;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in quadriceps force output and voluntary activation | Quadriceps activation will be estimated by utilizing the burst-superimposition technique on a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and during a resting condition. | Single Study Visit | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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meniscectomy, arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, meniscus