Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation and Performance

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation is a relative new intervention applied by physical therapists. Although it has been hypothesized that this technique could improve pain and function, no studies have investigated changes in physical performance in soccer players. This study will evaluate changes in physical performance after the application of Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in a sample of healthy soccer players.

Official Title
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Effects of Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation on Physical Performance in Soccer Players

Conditions
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Sports Physical Therapy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
* Other: Control Group


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Semiprofessional soccer player No symptoms or injury in the lower extremity previous 6 months Training frequency of at least 3 days a week plus soccer game Exclusion Criteria: fear to needles presence of pain or any musculoskeletal disease previous surgery in the lower extremity underlying medical conditions, e.g., diabetes, hypertension

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

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
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation<br>Participants assigned to this group will received two sessions (once per week) of ultrasound guided Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation targeting the femoral nerve. We will apply a biphasic compensated electrical current at a frequency of 10 Hz, a pulse width of 240 µs and intensity allowed over a pain-free motor threshold (muscle contraction). Each participant will receive 10 repetitions of 10 seconds each one with 10 seconds rest- period between series (total treatment session 1.40 min). After that participants will walk during 3 minutes. | Device: Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation<br>* Participants assigned to this group will received two sessions (once per week) of ultrasound guided Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation targeting the femoral nerve.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Control<br>Participants in the control group will walk during 5 minutes, without receiving any intervention | Other: Control Group<br>* No intervention<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in Contra-Movement Jump between baseline and follow-up periods | The jump will start in an upright position with participants hands in their waists. They will perform a vertical jump after a fast down countermovement. During the knees and hips flexion, the trunk will remain the most upright as possible. The jump is measured using a Chronopump-Boscosystem DIN-A2 contact platform obtaining a jump reliable and valid height in centimeters | Baseline and immediately after each session and 1 month after the last treatment session | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in Squat Performance Speed between baseline and follow-up periods | The Speed4Lift device will be used. Squats will be performed using a 20kg olympic bar with two 20kg discs in each side. Participants will place the bar over their shoulders in a 90º triple-flexion position. The measurements will be performed during the concentric contraction phase of the squat | Baseline and immediately after each session and 1 month after the last treatment session | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, Performance, Soccer