Cerebral and Peripheral Electrical Stimulation on Isometric Quadriceps Strength

Effects of Peripheral and Cerebral Electrical Stimulation on Maximal Isometric Strength of Knee Extensors

Status

Completed

Phases

Phase 2Phase 3

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT03870139

Enrollment

Registered

2019-03-11

Start date

2019-03-30

Completion date

2019-05-07

Last updated

2019-05-09

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Healthy Volunteers

Brief summary

Quadriceps muscle strength is a key goal to be achieved in rehabilitation protocols for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Both cerebral and peripheral electrical stimulations can modulate motor brain areas involved in motor functions and has the potential to optimize muscle capacity. However, their effects on quadriceps function are lacking. This study aims to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) on quadriceps strength in healthy subjects.

Interventions

DEVICECerebral stimulation

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technique that has been investigated for the management of various health conditions. However, its ergogenic effect still has controversial results.

DEVICEPeripheral stimulation

Peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) activates a complex neural network involving a series of neurotransmitters and receptors capable of promoting segmental and extrasegmental analgesia. Moreover, recent evidence has shown that PES can activate brain motor areas such as primary motor cortex.

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

CROSSOVER

Primary purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to 30 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Healthy subjects with no complaints of pain, discomfort in the musculoskeletal system.

Exclusion criteria

* Musculoskeletal or neurological disorder * Under medication

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Isometric quadriceps strength	Pre and Post-test (immediately after tDCS)	Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (Kgf)

Secondary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Isometric quadriceps strength	During stimulation	Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (Kgf)

Countries

Brazil

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026