An interventional study of Theta Burst Protocol and 10-10-10 Protocol in Healthy Volunteers and Neuromuscular Function, sponsored by Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. Recruiting at 1 site in Spain. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 30 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-07-22.
Sponsored by Universitat Internacional de Catalunya · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This randomized crossover study aims to evaluate whether different percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) protocols produce changes in neuromuscular performance in healthy adults. PENS involves the ultrasound-guided application of an electrical current through a needle to modulate motor neuron excitability. Each participant will undergo five intervention sessions: (1) a long-term potentiation (LTP)-based protocol with impulse trains, (2) a 10 Hz protocol with 10 s stimulation and 10 s rest repeated ten times, (3) a 5-55 protocol with 100 Hz stimulation for 5 s followed by 55 s rest repeated five times, (4) a high-intensity burst (HIB) protocol applied at a high current intensity close to 1000 mA and repeated three times, and (5) a placebo condition. All interventions will be applied bilaterally by an experienced physiotherapist under ultrasound guidance, with a two-week washout between sessions. The objective of this trial is to assess whether these stimulation patterns produce measurable changes in squat execution velocity, jump performance, and quadriceps strength. The findings may help identify the most effective stimulation strategy for enhancing neuromuscular performance.
Universitat Internacional de Catalunya is the lead sponsor of 151 studies on the registry; 46 are open to participants now.
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You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
The intervention consists of the bilateral, ultrasound-guided insertion of a needle for percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS), following a theta-burst pattern designed to produce long-term potentiation-like effects. An asymmetric biphasic compensated current with a rectangular positive phase and a triangular negative phase is applied at a frequency of 100 Hz for 5 seconds, followed by 55 seconds of rest, repeated five times. The pulse width is 240 µs, and the intensity is maintained above the motor threshold and below the pain threshold.
Device: Theta Burst Protocol
The intervention consists of the bilateral, ultrasound-guided insertion of a needle for percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS). An asymmetric biphasic compensated current is applied, with a rectangular positive phase and a triangular negative phase, at a frequency of 10 Hz, pulse width of 240 µs, and an intensity above the motor threshold and below the pain threshold. Each stimulation period lasts 10 seconds, followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated ten times.
Device: 10-10-10 Protocol
Ultrasound-guided PENS protocol applying a 100 Hz stimulation for 5 s followed by 55 s of rest, repeated five times. The intensity is adjusted to a tolerable tingling sensation, below the pain threshold.
Device: 5-55 Protocol
Ultrasound-guided PENS protocol consisting of high-intensity bursts applied bilaterally at a current intensity close to 1000 mA, repeated three times. The intensity is set individually, approaching but not exceeding the participant's tolerance threshold.
Device: High-Intensity Burst (HIB) Protocol
Ultrasound-guided needle insertion at the same anatomical location without electrical stimulation. The device is manipulated to simulate treatment, but no current is delivered.
Device: Placebo
The intervention consists of the bilateral, ultrasound-guided insertion of a needle for percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS), following a theta-burst pattern designed to produce long-term potentiation-like effects. An asymmetric biphasic compensated current with a rectangular positive phase and a triangular negative phase is applied at a frequency of 100 Hz for 5 seconds, followed by 55 seconds of rest, repeated five times. The pulse width is 240 µs, and the intensity is maintained above the motor threshold and below the pain threshold.
Also known as: Impulse Train Protocol
Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) applied under ultrasound guidance at 10 Hz, consisting of 10 seconds of stimulation followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated ten times. The current intensity is adjusted to produce visible muscle contraction without pain.
Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) applied under ultrasound guidance at 100 Hz for 5 seconds, followed by 55 seconds of rest, repeated five times. The current intensity is adjusted to elicit a mild tingling sensation while remaining below the pain threshold.
A sham PENS procedure involving ultrasound-guided needle insertion at the same anatomical site without electrical stimulation. The device is manipulated to simulate treatment, but no current is delivered. Participants are informed they might not feel any sensation during the session.
Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) applied under ultrasound guidance using high-intensity bursts delivered bilaterally at a current intensity close to 1000 mA, repeated three times. The stimulation intensity is individually adjusted to approach but not exceed the participant's tolerance threshold.
Also known as: High Intensity Burst, HIB
Changes in squat execution velocity (m/s) measured with a linear encoder
Time frame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention
Changes in vertical jump performance (jump height) measured with the MyJump2 app.
Time frame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention
Changes in quadriceps strength measured in newtons using a force gauge
Time frame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention
Changes in muscle activation in microvolts (μV) measured via surface electromyography
Time frame: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention
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