NMES With PNF for Ankle Sprain Rehabilitation

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

• Ages 18 to 30 years
• All sexes
• No healthy volunteers
• Adult

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

About this study

Official title: Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Combined With Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Adults With a History of Ankle Sprain

Conditions

Ankle Sprain

Being tested

Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) only

Keywords

Ankle sprain, Balance, Proprioception, Strength, Pain, Range of motion

Medical subject headings

Ankle Injuries, Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

• Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)Behavioural

  The NMES was applied during the plantarflexor contraction phase of the PNF stretching (described as below). Two electrodes (4 × 8 cm) were used for stimulation, placed on the triceps surae of the affected side: one positioned 5 cm below the popliteal fossa, and the other placed 5 cm below the first electrode, directly over the triceps surae. The hold-relax technique of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) will be applied to stretch the triceps surae muscle. It will be performed ten times on the affected limb during each treatment session, lasting approximately 10 minutes in total. Participants will receive interventions three times per week for four weeks, for a total of twelve sessions.

• Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) onlyBehavioural

  The hold-relax technique will be applied to stretch the triceps surae muscle. It will be performed ten times on the affected limb during each treatment session, lasting approximately 10 minutes in total. Participants will receive interventions three times per week for four weeks, for a total of twelve sessions.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

1. Star Excursion Balance Test, SEBT

   Balance ability will be assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Participants stand barefoot at the center of a grid with eight lines extending at 45° angles. They are instructed to reach with the distal part of the foot to touch the farthest point along each line while maintaining a standing position. The examiner recorded the reached distance in centimeters, measured from the center of the grid to the point touched by the participant's big toe.

   Measured: 1. Baseline (Day 1, prior to intervention) 2. Post-intervention (after 12 sessions, Week 4)

2. Proprioception - ankle dorsiflexion (degrees)

   Proprioception of the affected ankle will be measured using the Micro FET3 inclinometer. The examiner moves the foot to a target angle (hold for 10 seconds), and then returned to the starting position. Participants then actively reproduces the angle. The difference between the target and reproduced angles represented proprioceptive accuracy.

   Measured: 1. Baseline (Day 1, prior to intervention) 2. Post-intervention (after 12 sessions, Week 4)

3. Proprioception - ankle plantarflexion (degrees)

   Proprioception of the affected ankle will be measured using the Micro FET3 inclinometer. The examiner moves the foot to a target angle (hold for 10 seconds), and then returned to the starting position. Participants then actively reproduces the angle. The difference between the target and reproduced angles represented proprioceptive accuracy.

   Measured: 1. Baseline (Day 1, prior to intervention) 2. Post-intervention (after 12 sessions, Week 4)

4. Muscle strength - ankle dorsiflexors (kg)

   A dynamometer (Micro FET3) will be placed on the dorsal surfaces of the metatarsals to measure strength of dorsiflexors.

   Measured: 1. Baseline (Day 1, prior to intervention) 2. Post-intervention (after 12 sessions, Week 4)

5. Muscle strength - ankle plantarflexors (kg)

   A dynamometer (Micro FET3) will be placed on the plantar surfaces of the metatarsals to measure strength of plantarflexors.

   Measured: 1. Baseline (Day 1, prior to intervention) 2. Post-intervention (after 12 sessions, Week 4)

6. Range of motion - Ankle dorsiflexion (degrees)

   The axis of the goniometer was placed at the lateral malleolus, the stationary arm aligned with the lateral fibula, and the moving arm aligned with the fifth metatarsal. Participants will be instructed to actively move the ankle from 0° starting position to maximal dorsiflexion.

   Measured: 1. Baseline (Day 1, prior to intervention) 2. Post-intervention (after 12 sessions, Week 4)

7. Range of motion - Ankle plantarflexion (degrees)

   The axis of the goniometer was placed at the lateral malleolus, the stationary arm aligned with the lateral fibula, and the moving arm aligned with the fifth metatarsal. Participants will be instructed to actively move the ankle from 0° starting position to maximal plantarflexion

   Measured: 1. Baseline (Day 1, prior to intervention) 2. Post-intervention (after 12 sessions, Week 4)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

1. First posted24 Sep 2025
2. Study start1 Oct 2025
3. Primary completion31 Mar 2026 (estimated)
4. Study completion31 Jul 2026 (estimated)

Resources

• Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
• Other trials for Ankle SprainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
• What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.