Healthy AthletesNCT07524647
Effects of Percutaneous Neuromodulation on Vertical Jump
A study testing Plyometric Training and Bilateral femoral nerve ultrasound guide neuromodulation in people with Healthy Athletes, run by CEU San Pablo University at 1 site in Spain.
Trial summary
Vertical jump performance is a determinant factor in physical performance, both in sports and in daily life and work activities. The muscular power of the lower limbs and the ability to generate explosive strength directly influence vertical jump performance and athletic success. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 16 to 35 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Athletes
- What is being tested?
- Plyometric Training and Bilateral femoral nerve ultrasound guide neuromodulation
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 29 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSpain
- Study dates
- 8 Jul 2025to Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 16 to 35 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Practice at least 6 hours of physical activity a week.
Who cannot join
- Serious illnesses
- Cardiovascular pathologies
- Physical injuries that prevented them from participating in sports in the three months prior to the start of the study
- Any absolute contraindication to invasive physical therapy.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation of the Femoral Nerve on Vertical Jump Performance.
Vertical jump performance is a determinant factor in physical performance, both in sports and in daily life and work activities. The muscular power of the lower limbs and the ability to generate explosive strength directly influence vertical jump performance and athletic success. For this reason, the vertical jump is widely used as a field test to evaluate performance capacity.
Different strategies have been used to improve vertical jump performance, such as plyometric training (PT) and electrostimulation (EMS). PT consists of stretch-shortening cycle movements that involve high-intensity eccentric contractions followed by rapid and powerful concentric actions. EMS applies electrical current over muscles or peripheral nerves to generate involuntary muscle contractions. Both methods have shown significant effects in improving vertical jump height.
Read more
In recent years, new therapeutic techniques have emerged in physiotherapy to improve neuromuscular recruitment and functionality, such as ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM-e). This technique consists of the electrical stimulation of a peripheral nerve or a motor point through a needle under ultrasound guidance, for therapeutic purposes. Evidence suggests that PNM-e can improve pain, functionality, balance, and muscle endurance, and increase muscle strength immediately after application. Specifically, low-frequency PNM-e applied to the femoral nerve has been shown to increase maximal quadriceps strength and vertical jump height in athletes.
The femoral nerve plays a key role in quadriceps activation, a muscle group essential for knee extension and hip flexion, functions that are indispensable for both daily and sports activities. However, the specific effects of femoral nerve PNM-e on power and biomechanics of the vertical jump have not been sufficiently explored.
Therefore, the main objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation of the femoral nerve on vertical jump performance. The secondary objective was to compare the effects of isolated plyometric training versus its combination with PNM-e to determine whether the combined approach offers additional benefits on jump performance.
A randomized experimental study was carried out with healthy athletes who regularly practice sports. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (two plyometric training sessions) or to an experimental group (two plyometric training + PNM-e interventions sessions); in both cases the sessions were separated by 7 days. Vertical jump performance was measured twice using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test (before the first session and after the second one).
It is expected that ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation of the femoral nerve, combined with plyometric training, will produce greater improvements in jump performance due to enhanced quadriceps activation and neuromuscular efficiency.
Read the detailed description
This study arises from the growing interest in exploring new therapeutic tools that can optimize neuromuscular function and physical performance through minimally invasive physiotherapy techniques. Among these, ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM-e) has recently gained attention as a procedure that enables direct electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves or motor points via a needle under ultrasound guidance. Previous research has shown that PNM-e can provide clinical benefits such as pain reduction, improved balance, and increased muscle strength. However, scientific evidence regarding its effects on sports performance remains limited.
The femoral nerve, which innervates the quadriceps femoris, plays a crucial role in knee extension and hip flexion-movements essential for generating power during vertical jumping and other dynamic lower-limb actions. Recent studies suggest that electrical stimulation of this nerve may produce immediate increases in maximal quadriceps strength and vertical jump height in athletes. These findings form the rationale for the present study, which hypothesizes that femoral nerve neuromodulation could enhance neuromuscular performance by selectively activating fast-twitch muscle fibers and reducing neural inhibition.
Unlike conventional methods such as surface electrostimulation or standard plyometric training, PNM-e provides precise and localized neuromuscular modulation, targeting specific neural structures under ultrasound control. This level of precision allows a safe and reproducible motor response, potentially translating into functional gains in athletic performance.
The main objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation of the femoral nerve on vertical jump performance. A secondary objective was to compare the outcomes of isolated plyometric training versus the combined intervention (PNM-e plus plyometric training), to determine whether the combination produces superior improvements.
A randomized, experimental study was conducted with healthy physically active young athletes. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (plyometric training only) or to an experimental group (plyometric training plus two sessions of PNM-e, one week apart).
Vertical jump performance was assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test, recorded and analyzed with the MyJump 2 mobile application, a validated tool for measuring jump parameters such as height, flight time, velocity, and power. Assessments were performed at two time points: before the first intervention and after the second intervention (7 days after the first intervention).
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Universidad CEU San Pablo (code 1023-25 TFM) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants provided written informed consent after receiving detailed information about the procedures, risks, and benefits, and were free to withdraw at any time.
It is expected that the combination of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve neuromodulation and plyometric training will enhance neuromuscular efficiency and lead to significant improvements in jump performance compared to plyometric training alone.
This study aims to provide preliminary evidence on the potential of percutaneous neuromodulation as an adjunctive intervention for optimizing muscle performance and athletic function. The findings may contribute to the growing field of invasive physiotherapy by expanding its applications beyond rehabilitation toward performance enhancement. Ultimately, this research could inform future large-scale studies exploring the use of neuromodulation as a targeted and safe method to improve motor performance in both clinical and athletic populations.
- Conditions
- Healthy Athletes
- Being tested
- Plyometric Training, Bilateral femoral nerve ultrasound guide neuromodulation
- Keywords
- ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation, invasive physical therapy, femoral nerve, vertical jump
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Plyometric TrainingBehavioural
The plyometric training program used was the one described by Sankey et al. as an effective exercise program for improving vertical jump:
- 2 sets of 10 tuck jumps.
- 2 sets of 10 alternating leg bounds.
- 2 sets of 15 two-footed bench hops.
- 2 sets of 20 rim jumps. The rest time between sets was 60 seconds.
Bilateral femoral nerve ultrasound guide neuromodulationBehavioural
Bilateral application of an asymmetric biphasic current to the femoral nerve with a frequency of 10 Hz and a pulse width of 240 µs. The intensity of the current was increased until a visible but painless motor response was achieved, using the 10-10-10 protocol (10 seconds of stimulation - 10 seconds of rest - 10 repetitions) described by MVClinic Institute. The current was applied using Physio Invasiva 2.0 ®, and Agupunt APS® needles were used, the length of which depended on the patient's anatomy, taking as a safety reference the measurement of the distance from the skin to the target tissue, estimating the size between 0.30 x 40 and 0.30 x 50 mm.
Before needle insertion, the skin was cleansed with isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine, a clean skin antiseptic. After locating the femoral nerve in the femoral triangle using a General Electrics LOGIQ S7 ultrasound system, the needle was introduced using a long-axis approach, at a 45° angle to the skin, until it reached the epineurium of t
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Plyometric Training | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Plyometric Training |
| Femoral nerve NMP + Plyometric training | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Plyometric Training; Behavioral: Bilateral femoral nerve ultrasound guide neuromodulation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Vertical Jump Height
Vertical jump height will be assessed using the MyJump2 app. This tool allows for precise measurement of jump height through video recording and frame-by-frame analysis. Each participant will perform ten maximum jumps in each measurement, and all results will be recorded. The evaluation will be carried out under standardized conditions, with participants dressed in athletic wear and after a warm-up.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 1 week).
Secondary outcomes (4)
Flight Time
Flight time will be assessed using the MyJump2 application. This variable represents the duration (in milliseconds) that the participant remains in the air during the vertical jump, calculated through frame-by-frame video analysis. Each participant will perform ten maximum jumps in each measurement, and all results will be recorded. The evaluation will be carried out under standardized conditions, with participants dressed in athletic wear and after a warm-up.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 1 week).
Force
Force will be estimated using the MyJump2 application. This variable represents the estimated force output (Newtons) generated during the vertical jump, calculated based on body mass and jump performance variables obtained from video analysis. Three maximal jumps will be recorded, and the best result will be used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 1 week).
Movement Velocity
Movement velocity will be estimated using the MyJump2 application. This variable reflects the take-off velocity (m/s) during the vertical jump, derived from flight time using validated biomechanical equations. Each participant will perform ten maximum jumps in each measurement, and all results will be recorded. The evaluation will be carried out under standardized conditions, with participants dressed in athletic wear and after a warm-up.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 1 week).
Power
Power output will be estimated using the MyJump2 mobile application. This variable reflects the mechanical power (Watts) generated during the vertical jump, calculated from jump height, body mass, and flight time. Each participant will perform ten maximum jumps in each measurement, and all results will be recorded. The evaluation will be carried out under standardized conditions, with participants dressed in athletic wear and after a warm-up.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 1 week).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Apr 2026
- Study start8 Jul 2025
- Primary completionJun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionJun 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Healthy AthletesStudies 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.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 29 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- CEU San Pablo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Maria Prieto Saavedra, CEU San Pablo University
- Investigators
- Francisco Minaya Muñoz, Doctor, Study director, CEU San Pablo University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07524647
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 1023-25 TFM
- Status last verified
- Oct 2025
- First submitted
- 6 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 13 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared due to the nature of the study as a university master's project and the lack of a formal data sharing plan.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation of the Femoral Nerve on Vertical Jump Performance.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07524647
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 1023-25 TFM
- Conditions
- Healthy Athletes
- Keywords
- ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation, invasive physical therapy, femoral nerve, vertical jump
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 29 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- CEU San Pablo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 8 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jun 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Vertical jump performance is a determinant factor in physical performance, both in sports and in daily life and work activities. The muscular power of the lower limbs and the ability to generate explosive strength directly influence vertical jump performance and athletic success. For this reason, the vertical jump is widely used as a field test to evaluate performance capacity.
Different strategies have been used to improve vertical jump performance, such as plyometric training (PT) and electrostimulation (EMS). PT consists of stretch-shortening cycle movements that involve high-intensity eccentric contractions followed by rapid and powerful concentric actions. EMS applies electrical current over muscles or peripheral nerves to generate involuntary muscle contractions. Both methods have shown significant effects in improving vertical jump height.
In recent years, new therapeutic techniques have emerged in physiotherapy to improve neuromuscular recruitment and functionality, such as ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM-e). This technique consists of the electrical stimulation of a peripheral nerve or a motor point through a needle under ultrasound guidance, for therapeutic purposes. Evidence suggests that PNM-e can improve pain, functionality, balance, and muscle endurance, and increase muscle strength immediately after application. Specifically, low-frequency PNM-e applied to the femoral nerve has been shown to increase maximal quadriceps strength and vertical jump height in athletes.
The femoral nerve plays a key role in quadriceps activation, a muscle group essential for knee extension and hip flexion, functions that are indispensable for both daily and sports activities. However, the specific effects of femoral nerve PNM-e on power and biomechanics of the vertical jump have not been sufficiently explored.
Therefore, the main objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation of the femoral nerve on vertical jump performance. The secondary objective was to compare the effects of isolated plyometric training versus its combination with PNM-e to determine whether the combined approach offers additional benefits on jump performance.
A randomized experimental study was carried out with healthy athletes who regularly practice sports. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (two plyometric training sessions) or to an experimental group (two plyometric training + PNM-e interventions sessions); in both cases the sessions were separated by 7 days. Vertical jump performance was measured twice using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test (before the first session and after the second one).
It is expected that ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation of the femoral nerve, combined with plyometric training, will produce greater improvements in jump performance due to enhanced quadriceps activation and neuromuscular efficiency.
Detailed description
This study arises from the growing interest in exploring new therapeutic tools that can optimize neuromuscular function and physical performance through minimally invasive physiotherapy techniques. Among these, ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM-e) has recently gained attention as a procedure that enables direct electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves or motor points via a needle under ultrasound guidance. Previous research has shown that PNM-e can provide clinical benefits such as pain reduction, improved balance, and increased muscle strength. However, scientific evidence regarding its effects on sports performance remains limited.
The femoral nerve, which innervates the quadriceps femoris, plays a crucial role in knee extension and hip flexion-movements essential for generating power during vertical jumping and other dynamic lower-limb actions. Recent studies suggest that electrical stimulation of this nerve may produce immediate increases in maximal quadriceps strength and vertical jump height in athletes. These findings form the rationale for the present study, which hypothesizes that femoral nerve neuromodulation could enhance neuromuscular performance by selectively activating fast-twitch muscle fibers and reducing neural inhibition.
Unlike conventional methods such as surface electrostimulation or standard plyometric training, PNM-e provides precise and localized neuromuscular modulation, targeting specific neural structures under ultrasound control. This level of precision allows a safe and reproducible motor response, potentially translating into functional gains in athletic performance.
The main objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation of the femoral nerve on vertical jump performance. A secondary objective was to compare the outcomes of isolated plyometric training versus the combined intervention (PNM-e plus plyometric training), to determine whether the combination produces superior improvements.
A randomized, experimental study was conducted with healthy physically active young athletes. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (plyometric training only) or to an experimental group (plyometric training plus two sessions of PNM-e, one week apart).
Vertical jump performance was assessed using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test, recorded and analyzed with the MyJump 2 mobile application, a validated tool for measuring jump parameters such as height, flight time, velocity, and power. Assessments were performed at two time points: before the first intervention and after the second intervention (7 days after the first intervention).
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Universidad CEU San Pablo (code 1023-25 TFM) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants provided written informed consent after receiving detailed information about the procedures, risks, and benefits, and were free to withdraw at any time.
It is expected that the combination of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve neuromodulation and plyometric training will enhance neuromuscular efficiency and lead to significant improvements in jump performance compared to plyometric training alone.
This study aims to provide preliminary evidence on the potential of percutaneous neuromodulation as an adjunctive intervention for optimizing muscle performance and athletic function. The findings may contribute to the growing field of invasive physiotherapy by expanding its applications beyond rehabilitation toward performance enhancement. Ultimately, this research could inform future large-scale studies exploring the use of neuromodulation as a targeted and safe method to improve motor performance in both clinical and athletic populations.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Plyometric Training | Active comparator | Behavioral: Plyometric Training |
| Femoral nerve NMP + Plyometric training | Experimental | Behavioral: Plyometric Training, Behavioral: Bilateral femoral nerve ultrasound guide neuromodulation |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 16 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Practice at least 6 hours of physical activity a week.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Serious illnesses
- Cardiovascular pathologies
- Physical injuries that prevented them from participating in sports in the three months prior to the start of the study
- Any absolute contraindication to invasive physical therapy.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Plyometric TrainingThe plyometric training program used was the one described by Sankey et al. as an effective exercise program for improving vertical jump: * 2 sets of 10 tuck jumps. * 2 sets of 10 alternating leg bounds. * 2 sets of 15 two-footed bench hops. * 2 sets of 20 rim jumps. The rest time between sets was 60 seconds. | Behavioural | Femoral nerve NMP + Plyometric training, Plyometric Training |
| Bilateral femoral nerve ultrasound guide neuromodulationBilateral application of an asymmetric biphasic current to the femoral nerve with a frequency of 10 Hz and a pulse width of 240 µs. The intensity of the current was increased until a visible but painless motor response was achieved, using the 10-10-10 protocol (10 seconds of stimulation - 10 seconds of rest - 10 repetitions) described by MVClinic Institute. The current was applied using Physio Invasiva 2.0 ®, and Agupunt APS® needles were used, the length of which depended on the patient's anatomy, taking as a safety reference the measurement of the distance from the skin to the target tissue, estimating the size between 0.30 x 40 and 0.30 x 50 mm. Before needle insertion, the skin was cleansed with isopropyl alcohol and chlorhexidine, a clean skin antiseptic. After locating the femoral nerve in the femoral triangle using a General Electrics LOGIQ S7 ultrasound system, the needle was introduced using a long-axis approach, at a 45° angle to the skin, until it reached the epineurium of t | Behavioural | Femoral nerve NMP + Plyometric training |
Primary outcome
Vertical Jump Height
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 1 week).
Vertical jump height will be assessed using the MyJump2 app. This tool allows for precise measurement of jump height through video recording and frame-by-frame analysis. Each participant will perform ten maximum jumps in each measurement, and all results will be recorded. The evaluation will be carried out under standardized conditions, with participants dressed in athletic wear and after a warm-up.
4 secondary outcomes
Flight Time
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 1 week).
Force
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 1 week).
Movement Velocity
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 1 week).
Power
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 1 week).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Apr 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared due to the nature of the study as a university master's project and the lack of a formal data sharing plan.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Francisco Minaya Muñoz, Doctor study director
CEU San Pablo University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Plyometric Training and Bilateral femoral nerve ultrasound guide neuromodulation in people with Healthy Athletes, run by CEU San Pablo University at 1 site in Spain.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Vertical Jump Height (time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 1 week).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Apr 2026.