This study is testing if using a VPOD Wireless Tens Unit, which delivers Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), can help people recover strength after ankle fracture surgery. Researchers are looking for 20 adults, aged 18 to 70, who are having surgery to repair an ankle fracture. You cannot join if you have certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or an implanted electrical device. The main goal is to see how much the strength of your calf muscle (gastrocnemius muscle) improves at 6, 9, and 12 weeks after surgery. This is a pilot study, meaning it's a small-scale test to see if this approach is promising. The current status of the study is unclear.

Study design

This is a pilot randomized controlled trial with 20 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive NMES or not.

What's involved

If you are in the intervention group, you will receive NMES five days a week for ten weeks, starting three weeks after surgery. Both groups will start standard physical therapy six weeks after surgery. Your calf muscle strength will be measured at weeks 6, 9, and 12.

Compensation

Not stated in the trial record.

Follow-up

Your calf muscle strength will be measured up to 12 weeks after surgery.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.