Abstract
Background Ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (US-guided PNM) is defined as electric
stimulation of a peripheral nerve at some point of its trajectory via a needle, with
analgesic objectives and for the improvement of muscle function. Hip abductor muscles
play an important role in the performance of tennis players, participating primarily
in the transfer of forces in situations such as stopping and starting, changes in
direction and even hitting the ball.
Aims The aims of this study were to confirm the effects of US-guided PNM on the superior
gluteal nerve on strength and muscle activity in hip abductors and the reduction of
the Q angle of the knee during a single-legged squat in a high performance athlete.
Material and Methods The subject was a high performance athlete aged 17, without traumatic injuries to
the lower limb. The study was conducted in the installations of AY360° Salud y Deporte.
The following variables were measured before and after the intervention: force (MVIC),
muscle activity (RMS) using surface electromyography and the knee Q angle during a
single-legged squat using Kinovea video analysis. A treatment protocol was performed
under ultrasound guidance using a PES current with 6 Hz pulses and a pulse duration
of 250 μs. In total, 5 applications of 15 seconds' duration were applied with the
help of a pointer.
Results Improvements were obtained for strength measurements, from a MVIC of 0.13 mV (50.72%)
to 0.26 mV (100%), for muscle activity RMS improved from 13.26% to 23.96%, and degrees
changed from 23.6° to 21°.
Conclusions The US-guided PNM technique, according to the parameters studied, appears to be a
useful tool for the improvement of the cited variables.
