Adding high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to the first phase of post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rehabilitation does not improve pain and function in young male athletes more than exercise alone: a randomized single-blind clinical trial

70 male athletes undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were randomized to receive exercise therapy with additional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy or no additional TENS therapy for four weeks following the operation. Outcomes of interest included pain on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and knee range of motion (ROM) in flexion. Follow up was performed at 4 weeks and 14 weeks post-operation. While both groups displayed significant improvements from baseline in all outcomes at both 4 and 14 weeks, there were no observed differences in outcomes at all time points between the two groups. Compliance was similar between the two groups, and no cases of adverse events were recorded.