Clinical effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy as an adjunct treatment to eccentric exercise for Achilles tendinopathy: a randomised controlled trial

Trials

Study Protocol

Samuel Ka-Kin Ling¹  Patrick Shu-Hang Yung¹  Sai-Chuen Fu¹  Violet Man-Chi Ko¹  Xin He¹ 

[1] Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China;

关键词: Achilles tendinopathy;    Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF);    Eccentric exercise;    Rehabilitation;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13063-023-07434-6

 received in 2022-12-15, accepted in 2023-06-05,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body. Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a common clinical problem with Achilles overuse. Eccentric exercise is often used as an initial treatment for these patients. Most patients with AT experienced moderate to severe pain, limiting the incentive to perform eccentric exercise. It is difficult for them to complete eccentric exercise for 3 months consecutively to obtain significant improvements. Using PEMF as an adjunct, there could be immediate pain relief and improved response to eccentric exercise by modulating the mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon. Participants may experience less pain while performing eccentric exercises to increase compliance with the rehabilitation programme.MethodsThis prospective randomised double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial aims to investigate the treatment effects of PEMF for participants with AT. All participants are randomised into two groups: the intervention group (n = 20; active PEMF treatment and eccentric exercise) and the control group (n = 20; sham treatment and eccentric exercise). Researchers perform self-reported, functional and ultrasonographic outcomes during baseline assessment, 4 weeks, 8 weeks follow-ups, and 3 and 6 months follow-ups after the commencement of the PEMF treatment.DiscussionAT is a common clinical condition affecting athletes and sedentary populations. It is essential to investigate treatment adjuncts to improve rehabilitation outcomes for these patients. This trial may demonstrate the effectiveness of PEMF in relieving pain, improving function, and restoring mechanical changes of the tendon in participants with AT.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05316961. Registered on 7th April 2022.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2023