Pulsed electromagnetic therapy for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy
Official title: Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial of Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field Therapy for Treatment of Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy（EM-MAT Trial)
Run by Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT06969859 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether adding pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to standard eccentric exercises helps adults with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy reduce pain and improve function compared with sham PEMF.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shatin, New Territories) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06969859 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with symptomatic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy confirmed by clinical exam and ultrasound (VISA-A <60 and tendon thickness >7 mm) who have not had prior invasive Achilles procedures and have no contraindications to PEMF.
✕Probably not a fit
People who have had prior invasive Achilles treatments, who are pregnant or have implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemakers), or who have major physical or psychological comorbidities that prevent completing assessments are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assigns adults with clinical and ultrasound-confirmed mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy 1:1 to active PEMF plus the Alfredson eccentric training program or to sham PEMF plus the same exercises. Participants and outcome assessors are blinded, and measurements include self-reported scores, functional tests, and tendon ultrasound at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months. Key inclusion criteria are age over 18, VISA-A score under 60, and tendon thickening greater than 7 mm on ultrasound; exclusions include prior invasive Achilles treatments and contraindications to PEMF. The trial is conducted at Prince of Wales Hospital (Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong) with written informed consent obtained before enrollment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding PEMF to eccentric training could speed pain relief, improve function, and promote tendon healing in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Eccentric loading programs like the Alfredson protocol are well supported for this condition, but PEMF as an adjunct has limited and mixed prior evidence and is relatively novel for Achilles tendinopathy.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (\>18 years of age) * Clinical diagnosis of mid-Achilles tendinopathy * VISA-A score of \<60 * Ultrasound evidence of Achilles tendinopathy (thickening \>7mm) Exclusion Criteria: * Previous invasive treatment to the Achilles tendon (e.g. rupture repair, PRP injection etc) * Contraindication to PEMF (e.g. pregnancy, pacemakers) * Physical or psychological comorbidities impairing the ability to complete assessments (eg neurological deficits etc.)
Where it's running
-
Prince of Wales Hospital
Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Samuel Ling, Dr.
- Email: samuel.ling@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: 852-35052010
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.