Pulsed electromagnetic therapy for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy
Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial of Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field Therapy for Treatment of Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy（EM-MAT Trial)
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shatin, New Territories) |
| Trial ID | NCT06969859 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Shatin, New Territories
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.