Using pulsed electromagnetic fields to treat knee osteoarthritis
A Double-Blinded, Randomized-Control-Trial to Investigate the Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
NA · Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05548712
This study tests if pulsed electromagnetic field therapy can help older adults with knee osteoarthritis and chronic pain recover better when combined with exercise.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05548712 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis (OA) and chronic knee pain. It aims to assess whether PEMF can enhance muscle regeneration and tissue healing when combined with regular exercise. The study will include participants aged 50 and above with specific grades of knee OA, focusing on those with a sedentary lifestyle. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active PEMF treatment or a sham treatment to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 50 and older with knee osteoarthritis classified as Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-4 and who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Not a fit: Patients under 50 years old or those with significant knee injuries or other rheumatological diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a cost-effective and non-invasive option for managing knee osteoarthritis and improving mobility in affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: While PEMF therapy is gaining attention, this specific approach for knee osteoarthritis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 50 or above 2. knee OA with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-4 by X-ray 3. Sedentary lifestyle (Tegner activity level ≤ 3) 4. No acute knee injuries in past 12 months 5. No muscle strain in past 12 months 6. No degenerative joint diseases in other joints except the involved knee Exclusion Criteria: 1. Age smaller than 50 years old 2. Experienced any concomitant bone fracture, ACL injury, major meniscus injury 3. Any rheumatological diseases 4. Metal implants that would cause interference on MRI 5. Previous contralateral knee injury 6. Recent knee injections (prior 3 months) 7. Physical inability to undertake testing procedures 8. Pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael Tim-Yun Ong — Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Michael Tim-Yun Ong
- Email: michael.ong@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: 26364171
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.
Conditions: Knee Osteoarthritis, Knee Pain Chronic, Pulse electromagnetic field, PEMF, Knee OA, Knee pain