# Randomised control trial on the sustained carry-over effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy

## TL;DR

This study tested if pulsed electromagnetic field therapy combined with exercise improves long-term outcomes for Achilles tendinopathy.

## Contribution

The study introduces PEMF therapy as a potential non-invasive adjunct to standard exercise treatment for Achilles tendinopathy.

## Key findings

- Both active and sham PEMF therapy groups showed improvements in outcomes after 8 weeks.
- Improvements were maintained at the 26-week follow-up.
- PEMF therapy shows potential as a non-invasive treatment for Achilles tendinopathy.

## Abstract

Achilles tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal condition characterised by pain and functional impairment. Current treatments, such as eccentric exercises, are recommended as first-line options, but their success rates are often disappointing. Adjunctive novel treatments may help improve outcomes for these patients. This study aims to determine whether participants receiving active pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy combined with eccentric exercise experience sustained additional improvements compared to those receiving sham PEMF therapy combined with eccentric exercise. A total of 65 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to an 8-week programme of either active PEMF therapy or sham PEMF therapy. Additionally, all participants completed a standardised home-based eccentric exercise programme for 12 weeks. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment questionnaire was the primary outcome. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale and the Short Form 36 were selected as the secondary outcomes. An eight-week PEMF therapy, conducted alongside a twelve-week eccentric exercise regimen, resulted in notable improvements for both treatment groups across all outcomes. These improvements were maintained at the twenty-six-week follow-up. PEMF therapy constitutes an innovative, non-invasive therapeutic approach that shows potential for treating Achilles tendinopathy. Additional research into the optimal dosage of PEMF therapy is recommended to develop thorough future clinical trials.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05316961). Registered on 7th April 2022.

Protocol Registration: The study protocol was published in Trials (10.1186/s13063-023-07434-6).