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Effect of Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Balance and Gait in Paraparetic Patients
Sponsor: MTI University
Summary
This study will investigate whether adding electromagnetic field therapy (EMT) to a standard physical therapy program is more effective than physical therapy alone for improving balance and walking ability in paraparetic patients. Thirty patients with paraparesis (weakness in the lower limbs) due to spinal cord lesions between levels T6 and T12 will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will receive a 45-minute physical therapy session, three times per week for two months. The physical therapy program will include stretching, strengthening, balance, and gait training exercises. The key difference will be that one group (Group II) will also receive active low-frequency (0.5 Hz) electromagnetic therapy applied to their spine during their sessions, while the other group (Group I) will receive a placebo (inactive) EMT device. Patients will be assessed before and after the 2-month treatment period. The assessments will measure muscle spasticity (using the Modified Ashworth Scale), balance (using the Biodex Balance System), and detailed gait parameters like step length, stride length, and base of support (using a 3D motion analysis system
Official title: The Role of Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Improving Perturbation of Balance and Gait Disorders in Paraparetic Patients
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
15 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2026-01-11
Completion Date
2026-03-01
Last Updated
2026-01-05
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Therapy (0.5 Hz)
Active electromagnetic field therapy delivered via a PMT Quattro PRO device (Italy, 2002). Settings: 0.5 Hz frequency, 30 mA intensity, applied for 20 minutes per session to the spinal lesion level (T6-T12) while patient is prone. Followed by 10-minute rest. Administered three times per week for 2 months, in conjunction with a standardized 45-minute physical therapy program (stretching, strengthening, balance, and gait training).
Placebo Electromagnetic Field Therapy
identical-appearing electromagnetic therapy device with no active field output (placebo/sham). Applied for 20 minutes per session to the spinal lesion level (T6-T12) while patient is prone. Followed by 10-minute rest. Administered three times per week for 2 months, in conjunction with the identical standardized 45-minute physical therapy program (stretching, strengthening, balance, and gait training) as the active EMT group.
Locations (1)
Outpatient Clinic, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Najran University
Najrān, Saudi Arabia