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Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Added to ESWT for Lateral Epicondylitis
Sponsor: Ali Güneri
Summary
This randomized, sham-controlled, assessor-blinded clinical trial will evaluate the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) added to extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in adults with lateral epicondylitis. A total of 70 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ESWT plus active PEMF or ESWT plus sham PEMF. Both groups will also receive the same standardized home exercise program. Treatment will be administered once weekly for 5 weeks. Participants will be assessed before treatment, at the end of the 5-week treatment period, and 3 months after treatment. The primary outcome will be the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) total score. Secondary outcomes will include pain intensity measured using the Numeric Rating Scale, pressure pain threshold, maximum and pain-free grip strength, and ultrasonographic assessment of the common extensor tendon, including tendon thickness, hypoechogenicity, and fibrillar pattern abnormalities.
Official title: Efficacy of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy as an Adjunct to Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
70
Start Date
2026-09-02
Completion Date
2027-01-14
Last Updated
2026-09-03
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy
Active pulsed electromagnetic field therapy will be applied before each ESWT session for 30 minutes, once weekly for 5 weeks. According to the study protocol, PEMF will be delivered at 25 Hz and 4.6 Hz sequentially, with a total of 6 mT per session.
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy
Sham PEMF will be applied before ESWT using the same duration and positioning as active PEMF. The device will have the same appearance, sound, and light signals as the active device but will not generate a therapeutic electromagnetic field.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy will be applied to the point of maximum tenderness over the lateral epicondyle using 2000 shocks per session at 1.5-2.0 bar and 10 Hz, once weekly for 5 weeks. Transmission gel will be used and local anesthesia will not be administered.
Home Exercise Program
All participants will receive the same standardized home exercise program. The program will include eccentric wrist extension (3 sets of 15 repetitions once daily), isometric wrist extension (3 sets of 30-second contractions once daily), and static stretching exercises targeting the forearm flexor and extensor muscle groups (3 sets of 30-second holds twice daily). The exercises will be demonstrated individually at the first session and supported with a written and visual exercise brochure. Exercise adherence will be checked and recorded weekly before each treatment session.