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Knee OsteoarthritisHIPEMF-OAKNCT07198750

"Bimodal vs Unimodal High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis"

A study testing HI-PEMF - Knee (Chronic Pain Protocol), HI-PEMF - Quadriceps (Muscle Strengthening Protocol) and Home-Based Exercise Program in people with Knee Osteoarthritis and Osteoarthritis, run by Hospital Civil de Guadalajara at 1 site in Mexico.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This randomized, double-blind clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (HI-PEMF) applied either exclusively on the knee joint or bimodally on the knee and quadriceps, in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 60 years and older
What is being tested?
HI-PEMF - Knee (Chronic Pain Protocol), HI-PEMF - Quadriceps (Muscle Strengthening Protocol) and Home-Based Exercise Program
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
64 participants
Where
1 siteMexico
Study dates
15 Sep 2025to 15 Apr 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 60 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age ≥ 60
  • Clinical and radiological diagnosis of knee OA grade I-IV
  • Pain ≥ 3 on Numeric Analog Scale for >6 months
  • Can walk (with/without aid)
  • Cognitive ability to follow instructions
  • Signed informed consent
Show all 23Show fewer
  • Availability for 9 treatment sessions and home exercise Exclusion Criteria
  • Prior total knee arthroplasty (unilateral or bilateral)
  • Neurological disorders affecting motor function or cognition (e.g., Parkinson's disease, stroke, moderate to severe dementia)
  • Active inflammatory rheumatic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
  • Presence of pacemakers, implantable defibrillators, or metallic implants near the treatment area
  • Current use of other physical therapy modalities for pain (e.g., electrotherapy, ultrasound, TENS) outside the study protocol
  • Participation in another clinical trial within the past 3 months
  • Current use of NSAIDs or systemic/local corticosteroids (including intra-articular injections)
  • Open wounds or active infections at the treatment site
  • Decompensated cardiac conditions or medical contraindication to exercise
  • Vestibular disorders that affect balance and interfere with functional assessments
  • Uncorrected visual impairment interfering with gait or balance (visual acuity worse than 20/60 in the better eye, assessed by Snellen chart)
  • Withdrawal Criteria:
  • Participants who complete fewer than 7 out of the 9 planned intervention sessions (i.e., less than 80% adherence)
  • Occurrence of serious adverse events related to the intervention that contraindicate continuation
  • Repeated non-compliance with the home exercise program, documented in at least two consecutive weekly follow-up reports
  • Voluntary withdrawal of consent at any time during the study

Who cannot join

None listed.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Mexico1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Fray Antonio Alcalde"

    Guadalajara, Jalisco, 44280

    Ana L Villagrana Rodríguez, MD, +523324261190, alvillagrana@hcg.gob.mx

    Ileana Díaz Solís, MD, +523328184251, inforehabilitacion.ids@gmail.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in Mexico

About this study

Official title: Effect of High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy as a Bimodal Intervention for Analgesia and Strengthening in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial

This randomized, double-blind clinical trial aims to evaluate the effect of high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (HI-PEMF) applied either exclusively on the knee joint or bimodally on the knee and quadriceps, in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Both groups will also receive a structured home-based exercise program. The primary outcome is pain reduction, and secondary outcomes include functional performance.

Read the detailed description

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent and disabling condition in older adults. It often coexists with quadriceps muscle weakness, sarcopenia, and frailty, all of which contribute to pain, functional decline, and loss of independence. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) has emerged as a non-invasive alternative for pain relief in OA, with growing interest in its application at both articular and muscular levels.

High-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field (HI-PEMF) therapy-also known as the super inductive system-generates magnetic fields up to 2.5 Tesla, capable of stimulating both joint structures and skeletal muscle via deep tissue electric induction. HI-PEMF has shown promising results for pain reduction, anti-inflammatory modulation, and muscle bioactivation, particularly when applied over the quadriceps.

This randomized, double-blind, parallel-assignment clinical trial aims to compare the effects of two HI-PEMF treatment modalities in older adults with moderate to severe knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II-IV):

  • Group A: HI-PEMF applied exclusively over the symptomatic knee.
  • Group 2: HI-PEMF applied both over the knee and the quadriceps (bimodal). Both groups will also perform a standardized home-based strengthening and mobility exercise program.

A total of 64 participants (32 per group) will receive 9 sessions of HI-PEMF (2 per week for 5 weeks), using the BTL-6000 Super Inductive System. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The primary outcome is change in pain intensity using the Numeric Analog Scale (NAS). Secondary outcomes include functional tests (Timed Up and Go and 5-times Sit-to-Stand), and paracetamol use. Exploratory subgroup analyses will assess associations with frailty status (FRAIL), probable sarcopenia (SARC-F), and radiological OA grade.

This study seeks to generate evidence on the potential synergistic benefits of combining articular and muscular HI-PEMF therapy in geriatric rehabilitation. It is designed for implementation in a public hospital setting in Mexico, with minimal risk and high feasibility. All procedures follow ethical guidelines and have received institutional review board approval.

Being tested
HI-PEMF - Knee (Chronic Pain Protocol), HI-PEMF - Quadriceps (Muscle Strengthening Protocol), Home-Based Exercise Program
Keywords
High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields, HI-PEMF, Super Inductive System, Knee Osteoarthritis, Gonarthrosis, Geriatric Rehabilitation, Chronic Pain, Functional Mobility
Medical subject headings
Osteoarthritis, Knee, Osteoarthritis, Chronic Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • HI-PEMF - Knee (Chronic Pain Protocol)Device

    High-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field (HI-PEMF) therapy applied to the symptomatic knee using the "Chronic Pain" protocol of the BTL-6000 Super Inductive System, 10-minute duration per session, applied twice per week over 5 weeks (total of 9 sessions). The applicator is positioned 2-3 cm above the patella, without skin contact, with the patient seated or in supine position.

  • HI-PEMF - Quadriceps (Muscle Strengthening Protocol)Device

    HI-PEMF therapy will be applied to both the symptomatic knee and the quadriceps muscle (rectus femoris). The knee application will follow the same procedure as in Group A, using the "Chronic Pain" protocol of the BTL-6000 Super Inductive System. In addition, the quadriceps will be treated using the "Muscle Strengthening" protocol. Each site will receive 10 minutes of therapy per session, twice per week over 5 weeks (total of 9 sessions). The applicator for the quadriceps will be positioned perpendicular to the muscle belly, without skin contact, with the patient lying supine and a cushion under the knee for slight flexion.

  • Home-Based Exercise ProgramBehavioural

    Standardized home-based exercise program prescribed to both groups. It includes five exercises: isometric quadriceps contractions, straight leg raises, seated knee extensions, sit-to-stand from chair, and stationary marching. Participants are instructed to perform the exercises three times per week during the 5-week intervention. Printed instructions and a video guide are provided. Adherence is reinforced via weekly follow-up.

Study groups in NCT07198750
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group A - Unimodal HI-PEMFExperimentalParticipants in Group A will receive high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (HI-PEMF) applied exclusively to the symptomatic knee (femorotibial joint) for 10 minutes per session, twice a week over 5 weeks, completing a total of 9 sessions. The intervention will use the "Chronic Pain" protocol of the BTL-6000 Super Inductive System. A standardized home-based exercise program will be provided to all participants.
Receives: Device: HI-PEMF - Knee (Chronic Pain Protocol); Behavioral: Home-Based Exercise Program
Group B - Bimodal HI-PEMFExperimentalParticipants in Group B will receive high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (HI-PEMF) applied to both the symptomatic knee (femorotibial joint) and the quadriceps muscle (rectus femoris), with 10 minutes per site, twice a week over 5 weeks, completing a total of 9 sessions. The knee application will follow the "Chronic Pain" protocol, and the quadriceps application will follow the "Muscle Strengthening" protocol, both using the BTL-6000 Super Inductive System. A standardized home-based exercise program will be provided to all participants.
Receives: Device: HI-PEMF - Quadriceps (Muscle Strengthening Protocol); Behavioral: Home-Based Exercise Program

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in pain intensity measured by the Numeric Analog Scale (NAS)

    Pain intensity will be assessed using the 11-point Numeric Analog Scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst possible pain), reported by the patient at rest and related to the most symptomatic knee. The primary endpoint is the change in NAS score from baseline to end of the 5-week intervention and at 2-month follow-up (approximately week 13). This will allow evaluation of both immediate and sustained effects of the intervention.

    Measured: Baseline, end of intervention (week 5), and 2-month follow-up

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Change in functional mobility measured by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test

    Functional mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Participants are instructed to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, return, and sit down. The total time (in seconds) will be recorded using a stopwatch. The outcome measure is the change in time from baseline to the end of the 5-week intervention and at 2-month follow-up. This assesses both short-term and sustained improvements in functional mobility.

    Measured: Baseline, end of intervention (week 5), and 2-month follow-up

  2. Change in lower-limb functional strength measured by the 5-times Sit-to-Stand (5STS) test

    Lower-limb functional strength will be assessed using the 5-times Sit-to-Stand (5STS) test. Participants will be instructed to rise from a standard chair and sit back down five times as quickly as possible without using their arms. The total time (in seconds) to complete the task will be recorded using a stopwatch. The outcome measure is the change in time from baseline to the end of the 5-week intervention and at 2-month follow-up. This evaluates improvements in functional lower-limb strength and endurance over time.

    Measured: Baseline, end of intervention (week 5), and 2-month follow-up

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted30 Sep 2025
  2. Study start15 Sep 2025
  3. Primary completion5 Feb 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion15 Apr 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Two-arm parallel design: Group A receives HI-PEMF applied to the knee only (unimodal), while Group B receives HI-PEMF applied to both the knee and quadriceps (bimodal). Both groups also perform the same home-based exercise program.
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
64 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07198750
Sponsor's protocol ID
CEI-151-25
Acronym
HIPEMF-OAK
Status last verified
Sep 2025
First submitted
22 Sep 2025
Last updated
30 Sep 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: The individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared because the study is conducted within a public hospital setting without external funding, and there is no current plan or infrastructure to support secondary data sharing. Data will be used exclusively for the primary objectives outlined in the approved protocol.

Publications

  • Iannitti T, Fistetto G, Esposito A, Rottigni V, Palmieri B. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for management of osteoarthritis-related pain, stiffness and physical function: clinical experience in the elderly. Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:1289-93. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S35926. Epub 2013 Sep 26.

    PubMed 24106421
  • Ong MT, Man GC, Lau LC, He X, Qiu J, Wang Q, Chow MC, Choi BC, Yu M, Yung PS. Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field as an intervention for patients with quadriceps weakness after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a double-blinded, randomized-controlled trial. Trials. 2022 Sep 12;23(1):771. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06674-2.

    PubMed 36096886
  • Bagnato GL, Miceli G, Marino N, Sciortino D, Bagnato GF. Pulsed electromagnetic fields in knee osteoarthritis: a double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2016 Apr;55(4):755-62. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kev426. Epub 2015 Dec 24.

    PubMed 26705327

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing HI-PEMF - Knee (Chronic Pain Protocol), HI-PEMF - Quadriceps (Muscle Strengthening Protocol) and Home-Based Exercise Program in people with Knee Osteoarthritis and Osteoarthritis, run by Hospital Civil de Guadalajara at 1 site in Mexico.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 23 inclusion and 0 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Mexico. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in pain intensity measured by the Numeric Analog Scale (NAS) (time frame: Baseline, end of intervention (week 5), and 2-month follow-up). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07198750, which also lists 3 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Sep 2025.

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