Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Systems to Promote the Maintenance of Bone and Muscle

A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Pilot Study of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Promoting the Maintenance of Muscle Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

This is a pilot study that evaluates the effect of PEMF in maintaining muscle mass postoperatively in individuals experiencing clinical immobilisation due ACL reconstruction surgery. Half of the participants will receive the PEMF therapy in combination with standard rehabilitation programme, while the other half will receive sham therapy in combination with standard rehabilitation programme.

This is a single-site, randomized, double-blinded, prospective pilot study of the effectiveness of once-weekly PEMF therapy in the promotion of muscle maintenance following ACL reconstruction surgery. Eligible subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive therapy with an active PEMF device or an identical inactive Sham device, in addition to the standard rehabilitation regimen.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects who have undergone unilateral first-time athroscopic reconstruction with single bundle hamstring graft using both transtibial and transportal techniques for rupture anterior cruciate ligament
• Informed consent signed

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects requiring concomitant knee ligament reconstruction
• Subjects having other than hamstring graft for the ACL reconstruction
• Subjects with history of cardiac, neurological, and rheumatological diseases, and previous lower limb surgery/ fracture
• Subjects with Leg circumference > 63 cm
• Pregnant women