Magnetic pulse therapy shows promise for wobbly ankles
NCT ID NCT05500885
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether adding pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to standard rehab helps people with chronic ankle instability. 62 adults with a history of ankle sprains and ongoing instability received either real PEMF or a sham device alongside rehab. The goal was to see if PEMF reduces pain, improves balance, and strengthens ankle muscles.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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62 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2023
- Finished
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Jan 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
* Inclusion in the CAI stratum: * Requires a history of at least one significant sprain \> 12 months prior to consent * Continued perceived or episodic "giving way" of the ankle * Reported Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT score \< 24) Exclusion Criteria for CAI: * A history of surgeries or fractures of either lower extremity limbs * Concomitant lower extremity pathology, e.g. vascular disease and osteoarthritis * Inadequate muscle strength in lower limb which require ambulation support (e.g., crutches) or any vestibular or balance disorders * Pregnancy * Cognitive impairment/Neurological conditions, and neurological disorders (e.g. dementia) -Concussion within the last 6 months * Bilateral instability condition * Regular use of medicine or antibiotics * Metal implantation in their body * Unable to walk at enrolment * Non-removable cast
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Prince of Wales Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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