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Pilot Study of PEMF Therapy in Treatment of Post-operative Pain Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Pilot Study of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in the Treatment of Persistent Post-Operative Pain Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02211534
Enrollment
35
Registered
2014-08-07
Start date
2014-09-30
Completion date
2016-03-31
Last updated
2017-10-27

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Post-Operative Pain Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Keywords

Pulsed Electromagnetic Energy Fields, Total Knee Arthroplasty, Pain Intensity

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether pulsed electromagnetic energy field (PEMF) therapy is effective in the treatment of persistent pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA)

Detailed description

This is a multi-site randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group prospective pilot study of the analgesic effectiveness of twice-daily PEMF therapy in the treatment of persistent post-operative pain following Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Following a run-in period of 10 days to collect their baseline pain intensity scores, activity levels and opioid consumption, eligible subjects will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive therapy with an active PEMF device or an identical inactive Sham device. Subjects will self-treat twice daily for 60 days while at home. Subjects will collect electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) data each morning through Day 75. Subjects will be evaluated at the research center for Interim Visits at Day 21, Day 41, Day 61 and Day 75 for assessment of safety, concomitant medications, range of motion, weight, peripheral edema, and quality of life outcomes. At Day 90, Day 150, and Day 240 assessment of pain intensity, opioid consumption, safety, review of concomitant medications and interval history will be performed, with data collected via telephone contact.

Interventions

DEVICEPulsed Electromagnetic Field Device (Provant)

The PEMF device delivers non-thermal, non-ionizing pulsed electromagnetic energy to the target tissue, using 27.12 megahertz pulses lasting 42 microseconds and delivered 1000 times per second. The system generates an electromagnetic field that is continuously monitored and regulated to ensure consistent dosing. The therapeutic electromagnetic field is delivered by means of an applicator pad that is placed against the treatment site. The active and sham devices will be identical in appearance and all other physical characteristics in order to maintain the masking of the treatment.

DEVICESham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Device

The Sham device will be identical in appearance, physical characteristics and operation to the Active device.

Sponsors

Regenesis Biomedical, Inc.
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Subject age is greater or equal to 18 years. 2. Subject has undergone a total knee replacement for the treatment of osteoarthritis, and has persistent post-operative pain in the index knee for \> 3 months and \< 36 months following surgery. 3. Subject has been receiving medication for persistent post-operative knee pain, including opioid or non-opioid analgesic medication that is administered on an as needed (prn) basis, and is on a stable analgesic dosing regimen (i.e. the same medications and dosages) for \> 30 days prior to the screening visit. 4. Mean Pain Intensity (calculated as the mean of the daily average pain intensity scores) is ≥3 and \< 9 as measured on Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) during the run-in phase. 5. Subject has completed a minimum of 80% (8 of 10 possible) of the pain intensity assessments during the run-in phase. 6. Subject is willing and able to wear an activity meter from the screening visit through Day 75. 7. Subject is able to access an internet browser in the home environment. 8. Subject is willing and able to give written informed consent and to comply with all parts of the study protocol. 9. Female Subjects must be post menopausal, surgically sterile, abstinent, or practicing (or agree to practice) an effective method of birth control if they are sexually active for the duration of the study. (Effective methods of birth control include prescription hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices, double-barrier methods, and/or male partner sterilization).

Exclusion criteria

1. Subject has undergone simultaneous bilateral knee arthroplasty or revision arthroplasty on the index knee. 2. Subject requires revision surgery prior to Day 75. 3. Subject has undergone manipulation under anesthesia of the index knee or any local injection into the index knee within 30 days prior to the Screening Visit, or within 6 weeks prior to the Screening Visit for long acting lidocaine injection products. 4. Subject has received any investigational drug or device within 30 days prior to the Screening Visit or is enrolled in another clinical trial. 5. Subjects consuming an average of \> 100 mg oral Morphine Sulfate equivalents per day during the run-in phase. 6. Subject has evidence on physical or radiological exam of joint instability or infection involving the index knee. 7. Passive range of motion demonstrates maximal flexion of the index knee \< 90 degrees or maximal extension of the index knee \< -10 degrees. 8. Body Mass Index (BMI) \< 19 kg/m2, or \> 38 kg/m2. 9. Subject has a history of any uncontrolled medical illness that in the investigator's judgment places the subject at unacceptable risk for receipt of Provant therapy. 10. Subject has an ongoing painful condition that in the opinion of the Investigator might have a confounding influence on the safety or effectiveness analysis for this study. 11. Use of systemic corticosteroids within 2 months of the Screening visit. 12. Subject anticipates the need for surgery of any type through the Day 75 visit. 13. Subjects whom, in the judgment of the Investigator, have serious psychosocial co-morbidities. 14. History of drug or alcohol abuse within one year prior to screening. 15. Subject has a history of malignancy within the past five years other than successfully treated non-metastatic basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas of the skin in the treatment area and/or localized carcinoma in situ of the cervix. 16. Subject has an implanted pacemaker, defibrillator, neurostimulator, spinal cord stimulator, bone stimulator, cochlear implant, or other implanted device with an implanted metal lead(s). 17. Existing or planned pregnancy. 18. Subject has been previously treated with study device. 19. Subject is in current litigation related to the index knee or is receiving Worker's Compensation for an injury related to the index knee. 20. Subject is unwilling or unable to follow study instructions, comply with the treatment regimen, study visits, and ePRO assessments. 21. Standard deviation around the mean of the average pain intensity scores during the run-in period is \>2.0.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Pain IntensityAssessed at Day 60 as compared to BaselinePercent change from Baseline in Pain Intensity (PI): a validated 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) with scores (0-10) collected as patient-reported outcomes on an electronic diary (ePRO). A score of 0 represents 'No Pain' while a score of 10 represents Worst Pain Imaginable.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)Responders at Day 75 (compared to baseline)Responders: Defined as subjects with a 5-point decrease in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score. BDI is a validated self-reported assessment of current symptoms of depressive disorders, with total scores ranging from 0 to 63. The BDI scale consists of 21 groups of statements with each score/response ranging from 0 to 3. Higher scores represent greater depression. The BDI was conducted at baseline prior to study device treatments and again at Day 61.
Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)Day 75Responder Analysis at Day 75 (patents stating they are Improved to Much Improved) using the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC). PGIC is a 7-point validated categorical scale of overall change in status since initiation of treatment with the study device. PGIC allows subjects to integrate into one overall evaluation the different aspects of their response to treatment, including pain reduction, improvement in functioning and side effects. Subjects select one of the following response at the end of treatment: Very Much Worse, Much Worse, Minimally Worse, No Change, Minimally Improved, Improved, or Much Improved.
Analgesic ConsumptionDay 56 to Day 60 (compared to baseline)Consumption of opioid analgesics in the preceding 24 hours will be self-reported by the subject in the ePRO diary on a daily basis during the 10-day run-in period, treatment period and through Day 75. The results below display the difference in opioid analgesic consumption from baseline to Day 56-60. Subject recorded the number of tablets consumed.
Mean Change From Baseline in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)Mean change from Day 0 to Day 75Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS): a validated knee-specific instrument that measures the short-term and long-term symptoms and function associated with knee injury. KOOS consists of 5 categories: pain, other symptoms, function in daily living, function in sport and recreation, and knee related quality of life. Patients are asked to answer questions relating to these categories and respond with Never/None/Not at all, Rarely/Monthly/Mild, Sometimes/Moderate/Weekly, Often/Severe/Daily or Always/Extreme/Totally/Constantly. Each response gets a score from 0 to 4. A normalized score (100 indicating no symptoms and 0 indicating extreme symptoms) is calculated for each subscale. The mean change in score from baseline to Day 75 is displayed below.
Change From Baseline in Peripheral Edema - Maximal Circumference of Calf (cm)Day 75The maximal circumference of the calf and circumference of the thigh at 10 cm and 15 cm cranial to the superior pole of the patella of the index knee will be measured using a tape measure.
Change in Pain Intensity - Average Pain IntensityAt Days 75, 90, 150 and 240, as compared to BaselinePain Intensity (PI): a validated 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) with scores (0-10) collected as patient-reported outcomes on an electronic diary (ePRO).
Change From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Days 0 (Baseline) and Day 75The degree of passive (movement of the knee with the aid of study personnel) and active (subject moving the knee) knee flexion and extension tolerated by the subject will be recorded. ROM will be assessed in the sitting position using a goniometer.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Device
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy device; self-administered at home twice daily for 30 minutes. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Device (Provant): The PEMF device delivers non-thermal, non-ionizing pulsed electromagnetic energy to the target tissue, using 27.12 megahertz pulses lasting 42 microseconds and delivered 1000 times per second. The system generates an electromagnetic field that is continuously monitored and regulated to ensure consistent dosing. The therapeutic electromagnetic field is delivered by means of an applicator pad that is placed against the treatment site. The active and sham devices will be identical in appearance and all other physical characteristics in order to maintain the masking of the treatment.
24
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Device
Inactive Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy device; self-administered at home twice daily for 30 minutes. Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Device: The Sham device will be identical in appearance, physical characteristics and operation to the Active device.
11
Total35

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicSham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceTotalPulsed Electromagnetic Field Device
Age, Continuous63.82 Years62.86 Years62.42 Years
BMI31.7 kg/m^231.42 kg/m^231.3 kg/m^2
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
1 Participants3 Participants2 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
10 Participants31 Participants21 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Pain Catastrophizing Score17.7 units on a scale18.59 units on a scale19 units on a scale
PainDETECT Questionnaire12.7 units on a scale12.8 units on a scale12.8 units on a scale
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
1 Participants3 Participants2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
10 Participants32 Participants22 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
7 Participants24 Participants17 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
4 Participants11 Participants7 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
— / —— / —
other
Total, other adverse events
6 / 244 / 11
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 240 / 11

Outcome results

Primary

Change in Pain Intensity

Percent change from Baseline in Pain Intensity (PI): a validated 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) with scores (0-10) collected as patient-reported outcomes on an electronic diary (ePRO). A score of 0 represents 'No Pain' while a score of 10 represents Worst Pain Imaginable.

Time frame: Assessed at Day 60 as compared to Baseline

Population: Discrepancy in Numbers of Participants Analyzed is due to the number of subjects completing the Day 60 assessment. Not all subjects that were enrolled and had baseline data captured completed the Day 60 assessment. Subjects without a Day 60 assessment were left out of the analysis.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange in Pain Intensity-30.9 Units on a scaleStandard Deviation 37.99
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange in Pain Intensity-29.7 Units on a scaleStandard Deviation 30.58
Secondary

Analgesic Consumption

Consumption of opioid analgesics in the preceding 24 hours will be self-reported by the subject in the ePRO diary on a daily basis during the 10-day run-in period, treatment period and through Day 75. The results below display the difference in opioid analgesic consumption from baseline to Day 56-60. Subject recorded the number of tablets consumed.

Time frame: Day 56 to Day 60 (compared to baseline)

Population: Number of Participants Analyzed differs from numbers above due to the number of subjects reporting opioid analgesic consumption in their ePRO diary.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceAnalgesic Consumption-20.6 Number of tablets takenStandard Deviation 18.04
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceAnalgesic Consumption-22.2 Number of tablets takenStandard Deviation 16.78
Secondary

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)

Responders: Defined as subjects with a 5-point decrease in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score. BDI is a validated self-reported assessment of current symptoms of depressive disorders, with total scores ranging from 0 to 63. The BDI scale consists of 21 groups of statements with each score/response ranging from 0 to 3. Higher scores represent greater depression. The BDI was conducted at baseline prior to study device treatments and again at Day 61.

Time frame: Responders at Day 75 (compared to baseline)

Population: Discrepancy in Numbers of Participants Analyzed is due to the number of subjects completing the Day 75 assessment. Not all subjects that were enrolled and had baseline data captured completed the Day 75 assessment. Subjects without a Day 75 assessment were left out of the analysis.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceBeck Depression Inventory (BDI)3 Participants
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceBeck Depression Inventory (BDI)2 Participants
Secondary

Change From Baseline in Peripheral Edema - Maximal Circumference of Calf (cm)

The maximal circumference of the calf and circumference of the thigh at 10 cm and 15 cm cranial to the superior pole of the patella of the index knee will be measured using a tape measure.

Time frame: Day 75

Population: Discrepancy in Numbers of Participants Analyzed is due to the number of subjects completing the Day 75 assessment. Not all subjects that were enrolled and had baseline data captured completed the Day 75 assessment. Subjects without a Day 75 assessment were left out of the analysis.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Peripheral Edema - Maximal Circumference of Calf (cm).1 cmStandard Deviation 1.46
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Peripheral Edema - Maximal Circumference of Calf (cm)-.1 cmStandard Deviation 0.75
Secondary

Change From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)

The degree of passive (movement of the knee with the aid of study personnel) and active (subject moving the knee) knee flexion and extension tolerated by the subject will be recorded. ROM will be assessed in the sitting position using a goniometer.

Time frame: Days 0 (Baseline) and Day 75

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Change from Baseline - Passive Extension ROM-Day75-.5 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 3.72
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Passive Extension ROM - Baseline3.2 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 2.81
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Active Extension ROM - Baseline4.4 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 3.37
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Change from Baseline - Active Extension ROM-Day75-.8 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 3.49
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Change from Basline - Passivie Flexion ROM-Day 753.0 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 9.19
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Passive Flexion ROM - Baseline110.3 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 11.44
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Active Flexion ROM - Baseline107.7 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 10.35
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Change from Baseline - Active Felexion ROM -Day 753.7 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 9.19
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Change from Baseline - Active Felexion ROM -Day 755.2 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 7.69
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Change from Baseline - Passive Extension ROM-Day75.4 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 3.09
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Change from Basline - Passivie Flexion ROM-Day 754.6 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 4.93
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Passive Extension ROM - Baseline3.6 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 4.13
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Active Flexion ROM - Baseline106.8 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 14.85
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Active Extension ROM - Baseline4.2 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 3.8
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Passive Flexion ROM - Baseline110.0 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 16.05
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceChange From Baseline in Range of Motion (ROM)Change from Baseline - Active Extension ROM-Day75.6 degrees of motionStandard Deviation 2.4
Secondary

Change in Pain Intensity - Average Pain Intensity

Pain Intensity (PI): a validated 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) with scores (0-10) collected as patient-reported outcomes on an electronic diary (ePRO).

Time frame: At Days 75, 90, 150 and 240, as compared to Baseline

Population: Data were not collected.

Secondary

Mean Change From Baseline in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)

Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS): a validated knee-specific instrument that measures the short-term and long-term symptoms and function associated with knee injury. KOOS consists of 5 categories: pain, other symptoms, function in daily living, function in sport and recreation, and knee related quality of life. Patients are asked to answer questions relating to these categories and respond with Never/None/Not at all, Rarely/Monthly/Mild, Sometimes/Moderate/Weekly, Often/Severe/Daily or Always/Extreme/Totally/Constantly. Each response gets a score from 0 to 4. A normalized score (100 indicating no symptoms and 0 indicating extreme symptoms) is calculated for each subscale. The mean change in score from baseline to Day 75 is displayed below.

Time frame: Mean change from Day 0 to Day 75

Population: Discrepancy in Numbers of Participants Analyzed is due to the number of subjects completing the Day 75 assessment. Not all subjects that were enrolled and had baseline data captured completed the Day 75 assessment. Subjects without a Day 75 assessment were left out of the analysis.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceMean Change From Baseline in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)9.2 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 19.02
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DeviceMean Change From Baseline in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)8.9 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.17
Secondary

Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)

Responder Analysis at Day 75 (patents stating they are Improved to Much Improved) using the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC). PGIC is a 7-point validated categorical scale of overall change in status since initiation of treatment with the study device. PGIC allows subjects to integrate into one overall evaluation the different aspects of their response to treatment, including pain reduction, improvement in functioning and side effects. Subjects select one of the following response at the end of treatment: Very Much Worse, Much Worse, Minimally Worse, No Change, Minimally Improved, Improved, or Much Improved.

Time frame: Day 75

Population: Discrepancy in Numbers of Participants Analyzed is due to the number of subjects completing the Day 75 assessment. Not all subjects that were enrolled and had baseline data captured completed the Day 75 assessment. Subjects without a Day 75 assessment were left out of the analysis.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DevicePatient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)5 Participants
Sham Pulsed Electromagnetic Field DevicePatient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)2 Participants

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026