NCT07278596

High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Therapy on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients With Lumbar Disc Prolapse

Effect of High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Therapy on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients With Lumbar Disc Prolapse: a Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Middle East University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 30 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Determine whether high intensity focused electromagnetic therapy has a significant effect on pain and quality of life in patients with lumbar disc prolapse.

Detailed description

Lumbar disc prolapse is a common cause of lower back pain and radiculopathy, frequently affecting individuals in their productive years. It results from displacement of the intervertebral disc material beyond the disc space, leading to nerve root compression and significant pain, disability, and decreased quality of life. Persistent pain and reduced physical function can impair daily activities and may lead to psychological distress. Traditional conservative management, such as physical therapy and pharmacological interventions, may not always provide sufficient relief. High intensity focused electromagnetic therapy is a non-invasive modality that uses electromagnetic fields to stimulate deep muscle contractions. It has shown potential in enhancing muscle strength, modulating pain, and improving functional outcomes in musculoskeletal conditions. However, its role in managing lumbar disc prolapse has not been thoroughly investigated.

Conditions

• Back Pain Lower Back
• Magnetic Therapy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	High intensity focused electromagnetic therapy (HIFEMT)	The patient will be positioned in a comfortable supine or seated position depending on the targeted lumbar area. The applicator will be placed over the lumbar spine, delivering focused electromagnetic pulses to stimulate deep core and paraspinal muscles. Each session will last 30 minutes, conducted three times per week over a period of 8 weeks. The intensity will be progressively adjusted according to patient tolerance, aiming to induce visible supramaximal muscle contractions without discomfort. HIFEMT is intended to promote muscle strengthening, pain modulation, and spinal stabilization.
OTHER	Stabilization exercise program	Participants will be guided through core-strengthening exercises aimed at improving trunk stability, posture, and neuromuscular control. The exercises will include pelvic tilts, bridging, and bird-dog exercises. All sessions will be conducted under supervision of a physiotherapist. Each session will last for approximately 30 minutes, three times weekly for 8 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-12-07
• Primary completion: 2026-03-30
• Completion: 2026-04-01
• First posted: 2025-12-12
• Last updated: 2025-12-12