Pulsed electromagnetic fields improve the healing process of Achilles tendinopathy

Abstract

Aims In the context of tendon degenerative disorders, the need for innovative conservative treatments that can improve the intrinsic healing potential of tendon tissue is progressively increasing. In this study, the role of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) in improving the tendon healing process was evaluated in a rat model of collagenase-induced Achilles tendinopathy. Methods A total of 68 Sprague Dawley rats received a single injection of type I collagenase in Achilles tendons to induce the tendinopathy and then were daily exposed to PEMFs (1.5 mT and 75 Hz) for up to 14 days - starting 1, 7, or 15 days after the injection - to identify the best treatment option with respect to the phase of the disease. Then, 7 and 14 days of PEMF exposure were compared to identify the most effective protocol. Results The daily exposure to PEMFs generally provided an improvement in the fibre organization, a decrease in cell density, vascularity, and fat deposition, and a restoration of the physiological cell morphology compared to untreated tendons. These improvements were more evident when the tendons were exposed to PEMFs during the mid-acute phase of the pathology (7 days after induction) rather than during the early (1 day after induction) or the late acute phase (15 days after induction). Moreover, the exposure to PEMFs for 14 days during the mid-acute phase was more effective than for 7 days. Conclusion PEMFs exerted a positive role in the tendon healing process, thus representing a promising conservative treatment for tendinopathy, although further investigations regarding the clinical evaluation are needed. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(9):613–622.

Developmental endothelial locus-1 attenuates palmitate-induced apoptosis in tenocytes through the AMPK/autophagy-mediated suppression of inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress

“…Finally, the present study provides a basis for developing therapeutic agents for tendinopathy in patients with obesity or insulin resistance by stimulating muscle DEL-1 secretion through regular exercise or by administration of DEL-1. Moreover, t will be more effective if the use of DEL-1 is additionally considered in the previously reported treatment methods 40 - 43 for musculoskeletal disorders.…”

Tendon healing: a concise review on cellular and molecular mechanisms with a particular focus on the Achilles tendon

“… 137 Eccentric training describes the muscle work when a muscle continuously elongates during load-bearing, for example by slowly releasing a carried load to the floor. Preclinical results with non-invasive electromagnetic stimulation of AT during healing of tendinopathy are promising, 138 and could be beneficial for clinical treatment. These clinical findings are in line with the results showing increased neovascularization and VEGF synthesis in affected tendons, and previous observations where vascularization was directly correlated to biomechanical properties of the tendon.…”