J Orthop. 2025 Nov 20;72:245-249. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2025.11.019. eCollection 2026 Feb.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal conditions are a leading cause of disability and their prevalence is expected to further rise. Current treatment approaches are often associated with significant adverse effects or high dropout rates, highlighting the need for alternative solutions that are both effective and well-tolerated. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of HIFEM stimulation in enhancing the musculoskeletal system function, as well as its procedural safety, therapy comfort, and participant satisfaction with outcomes.
METHODS: A total of 36 subjects were enrolled. Four HIFEM treatments were delivered to the upper or lower extremities, 5-10 days apart. Follow-up visits were scheduled 1 month and 3 months post-treatment. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) was used for assessment of change in the condition of subjects treated on the lower extremity, while the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire was utilized for subjects treated on the upper extremity. Subject satisfaction, therapy comfort, and safety were additionally assessed. Changes in WOMAC and DASH scores were analyzed using Friedman's test to assess statistical significance. Post-hoc Dunn's test was performed for multiple comparisons of total scores across time points.
RESULTS: The WOMAC scores improved (p < 0.05) by 62.0 % on average after the final treatment, by 65.1 % at 1 month, and increased to 68.3 % at 3 months. The DASH scores were improved (p < 0.05) on average by 49.0 % after the final treatment, by 46.6 % at 1 month, peaking at 3 months with 67.7 % score reduction. 91 % of participants were satisfied with results and found the treatments comfortable. 97.1 % reported their treated joints felt better and 91.2 % that their range of motion had improved. Additionally, 82.4 % reported increased mobility, and 76.5 % experienced enhanced flexibility. No side effects or adverse events occurred throughout the study.
CONCLUSION: These results support HIFEM as a safe and effective approach for enhancing musculoskeletal conditions as an independent modality or adjunctive to traditional treatments.
PMID:41362484 | PMC:PMC12681889 | DOI:10.1016/j.jor.2025.11.019