The effectiveness of using pulsed electromagnetic fields for osteoarthritis of the knee joint

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of pathology of the musculoskeletal system with significant impairment of motor function, which is one of the main causes of disability in the population.
 AIM: This study was aimed at testing the effectiveness of the portable device "ALMAG+" with pulsed electromagnetic fields in the treatment of pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial included patients with radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis and persistent pain greater than 40 mm on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The study included daily treatment with pulsed electromagnetic fields from the ALMAG+ device for 1 month in 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The primary outcome measure was reduction in pain intensity assessed by VAS and WOMAC scales. Secondary outcomes included the 36-item Short Form Medical Outcomes Study version 2 (SF-36 v2) quality of life, pressure pain threshold, and changes in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug/analgesic use.
 RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were enrolled in the study, and 60 completed the study. After 1 month of treatment, pulsed electromagnetic fields caused a significant reduction in pain VAS and WOMAC scores compared to placebo. In addition, patients receiving pulsed electromagnetic fields improved pain tolerance, which was reflected in changes in pain threshold, and physical condition. We obtained a significant and statistically significant effect of the organized pulsed electromagnetic fields factor on VAS pain scores (F=47.6; p=0.00006); assessments of the severity of pain, joint function and stiffness on the scales of the WOMAC questionnaire also significantly changed under the influence of the pulsed electromagnetic fields factor (F=14.7; p=0.001). 26% of patients in the pulsed electromagnetic fields group discontinued non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug/analgesic therapy. No adverse events were identified during treatment.
 CONCLUSION: These results suggest that pulsed electromagnetic fields therapy is effective in relieving pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis and also affects pain threshold, stiffness, and physical functioning. In the future, it is desirable to conduct larger studies, including those comparing the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic fields therapy with standard pharmacological approaches for osteoarthritis.