Electromagnetic Therapy Research Articles

Combined Therapy of Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy and Acupuncture for Delayed Union of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Metatarsal Shaft Non-Displaced Fracture: A Case Report

Combined Therapy of Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy and Acupuncture for Delayed Union of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Metatarsal Shaft Non-Displaced Fracture: A Case Report

Combined effects of high-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy and pelvic floor exercises on pelvic floor muscles and sexual function in postmenopausal women. A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to explore the impact of high-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy (HIFEMT) on the pelvic floor muscles (PFM), sexual function, and quality of life (QoL) among postmenopausal women. Fifty postmenopausal women with PFM weakness and sexual dysfunction were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The HIFEMT group participated in the PFM training program in addition to HIFEMT, whereas the control group performed PFM training only. For 12 weeks, HIFEMT was scheduled two times a week, while PFM training was performed daily. At baseline and after 12 weeks, PFM strength and endurance were assessed using a perineometer and sexual function was examined using the female sexual function index (FSFI) and menopause-specific quality of life questionnaire (MENQOL). The HIFEMT and control groups showed significant increases in PFM strength and endurance and FSFI scores, and significant declines in MENQOL compared with baseline measures (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the HIFEMT group showed substantial improvements in all measured variables after 12 weeks (P<0.05). Addition of HIFEMT to PFM training improved the PFM strength, endurance, sexual function, and QoL in postmenopausal women with PFM weakness and sexual dysfunction.

Short-term Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is a potential nonoperative treatment for Achilles tendinopathy, but the current published literature on its effects is sparse. To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of PEMF therapy and eccentric exercise for Achilles tendinopathy. Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. A total of 65 participants met the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to either the active PEMF group (n = 33) or the sham group (n = 32). The PEMF group received biweekly PEMF therapy (10 minutes per session) for 8 weeks, plus eccentric exercise for 12 weeks. The sham group received the same eccentric exercise for 12 weeks minus active PEMF exposure. The primary outcome was the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire. The secondary outcomes were numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) score, tendon neovascularity, and total time spent on sports per week. A physical therapist assessed all outcomes at baseline and then 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the commencement of the PEMF treatment. The level of tendon neovascularity was determined by the Öhberg score (range, 0-3). VISA-A scores improved significantly from baseline to 12 weeks posttreatment in both the PEMF group (from 57.9 to 71.7) and the sham group (from 55.1 to 66.8) (P < .001 for both), with no significant difference in scores between treatment groups throughout the 12 weeks (P = .527). NPRS scores during sports also improved significantly from baseline to 12 weeks for the PEMF group (from 6.05 to 2.95) and the sham group (from 6.45 to 3.85) (P < .001), with no group differences (P = .346). PEMF therapy, in addition to eccentric exercise, did not improve outcome scores or tendon neovascularity compared with eccentric exercise alone in participants with Achilles tendinopathy. NCT05316961 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Spasticity Management in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aims to determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for the management of spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). A comprehensive literature search in health science databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINHAL) was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (up to April 2024). Manual searching in journals and screening of the reference lists of identified studies were conducted. Two authors independently selected the studies, assessed the methodological quality, and summarized the evidence. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to the methodological, clinical, and statistical diversity of the included studies. Overall, 32 RCTs (n=1,481 participants) investigated various types of non-pharmacological interventions including: physical activity, transcranial magnetic stimulation (intermittent theta burst stimulation [iTBS], repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation [rTMS]), electromagnetic therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, vibration therapy, shock wave therapy, self-management educational programs, and acupuncture. All studies scored 'low' on the methodological quality assessment, implying a high risk of bias. The findings suggest 'moderate to low certainty' evidence for physical activity programs used in isolation or combination with other interventions (pharmacological or non-pharmacological), and for iTBS/rTMS with or without adjuvant exercise therapy in improving spasticity in adults with MS. There is 'very low certainty' evidence supporting the use of other modalities for treating spasticity in this population. Despite a wide range of non-pharmacological interventions used for the management of spasticity in pwMS, there is a lack of conclusive evidence for many. More robust trials with larger sample sizes and longer-term follow-ups are needed to build evidence for these interventions.

The effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on muscle strength and pain in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most common chronic degenerative joint conditions affecting aging population. To investigate the effectiveness of a combination of home-based exercise and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to improve muscle strength, physical function, and pain. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to either home-based exercise alone (control group; n = 30) or combined with PEMF therapy (treatment group; n = 30) twice a week for eight weeks. Knee extension, flexion muscle strength, gait speed (GS), 5 time sit-to-stand test (5STS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were recorded at baseline and 4 and 8 weeks. Significant improvements in symptomatic knee extension muscle strength (SKE, p = 0.001), flexion strength (SKF, p = 0.011), contralateral knee extension muscle strength (CKE, p = 0.002), and flexion strength (CKF, p = 0.009) were observed for the PEMF treatment group at 8 weeks. Significant reductions in VAS pain scores were observed in both the treatment (p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.505) and control (p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.268) groups. Significant differences were reported between groups in the 4 (p = 0.010, partial η2 = 0.111) and 8 (p = 0.046, partial η2 = 0.068) week assessment in VAS pain. A significant time difference was found in GS and 5STS between baseline and week 8 (GS: difference 0.051, p = 0.026; 5STS: difference 2.327, p < 0.001) in the treatment group. The significant group difference at week 8 was observed in SKE (p = 0.013) in female patients while pain in male patients (p = 0.026). Patients aged over 70 years have a significantly superior improvement in SKE, SKF, and CKF after 8 weeks of PEMF therapy. The combination of PEMF therapy and home-based exercise superiorly improved knee muscle strength and reduced pain in end-stage knee OA subjects and showed a promising tendency to improve performance-based physical function. PEMF therapy was shown to preferentially benefit knee muscle strength in female patients and patients aged over 70 years, whereas male patients were more responsive to PEMF therapy in the form of pain relief. clinicalTrials.gov, NCT05550428.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields inhibit IL-37 to alleviate CD8+ T cell dysfunction and suppress cervical cancer progression.

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is a potential non-invasive treatment to modulate immune responses and inhibit tumor growth. Cervical cancer (CC) is influenced by IL-37-mediated immune regulation, making PEMF therapy a potential strategy to impede CC progression. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of PEMF on IL-37 regulation and its molecular mechanisms in CC. CC cell-xenografted mouse models, including IL-37 transgenic (IL-37tg) mice, were used to assess tumor growth through in vivo fluorescence imaging and analyze CC cell apoptosis via flow cytometry. TCGA-CESC transcriptome and clinical data were analyzed to identify key inflammation and immune-related genes. CD8+ T cell models were stimulated with PEMF, and apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factor expression were analyzed through RT-qPCR, Western blot, and flow cytometry. PEMF treatment significantly inhibited IL-37 expression (p < 0.05), promoted inflammatory factor release (TNF-α and IL-6), and activated oxidative stress, leading to increased CC cell apoptosis (p < 0.05). IL-37 interaction with SMAD3 impacted the p38/NF-κB signaling pathway, modulating CD8+ T cell activity and cytotoxicity. Co-culture of Hela cells with CD8+ T cells under PEMF treatment showed reduced proliferation (by 40%), migration, and invasion (p < 0.05). In vivo experiments with CC-bearing mice demonstrated that PEMF treatment downregulated IL-37 expression (p < 0.05), enhanced CD8+ T cell function, and inhibited tumor growth (p < 0.05). These molecular mechanisms were validated through RT-qPCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Thus, PEMF therapy inhibits CC progression by downregulating IL-37 and improving CD8+ T cell function via the SMAD3/p38/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy as a New Form of Electromagnetic Wave Therapy: From Gene Upregulation to Accelerated Matrix Mineralization in Bone Healing.

Electromagnetic field therapy is gaining attention for its potential in treating bone disorders, with Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT) emerging as an innovative approach. EMTT offers a higher oscillation frequency and magnetic field strength compared to traditional Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy, showing promise in enhancing fracture healing and non-union recovery. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. This study demonstrates that EMTT significantly enhances osteoblast bone formation at multiple levels, from gene expression to extracellular matrix mineralization. Key osteoblastogenesis regulators, including SP7 and RUNX2, and bone-related genes such as COL1A1, ALPL, and BGLAP, were upregulated, with expression levels surpassing those of the control group by over sevenfold (p < 0.001). Enhanced collagen synthesis and mineralization were confirmed by von Kossa and Alizarin Red staining, indicating increased calcium and phosphate deposition. Additionally, calcium imaging revealed heightened calcium influx, suggesting a cellular mechanism for EMTT's osteogenic effects. Importantly, EMTT did not compromise cell viability, as confirmed by live/dead staining and WST-1 assays. This study is the first to show that EMTT can enhance all phases of osteoblastogenesis and improve the production of critical mineralization components, offering potential clinical applications in accelerating fracture healing, treating osteonecrosis, and enhancing implant osseointegration.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields attenuate human musculocutaneous nerve damage induced by biceps eccentric contractions.

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, a noninvasive treatment, has shown promise in mitigating nerve damage. However, unaccustomed exercises, such as eccentric contractions (ECCs), can damage both muscle and nerve tissue. This study investigated whether magnetic stimulation (MS) with PEMF could aid in nerve recovery after ECCs in the elbow flexors. Twenty participants were randomly assigned to either a control (CNT) or an MS group. Following ECCs, we measured the latency of the M-wave in the musculocutaneous nerve as an indicator of nerve function. Additionally, isometric torque, range of motion, and muscle pain were assessed for muscle function. Interestingly, only the CNT group exhibited a significant increase in latency on Day 2 (p < 0.05). The MS group, on the other hand, displayed an earlier recovery trend in isometric torque, range of motion, and muscle soreness. Notably, muscle soreness significantly decreased immediately after MS treatment compared to pretreatment levels. These findings suggest that MS treatment can effectively attenuate nerve damage induced by ECCs exercise.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) stimulation as an adjunct to exercise: a brief review.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes electromagnetic fields to stimulate and promote natural healing processes within the body. PEMF therapy works by emitting low-frequency electromagnetic pulses, which penetrate deep into tissues and cells, enhancing cellular function and health. PEMF applications are vast, ranging from enhancing recovery in athletes to supporting overall well-being in everyday individuals. PEMF therapy is increasingly recognized in the realm of sports and physical activity for its profound benefits in enhancing performance, accelerating recovery, and preventing injuries. By improving circulation, enhancing tissue oxygenation, and promoting the body's natural healing processes, PEMF therapy has become an invaluable tool in sports medicine, contributing to optimized physical health and prolonged athletic careers. In this review, we explore the effects of PEMF on exercise and the underlying physiological mechanisms.

Role of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Alveolar Bone Remodeling during Orthodontic Retention Phase in Rat Models.

Alveolar bone remodeling during the retention phase is essential for successful orthodontic treatment. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is an adjunctive therapy for bone-related diseases that induces osteogenesis and prevents bone loss. This study aimed to examine the role of PEMF exposure during the retention phase of orthodontic treatment in alveolar bone remodeling. A total of 36 male Wistar rats were divided into control, PEMF 7, and PEMF 14 groups; a 50 g force nickel-titanium closed-coil spring was inserted to create mesial movement in the first molar for 21 d. Furthermore, the spring was removed, and the interdental space was filled with glass ionomer cement. Concurrently, rats were exposed to a PEMF at 15 Hz with a maximum intensity of 2.0 mT 2 h daily, for 7 and 14 days. Afterwards, the cements were removed and the rats were euthanized on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 to evaluate the expression of Wnt5a mRNA and the levels of RANKL, OPG, ALP, and Runx2 on the tension side. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and post hoc tests, with p < 0.05 declared statistically significant. PEMF exposure significantly upregulated Wnt5a mRNA expression, OPG and ALP levels, and Runx2 expression, and decreased RANKL levels in the PEMF 7 and 14 groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). This study showed that PEMF exposure promotes alveolar bone remodeling during the orthodontic retention phase on the tension side by increasing alveolar bone formation and inhibiting resorption.

Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedic Surgery: Expanding Our Toolbox.

Regenerative medicine leverages the body's inherent regenerative capabilities to repair damaged tissues and address organ dysfunction. In orthopedics, this approach includes a variety of treatments collectively known as orthoregeneration, encompassing modalities such as prolotherapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and photobiomodulation therapy, and orthobiologics like platelet-rich plasma and cell-based therapies. These minimally invasive techniques are becoming prominent due to their potential for fewer complications in orthopedic surgery. As regenerative medicine continues to advance, surgeons must stay informed about these developments. This paper highlights the current state of regenerative medicine in orthopedics and advocates for further clinical research to validate and expand these treatments to enhance patient outcomes.

16-Year Old Severe PCL Knee Sprain Corrected with Bone Marrow Aspirate

This case report describes the successful treatment of a 16-year-old male basketball player with chronic instability and pain in his left knee following a grade 3 posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain sustained during a trampoline accident. Initial conservative management and subsequent complete healing of the PCL did not alleviate the patient's symptoms of knee instability. After thorough evaluation, including physical exam, ultrasound, and MRI review, the patient opted for an unconventional treatment approach involving whole bone marrow aspiration and prolotherapy-based injections into multiple knee structures. The treatment protocol included injections into the PCL, quadriceps tendon, patellar tendon, patellofemoral ligaments, menisci, and Hoffa’s fat pad under ultrasound and X-ray guidance. This was followed by a regimen that included platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, high-dose vitamin C infusions, and adjunctive therapies such as red-light therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. The patient underwent six weeks of intensive physical therapy focusing on muscle strengthening and neuromuscular re-education. Within 2.5 months post-treatment, the patient demonstrated full stability of the knee without pain or swelling, allowing a return to basketball activities. Subsequent follow-ups at six months and one year revealed sustained improvement with no recurrence of symptoms, enabling unrestricted participation in competitive basketball. This case highlights the successful utilization of comprehensive regenerative medicine techniques and rehabilitation strategies in resolving chronic knee instability and facilitating return to sport in a young athlete.

The effect of repetitive magnetic stimulation on neuronal apoptosis and PI3K/Akt protein expression in rats with incomplete spinal cord injury.

The pathological and physiological process of spinal cord injury is complex, and there is currently no effective treatment method. Magnetic stimulation is an emerging electromagnetic therapy method in recent years, and studies have shown its potential to reduce cell apoptosis. This study used an improved Allen's method to replicate an incomplete spinal cord injury rat model, and repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) intervention was performed on the rats for 21 days. The research plan consists of two parts. The first part aims to observe the effects of rMS on motor function and neuronal cell apoptosis in rats. The Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) score results indicate that rMS promotes the recovery of motor function in rats; H&E staining showed that rMS improved spinal cord structural damage and inflammatory infiltration; TUNEL and NeuN staining suggest that rMS can reduce cell apoptosis and promote neuronal cell survival. The second part aims to explore the mechanism of action of rMS. Immunofluorescence staining showed that after rMS intervention, the positive counts of PI3K and Akt increased, whereas the positive counts of caspase-3 decreased. Western blot showed that after rMS intervention, the expression of phospho-phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (p-PI3K)/PI3K, phospho (p)-Akt/Akt, and Bcl-2 increased, whereas the expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax) and caspase-3 decreased. In summary, rMS can significantly reduce cell apoptosis in the damaged spinal cord and promote neuronal cell survival. Its mechanism of action may be related to promoting the expression of PI3K/Akt pathway proteins, upregulating the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, downregulating the proapoptotic protein Bax, and thereby inhibiting the expression of apoptotic protein caspase-3. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Spinal cord injury is a serious disabling central nervous system disease. Recently, research on magnetic stimulation therapy for spinal cord injury has been increasing, and its potential has gradually attracted the attention of experts. This study found that repetitive magnetic stimulation (rMS) can improve motor function and reduce neuronal apoptosis in spinal cord injury rats. The mechanism may be related to increasing the expression of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt protein, thereby inhibiting cell apoptosis and promoting neuronal survival.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields regulate metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial fission in endothelial cells for angiogenesis

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has been extensively investigated in clinical studies for the treatment of angiogenesis-related diseases. However, there is a lack of research on the impact of PEMFs on energy metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics during angiogenesis. The present study included tube formation and CCK-8 assays. A Seahorse assay was conducted to analyze energy metabolism, and mitochondrial membrane potential assays, mitochondrial imaging, and reactive oxygen species assays were used to measure changes in mitochondrial structure and function in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to PEMFs. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze the mRNA expression levels of antioxidants, glycolytic pathway-related genes, and genes associated with mitochondrial fission and fusion. The tube formation assay demonstrated a significantly greater tube network in the PEMF group compared to the control group. The glycolysis and mitochondrial stress tests revealed that PEMFs promoted a shift in the energy metabolism pattern of HUVECs from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis. Mitochondrial imaging revealed a wire-like mitochondrial morphology in the control group, and treatment with PEMFs led to shorter and more granular mitochondria. Our major findings indicate that exposure to PEMFs accelerates angiogenesis in HUVECs, likely by inducing energy metabolism reprogramming and mitochondrial fission.

Physical Treatments and Therapies for Androgenetic Alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia, the most common cause of hair loss affecting both men and women, is typically treated using pharmaceutical options, such as minoxidil and finasteride. While these medications work for many individuals, they are not suitable options for all. To date, the only non-pharmaceutical option that the United States Food and Drug Administration has cleared as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia is low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Numerous clinical trials utilizing LLLT devices of various types are available. However, a myriad of other physical treatments for this form of hair loss have been reported in the literature. This review evaluated the effectiveness of microneedling, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), fractional laser therapy, and nonablative laser therapy for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It also explores the potential of multimodal treatments combining these physical therapies. The majority of evidence in the literature supports LLLT as a physical therapy for androgenetic alopecia. However, other physical treatments, such as nonablative laser treatments, and multimodal approaches, such as PEMF-LLLT, seem to have the potential to be equally or more promising and merit further exploration.

A prospective, randomised, controlled, double blinded, cross-over study on the effect of a single session of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on signs of hip osteoarthritis in dogs

BackgroundCanine coxofemoral joint osteoarthritis is a common, painful and debilitating condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate if any measurable changes in pain or lameness occurred in this patient group immediately after a single treatment with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Eight dogs with coxofemoral joint osteoarthritis presenting with signs of pain and lameness were prospectively recruited to this randomised, controlled, double blinded, cross-over study. Subjects attended the research facility on two occasions for one active and one placebo treatment with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. The immediate effect of one pulsed electromagnetic field therapy treatment on pain and lameness was measured subjectively with the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index and Visual Analogue Scale and objectively using a pressure sensitive walkway.ResultsA statistically significant difference (P = 0.03) for change in stride length in the affected limb was recorded for subjects between the active and placebo treatments with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Within the active treatment results, there was a statistically significant change in the measurement for reach (P = 0.04) and stride length (P = 0.047) which got shorter in the affected limb post treatment. For the subjective outcome measures, there was no statistically significant difference between the active and placebo treatments for the evening of the treatment day or the next morning from pre-treatment values. Within the placebo treatment results a statistically significant change (improvement) was detected in Visual Analogue Score (P = 0.03) between pre-treatment and the next morning values.ConclusionsThe findings of this study do not show demonstrable improvement in owner assessed pain levels or temporospatial performance in dogs with coxofemoral joint osteoarthritis immediately after a single application of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.

Comparative Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Versus Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy on the Range of Motion in Knee Osteoarthritis

This randomized controlled study compared the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy and pulsed ultrasound therapy on the range of motion in 40 knee osteoarthritis patients. Divided into two groups of 20, Group A received PEMF therapy, while Group B underwent pulsed ultrasound therapy over an 8-week period. Data analysis using SPSS version 23.0 revealed significant improvements in both groups. The ultrasound group showed an increase in the range of motion from 110.1±1.651 to 113.75±0.786 degrees (p=0.001), and the PEMF group showed an increase from 109.65±1.725 to 113.75±0.786 degrees (p=0.000). Both therapies were effective in improving the range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The pre and post-operatively range of motion of the US group was 109.65±1.725 degrees and 113.75±0.786 degrees respectively with a p-value of 0.000 which is significant. When assessing range of motion, both ultrasound and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy are used.

Comparative Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Versus Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy on the Range of Motion in Knee Osteoarthritis

This randomized controlled study compared the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy and pulsed ultrasound therapy on the range of motion in 40 knee osteoarthritis patients. Divided into two groups of 20, Group A received PEMF therapy, while Group B underwent pulsed ultrasound therapy over an 8-week period. Data analysis using SPSS version 23.0 revealed significant improvements in both groups. The ultrasound group showed an increase in the range of motion from 110.1±1.651 to 113.75±0.786 degrees (p=0.001), and the PEMF group showed an increase from 109.65±1.725 to 113.75±0.786 degrees (p=0.000). Both therapies were effective in improving the range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The pre and post-operatively range of motion of the US group was 109.65±1.725 degrees and 113.75±0.786 degrees respectively with a p-value of 0.000 which is significant. When assessing range of motion, both ultrasound and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy are used.

The positive effect of pulse electromagnetic field therapy on pain and disability in chronic low back pain: a comparative study

BackgroundLow back pain that lasts longer than three months is called chronic low back pain. Chronic low back pain is among the most common problems in the world, causing severe disability and loss of employment in patients.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of pulse electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) added to routine physical therapy on pain and functional status in patients with chronic low back pain.MethodsThis retrospective comparative study included 69 patients with chronic low back pain. The patients were divided into two groups: those who received lumbar transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, infrared, and ultrasound treatments, and those who additionally received PEMFT. The files of patients with chronic low back pain were reviewed, and those who had been evaluated using the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS) in terms of functional capacity and effects of low back pain and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain both before and after treatment were included in the study.ResultsNo significant difference was detected between the two groups’ pretreatment VAS and QBPDS scores (p > 0.05). The second-and-third measurement scores of both groups were significantly lower than their first-measurement VAS and QBPDS scores (p ˂ 0.001), but there was no significant difference between their second- and third-measurement scores (p > 0.05). According to the inter-group comparison of the VAS and QBPDS scores, the second and third-measurement scores of the PEMFT group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p ˂ 0.001).ConclusionsPEMFT seems to be able to alleviate pain intensity and ameliorate disability in patients with chronic low back pain. PEMFT can be considered an effective and safe option that can be added to routine physical therapy modalities for relieving chronic low back pain frequently encountered in clinical practice. Further studies validating the effectiveness of PEMFT could strengthen its position in the management of chronic low back pain.

Effect of interval training and electromagnetic field therapy on functional balance and peripheral arterial disease severity in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy: randomised controlled trial

Effect of interval training and electromagnetic field therapy on functional balance and peripheral arterial disease severity in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy: randomised controlled trial