Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Group Research Articles

Efficiency of pulsed electromagnetic field and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on painful shoulder following stroke

Efficiency of pulsed electromagnetic field and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on painful shoulder following stroke

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) as a valid tool in orthognathic surgery to reduce post-operative pain and swelling: a prospective study.

PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic fields) founds application in several medical fields to accelerate bone wounds healing and to reduce inflammation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PEMF in reducing postoperative swelling and pain in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. A prospective observational monocentric study was conducted on a sample of 30 patients undergone to orthognathic surgery in Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of University of Naples Federico II. The patients who followed these inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study: age ≥ 18 years, Class III malocclusion, Surgical procedure of Le Fort I osteotomy + Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO), Written informed consent. Patients were divided into two groups: Group SD) postoperative standard treatment with medical therapy and cryotherapy, Group SD + PEMF) postoperative standard therapy + PEMF. Each patient underwent a 3D facial scan, at one (1d) and four (4d) days after surgery to compare the swelling reduction. The pain score was assessed through VAS score and analgesics administration amount. In SD + PEMF group, the facial volume reduction between 1d and 4d scan was on average 56.2ml (6.23%), while in SD group, it was 23.6ml (2.63%). The difference between the two groups was 3.6% (p = 0.0168). VAS pain values were significantly higher in SD group compared to SD + PEMF group in the second day after surgery (P = 0.021) and in the total 4 days (P = 0.008). Our data suggest that PEMF is valid tool to promote faster postoperative swelling and pain reduction in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.

Adjunctive Use of Bone Growth Stimulation Increases Cervical Spine Fusion Rates in Patients at Risk for Pseudarthrosis.

A prospective multicenter clinical trial (NCT03177473) was conducted with a retrospective cohort used as a control arm. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cervical spine fusion rates in subjects with risk factors for pseudarthrosis who received pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment. Certain risk factors predispose patients to pseudarthrosis, which is associated with prolonged pain, reduced function, and decreased quality of life. Subjects in the PEMF group were treated with PEMF for 6 months postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was fusion status at the 12-month follow-up period. Fusion status was determined using anterior/posterior, lateral, and flexion/extension radiographs and computed tomography (without contrast). A total of 213 patients were evaluated (PEMF, n=160; Control, n=53). At baseline, the PEMF group had a higher percentage of subjects who used nicotine (P=0.01), had osteoporosis (P<0.05), multi-level disease (P<0.0001), and were >65 years of age (P=0.01). The PEMF group showed over two-fold higher percentage of subjects that had ≥3 risk factors (n=92/160, 57.5%) compared with the control group (n=14/53, 26.4%). At the 12-month follow-up, the PEMF group demonstrated significantly higher fusion rates compared with the control (90.0% vs. 60.4%, P<0.05). A statistically significant improvement in fusion rate was observed in PEMF subjects with multi-level surgery (P<0.0001) and high BMI (>30kg/m2; P=0.0021) when compared with the control group. No significant safety concerns were observed. Adjunctive use of PEMF stimulation provides significant improvements in cervical spine fusion rates in subjects having risk factors for pseudarthrosis. When compared with control subjects that did not use PEMF stimulation, treated subjects showed improved fusion outcomes despite being older, having more risk factors for pseudarthrosis, and undergoing more complex surgeries.

1085 Adjunctive Use of Bone Growth Stimulation in Cervical Spine Fusion in Patients at Risk for Nonunion

INTRODUCTION: Prior failed fusion, multi-level disease, diabetes, nicotine usage, and osteoporosis are factors associated with nonunion, leading to prolonged pain, reduced function, and overall decreased quality of life. Previous studies have shown that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation can improve fusion rates, particularly in subjects at risk for nonunion. METHODS: Data from a multi-center prospective study of subjects that underwent cervical spine fusion and were treated with PEMF was compared to a “matched” retrospective cohort that had fusion but were not treated with PEMF. The prospective cohort was enrolled based on having 1 or more of the following risk factors for nonunion: prior failed cervical spine fusion, multilevel fusion, diabetes, osteoporosis, or nicotine use. Fusion was assessed at 12 months postop using x-rays and/or CT. A cohort of cervical spine fusion patients that were prescribed PEMF, but did not receive PEMF treatment (e.g., insurance denial) were compared to PEMF treated subjects. RESULTS: At baseline, subjects in the PEMF treated group had a significantly higher average number of risk factors for nonunion (1.8 for treated group vs. 1.1 for control, p &lt; 0.001), and significantly higher average number of surgical levels (2.8 for treated group vs. 2.0 for control, p &lt; 0.005). At 12 months post-op, subjects in the PEMF group (n = 161) had a 90.1% fusion rate, compared to a 65.4% for the control group (n = 26) (p &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PEMF stimulation provides significant improvements in cervical spine fusion rates in subjects having risk factors for nonunion. Compared to control subjects, PEMF treated subjects had improved fusion outcomes despite being older, having more risk factors for pseudarthrosis, and undergoing more complex surgeries.

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

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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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.&#x0D; 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.

Biomechanical microenvironmental stimulating effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on the regeneration of crush injured rat sciatic nerve.

This study evaluated the biomechanical microenvironmental stimulating effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on the regeneration of crush-injured rat sciatic nerve, when combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF-β), in the form of an adenoviral vector-mediated NGF. Sprague-Dawley rats were equally distributed into six groups; PBS, BMSC, NGF-Ad + BMSC, PEMF + PBS, PEMF + BMSC and PEMF + NGF-Ad + BMSC. The PBS group received PBS (volume: 10μL/rat), the BMSC group with BMSCs (1 × 106cell/10μL/rat) and NGF-Ad group with the rhNGF-β Ad infected BMSCs (1 × 106 cell/10μL/rat) immediate after right sciatic nerve crush injury. The PEMF groups were exposed to PEMF of 1mT, 50Hz, 1h/day. The rats were observed for 3weeks. PEMF alone did not showed the positive effect compared with negative control group. The groups transplanted with BMSCs showed higher axonal regeneration compared with the groups without transplantation of the cells whether BMSC was infected with NGF-Ad or not and whether the animals received PEMF. PEMF + NGF-Ad + BMSC group showed the significantly highest number of axons than the other groups. Functionally, all groups showed marked improvement at 3weeks postoperatively although the difference was not statistically significant among the groups. PEMF showed the positive effect when combined with BMSC and NGF-ad in aspect of number of axons. Therefore, combining the microenvironment stimulation methods of PEMF and conventional methods such as transplantation of stem cells and growth factor could be considered for the regeneration methods in the nerve damage.

The Effects of Novel Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Device on Acute Distal Radius Fractures: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled, Randomized Pilot Study.

this pilot study aimed at determining whether the application of a novel new method of generating pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), the Fracture Healing Patch (FHP), accelerates the healing of acute distal radius fractures (DRF) when compared to a sham treatment. 41 patients with DRFs treated with cast immobilization were included. Patients were allocated to a PEMF group (n = 20) or a control (sham) group (n = 21). All patients were assessed with regard to functional and radiological outcomes (X-rays and CT scans) at 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks. fractures treated with active PEMF demonstrated significantly higher extent of union at 4 weeks as assessed by CT (76% vs. 58%, p = 0.02). SF12 mean physical score was significantly higher in PEMF treated group (47 vs. 36, p = 0.005). Time to cast removal was significantly shorter in PEMF treated patients, 33 ± 5.9 days in PEMF vs. 39.8 ± 7.4 days in sham group (p = 0.002). early addition of PEMF treatment may accelerate bone healing which could lead to a shorter cast immobilization, thus allowing an earlier return to daily life activities and work. There were no complications related to the PEMF device (FHP).

Cytoprotective effects of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field against oxidative stress in glioblastoma cells.

The low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) may have possible cytoprotective effects against the destructive effects of oxidative stress. The goal was to investigate if shortterm low-frequency PEMF has cytoprotective effects in glioblastoma cell line following high-dose hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. U87-MG cells were divided into four groups: Sham-control group; PEMF group (cells exposed to PEMF); H2O2 group (cells treated with H2O2 at time intervals 30 min and 48 h, respectively); H2O2+PEMF group (cells exposed to PEMF after H2O2 treatment at time intervals 30 min and 48 h, respectively). The cell viability, levels of reactive oxygen species, glutathione peroxidase activity, and the amount of glutathione were measured. The cytoprotective effect of PEMF against deleterious effects of oxidative stress triggered by different time interval of H2O2 treatment might be mediated by the increase in the cell viability, the elevation in the antioxidant enzyme activity/amount, and the decrease in the reactive oxygen species level. In addition, the cytoprotective effect of PEMF varies depending on different time intervals of H2O2 treatment. In the light of these findings, further in vivo and/or in vitro studies on neurophysiological effects of PEMFs and their underlying molecular mechanisms are needed to elucidate neurotoxic or neuroprotective role against antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Effect of 40 Hz Magnetic Field Application in Posttraumatic Muscular Atrophy Development on Muscle Mass and Contractions in Rats

Muscle atrophy refers to the deterioration of muscle tissue due to a long-term decrease in muscle function. In the present study, we simulated rectus femoris muscle atrophy experimentally and investigated the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) application on the atrophy development through muscle mass, maximal contraction force, and contraction-relaxation time. A quadriceps tendon rupture with a total tenotomy was created on the rats' hind limbs, inhibiting knee extension for 6 weeks, and this restriction of the movement led to the development of disuse atrophy, while the control group underwent no surgery. The operated and control groups were divided into subgroups according to PEMF application (1.5 mT for 45 days) or no PEMF. All groups were sacrificed after 6 weeks and had their entire rectus femoris removed. To measure the contraction force, the muscles were placed in an organ bath connected to a transducer. As a result of the atrophy, muscle mass and strength were reduced in the operated group, while no muscle mass loss was observed in the operated PEMF group. Furthermore, measurements of single, incomplete and full tetanic contraction force and contraction time (CT) did not change significantly in the operated group that received the PEMF application. The PEMF application prevented atrophy resulting from 6 weeks of immobility, according to the contraction parameters. The effects of PEMF on contraction force and CT provide a basis for further studies in which PEMF is investigated as a noninvasive therapy for disuse atrophy development. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Effect of the Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Treatment in a Rat Model of Senile Osteoporosis In Vivo.

This study assessed the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) in a rat model of senile osteoporosis and the underlying molecular events. 24-month-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control and PEMF groups (n = 8 per group) using a random digit table, while 3-month-old male SD rats were set as the young-age control group. Rats in the PEMF group were treated by PEMF for 40 min/day for 5 days/week. Bone mineral density/microarchitecture, level of serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP5b), and Wnt/β-catenin signaling genes in rat bone marrow cells were then analyzed. The 12-week PEMF intervention showed a significant effect on inhibition of age-induced bone density loss and deterioration of trabecular bone structures in the PEMF group rats versus control rats, that is, the treatment enhanced bone mineral density of the proximal femoral metaphysis and the fifth lumbar (L5) vertebral body and improved the proximal tibia and L4 vertebral body parameters using bone histomorphometry analysis. Furthermore, the BALP level in the bones was significantly increased, but the TRACP5b level was reduced in the PEMF group of rats versus control rats. PEMF also dramatically upregulated expression of Wnt3a, LRP5, β-catenin, and Runx2 but downregulated PPAR-γ expression in the aged rats. The results demonstrated that PEMF could prevent bone loss and architectural deterioration due to the improvement of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell differentiation and proliferation abilities and activating the Wnt signaling pathway. Future clinical studies are needed to validate these findings. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on fatigue, walking performance, depression, and quality of life in adults with multiple sclerosis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis has a great disability burden. Management of the disease is complex, and patients often seek new conservative approaches. ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, compared to placebo, on the level of fatigue, walking performance, symptoms of depression, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). MethodsForty-four adults with RRMS and minimal to significant disability were randomly assigned to a 4-week protocol using a PEMF or a placebo whole-body mat. The PEMF group were initially treated with 15Hz frequency, gradually increased to 30Hz (intensity between 25-35µT). The primary outcome was fatigue, assessed with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Secondary measures included walking function (GAITRite system and Timed 25-Foot Walk test), the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data were collected at baseline, after intervention, and at 3-months post-intervention (follow-up). ResultsThere were no differences between groups for changes in fatigue symptoms from baseline to end of intervention (mean and 95% confidence interval FSS: -0.6, 95%CI: -1.3, 0.1; MFIS: -5.4, 95% CI: -15.1, 4.4) or at follow-up (FSS: -0.6, 95% CI: -1.4, 0.2; MFIS: -2.1, 95% CI: -10.9, 6.8). Similarly, both groups did not differ for any of the secondary outcomes at post-intervention or follow-up. ConclusionsLow-frequency PEMF therapy is no more effective than placebo to produce changes in fatigue, gait performance, severity of depression, and QOL in people with RRMS and minimal to significant disability.

Enhanced effect of combining bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) to promote recovery after spinal cord injury in mice.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive traumatic disease of the central nervous system without satisfying therapy efficiency. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) therapy promotes the neurotrophic factors’ secretion and axonal regeneration, thereby promoting recovery of SCI. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) therapy has been proven to promote neural growth and regeneration. Both BMMSCs and PEMF have shown curative effects for SCI; PEMF can further promote stem cell differentiation. Thus, we explored the combined effects of BMMSCs and PEMF and the potential interaction between these two therapies in SCI. Compared with the SCI control, BMMSCs, and PEMF groups, the combinational therapy displayed the best therapeutic effect. Combinational therapy increased the expression levels of nutritional factors including brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factors (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), enhanced neuron preservation (NeuN and NF‐200), and increased axonal growth (MBP and myelin sheath). Additionally, PEMF promoted the expression levels of BDNF and VEGF in BMMSCs via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. In summary, the combined therapy of BMMSCs and PEMF displayed a more satisfactory effect than BMMSCs and PEMF therapy alone, indicating a promising application of combined therapy for the therapy of SCI.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields improve pain management and clinical outcomes after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: A prospective randomised controlled trial

BackgroundTo assess pain relief and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) stimulated with pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) compared to a control group. MethodsA prospective randomised controlled trial (RCT) was performed in which 72 patients undergoing medial UKA were randomised into a control group or an experimental PEMFs group. The patients allocated to the experimental group were instructed to use PEMFs for 4 h per day for 60 days. They were evaluated before a surgery and then during the time points corresponding to 1 month, 2 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 36 months after the surgery. No placebo group was included in the RCT. Clinical assessment included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire, and joint swelling. During each follow-up visit, the consumption of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) was recorded. ResultsThe VAS decreased on follow-up visits in both the groups; a statistically significant difference between the groups was observed during the 6 (p = 0.0297), 12 (p = 0.0003), and 36 months (p = 0.0333) follow-ups in favour of the PEMFs group. One month after UKA, the percentages of patients using NSAIDs in the PEMFs and control group were 71% and 92%, respectively (p = 0.0320). At the 2 months point, 15% of the patients in the PEMFs group used NSAIDs compared to 39% in the control group (p = 0.0317). The objective knee girth evaluation showed a statistically significant difference at 6 (p = 0.0204), 12 (p = 0.0005), and 36 (p = 0.0005) months with improved values observed in the PEMFs group. The subjective assessment of the swelling demonstrated a statistically significant difference at 2 (p = 0.0073), 6 (p = 0.0006), 12 (p = 0.0001), and 36 (p = 0.0011) months with better values noted in the PEMFs group. Last, the OKS result was significant higher in the experimental group during all the follow-ups (1mth: p = 0.0295; 2mths: p = 0.0012; 6mths: p = 0.0001; 12mths: p < 0.0001; 36mths: p = 0.0061). ConclusionsThe use of PEMFs leads to significant pain relief, better clinical improvement, and lower NSAIDs consumption after medial UKA when compared to the control group. Level of evidenceII.

Effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in the management of complex regional pain syndrome type 1: A randomized-controlled trial.

Objectives This study aims to investigate whether pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy in addition to a conventional rehabilitation program is effective on pain and functioning in patients with type 1 complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS-1) of the hand. Patients and methods Between March 2013 and January 2015, a total of 32 patients (16 males, 16 females; mean age: 50.1±13.1 years; range, 25 to 75 years) were included. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups. The control group (n=16) received a conventional rehabilitation program consisting of physical modalities, exercises, and occupational therapy, whereas the PEMF group (n=16) received additional PEMF (8 Hz, 3.2 mT) to the affected hand. The primary outcome measure was pain intensity using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcome measures were grip and pinch strength, hand edema, hand dexterity, and hand activities. All patients received 20 therapy sessions (five sessions/week, four weeks in total) and were evaluated before and after the therapy and at the first-month follow-up. Results Both groups showed significant improvements in primary and secondary outcomes (p<0.05) after the therapy and at follow-up. When the groups were compared in terms of improvements in assessment parameters, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in any of the outcomes (p>0.05). Conclusion The PEMF in addition to conventional rehabilitation program did not provide additional benefit for pain and hand functions in CRPS-1. Future studies using different application parameters such as frequency, intensity, duration, and route may provide a better understanding of the role of PEMF in CRPS-1 treatment.

Induced Neurodifferentiation of hBM-MSCs through Activation of the ERK/CREB Pathway via Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields and Physical Stimulation Promotes Neurogenesis in Cerebral Ischemic Models.

Stroke is among the leading causes of death worldwide, and stroke patients are more likely to live with permanent disabilities even after treatment. Several treatments are being developed to improve the quality of life of patients; however, these treatments still have important limitations. Our study thus sought to evaluate the neural differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) at various pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) frequencies. Furthermore, the effects of selected frequencies in vivo were also evaluated using a mouse ischemia stroke model. Cell proliferation decreased by 20% in the PEMF group, as demonstrated by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) secretion increased by approximately 10% in an LDH release assay. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis demonstrated that CD73 and CD105 were downregulated in the PEMF group at 60 Hz. Moreover, microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) and neurofilament light chain (NF-L) were upregulated in cell cultures at 60 and 75 Hz. To assess the effects of PEMF in vivo, cerebral ischemia mice were exposed to a PEMF at 60 Hz. Neural-related proteins were significantly upregulated in the PEMF groups compared with the control and cell group. Upon conducting rotarod tests, the cell/PEMF group exhibited significant differences in motor coordination at 13 days post-treatment when compared with the control and stem-cell-treated group. Furthermore, the cell and cell/PEMF group exhibited a significant reduction in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in the induced ischemic area compared with the control. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that PEMFs at 60 and 75 Hz could stimulate hBM-MSCs neural differentiation in vitro, in addition to promoting neurogenesis to enhance the functional recovery process by reducing the post-stroke inflammatory reaction.

Combined Effects of Low-Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Field and Melatonin on Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss in Mice.

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy and melatonin (MEL) supplementation are expected to be important strategies for the treatment of osteoporosis. The aim of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of PEMF therapy, MEL supplementation, a combination of PEMF therapy, and MEL supplementation (PEMF + MEL) in mice with bilateral ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis. Forty 12-week-old female C57/BL mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 8/group): OVX, PEMF, MEL, PEMF + MEL, and sham-operation (sham) groups. All mice in the first four groups were subjected to OVX. The mice in the PEMF and PEMF + MEL groups were exposed to PEMF (75 Hz, 1.6 mT, 1 h/day for 12 weeks), while those in the MEL and PEMF + MEL groups were administered MEL (50 mg/kg, i.p.). Body mass, micro-computed tomography, histology, immunohistochemistry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed. PEMF + MEL treatment enhanced bone volume fraction (BV/TV) 2.2-fold over OVX control (P < 0.001) and increased expression levels of collagen type I (COL1) 1.9-fold and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) 2.5-fold. PEMF + MEL also reduced the ratio of bone surface/bone volume (BS/BV) by 40% (P < 0.05) and appeared to reduce the number of osteoclasts in the metaphysis area. Preservation of bone value and bone microarchitecture in the combined therapy group were found to be superior to those in the single treatment groups. However, there were no apparent differences between the PEMF and MEL groups. The use of a combination of PEMF therapy and MEL supplementation may be an effective method to treat osteoporosis. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Histological Analysis of Bone Callus in Delayed Union Model Fracture Healing Stimulated with Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF).

Delayed union and nonunion fractures are clinical challenges for orthopedic surgeons. The development of fracture complications, such as delayed union and nonunion fractures, is still difficult to predict. Various methods are being investigated to improve fracture healing and prevent complications in patients. There are various methods to promote fracture healing, broadly divided into biological, chemical, and physical methods. One of the most widely used physical methods to promote fracture healing is the pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF). This study aimed to evaluate the healing process of delayed union fracture after being stimulated by PEMF. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n = 12) and the PEMF group (n = 12). Delayed union fracture was performed on the left femur of all rats. Subsequently, the PEMF group was given PEMF stimulus with a magnetic field intensity of 1.6 mT and a frequency of 50 Hz for 4 hours/day and 7 days/week. The fracture healing process was evaluated on days 5, 10, 18, and 28 based on the bone callus histology using safranin O fast green (SOFG) staining. The results of the histological analysis showed that bone cartilage was higher in the PEMF group than in the control group throughout the observation period. In addition, the PEMF group had less fibrous tissue at the beginning of the healing. This finding indicates PEMF stimulation has an effect on inducing osteogenesis on fracture healing and reducing the risk of delayed union.

Effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields stimulation on ischemic skin model

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) in improving blood flow reduction and tissue necrosis of ischemic animal induced by skin flap. In each experiment, twenty rats (280–320 g) were randomly divided into control group (n = 10) and PEMF (n = 10) group. All of the rats were performed skin flap in back. In the PEMF group, PEMF (1 Hz, 10 mT) was performed in each experiment. In Experiment-1 (n = 20), PEMF was performed for 90 minutes. In Experiment-2 (n = 20), additionally, a blocking film was inserted, and suture was performed to induce necrosis. PEMF was performed for 30 minutes each day for 7 days. As a result of Speckle-Flow Index (SFI) analysis, in the control group, blood flow continued to decrease immediately after the procedure. In the PEMF group, blood flow was remained constant after 30 minutes and increased after 60 minutes. The blood flow in a specific region substantially increased from the initial state. As a result of skin necrosis analysis, the progression rate in the PEMF group was slower than that of the control group. The rate of necrosis in the PEMF group decreased dramatically from the 6th day, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups at the 7th day (p < .05). In this study, it was confirmed that PEMF (1 Hz, 10 mT) has a blood flow improvement and skin tissue necrosis alleviation in the ischemic flap animal model.

Effects of Acute Low-Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Aerobic Performance during a Preseason Training Camp: A Pilot Study.

Bio-electromagnetic-energy-regulation (BEMER) therapy is a technology using a low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) in a biorhythmic format. BEMER has been shown to optimize recovery and decrease fatigue by increasing blood flow in microvessels. Our aim was to determine its effects during preseason training in endurance athletes. A total of 14 male cross-country runners (19.07 ± 0.92 y.o.) were placed in either the intervention (PEMF; n = 8) or control (CON; n = 6) group using a covariate-based, constrained randomization. Participants completed six running sessions at altitudes ranging from 881.83 (±135.98 m) to 1027.0 (±223.44 m) above sea level. PEMF group used BEMER therapy before and after each training session, totaling 12 times. There were no significant changes in absolute or relative VO2Peak, ventilation or maximum respiration rate for either the PEMF or CON group (p > 0.05). There was a significant effect of time for absolute and relative ventilatory threshold (VT), and maximum heart rate, heart rate at VT and respiration rate at VT. This study was the first of its kind to study PEMF technology in combination with elevated preseason training. Results indicate some evidence for the use of PEMF therapy during short-term training camps to improve VT.

Effects of focused continuous pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on early tendon-to-bone healing.

AimsRotator cuff (RC) tears are common musculoskeletal injuries which often require surgical intervention. Noninvasive pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) devices have been approved for treatment of long-bone fracture nonunions and as an adjunct to lumbar and cervical spine fusion surgery. This study aimed to assess the effect of continuous PEMF on postoperative RC healing in a rat RC repair model.MethodsA total of 30 Wistar rats underwent acute bilateral supraspinatus tear and repair. A miniaturized electromagnetic device (MED) was implanted at the right shoulder and generated focused PEMF therapy. The animals’ left shoulders served as controls. Biomechanical, histological, and bone properties were assessed at three and six weeks.ResultsExtension of the tendon from preload to the maximum load to failure was significantly better in the PEMF-treated shoulders at three weeks compared to controls (p = 0.038). The percentage strain was significantly higher in the PEMF group at both timepoints (p = 0.037). Collagen organization was significantly better (p = 0.034) as was tissue mineral density in the PEMF-treated group at three weeks (p = 0.028). Tendon immunohistochemistry revealed a prominent increase in type I collagen at the repair site at three weeks following continuous PEMF treatment compared with controls. None of the other tested parameters differed between the groups.ConclusionMED-generated PEMF may enhance early postoperative tendon-to-bone healing in an acute rat supraspinatus detachment and repair model. Superior biomechanical elasticity parameters together with better collagen organization suggest improved RC healing.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(5):298–306.