Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in fibromyalgia: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical study


Sutbeyaz S. T., Sezer N., Koseoglu F., Kibar S.

Clinical Journal of Pain, vol.25, no.8, pp.722-728, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 25 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1097/ajp.0b013e3181a68a6c
  • Journal Name: Clinical Journal of Pain
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.722-728
  • Keywords: Chronic pain, Fibromyalgia syndrome, Pulsed electromagnetic fields, Randomized clinical trial
  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy for women with fibromyalgia (FM). Methods: Fifty-six women with FM, aged 18 to 60 years, were randomly assigned to either PEMF or sham therapy. Both the PEMF group (n=28) and the sham group (n=28) participated in therapy, 30 minutes per session, twice a day for 3 weeks. Treatment outcomes were assessed by the fibromyalgia Impact questionnaire (FIQ), visual analog scale (VAS), patient global assessment of response to therapy, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Short-Form 36 health survey (SF-36), after treatment (at 4wk) and follow-up (at 12 wk). Results: The PEMF group showed significant improvements in FIQ, VAS pain, BDI score, and SF-36 scale in all domains at the end of therapy. These improvements in FIQ, VAS pain, and SF-36 pain score during follow-up. The sham group also showed improvement were maintained on all outcome measures except total FIQ scores after treatment. At 12 weeks follow-up, only improvements in the BDI and SF-36 scores were present in the sham group. Conclusion: Low-frequency PEMF therapy might improve function, pain, fatigue, and global status in FM patients. © 2009 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.