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The effect of the pulsatile electromagnetic field in children suffering from bronchial asthma

J Sadlonova1, J Korpas, D Salat

  • 1Ist Internal Clinic, Teaching Hospital Martin, Martin, Slovakia. sadlonova@jfmed.uniba.sk

Acta Physiologica Hungarica
|January 8, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Pulsatile electromagnetic field therapy improved lung function and clinical status in children with asthma when used alongside standard pharmacological treatment. This complementary therapy shows promise for managing pediatric asthma effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Biophysics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Pulsatile electromagnetic fields (PEMF) are known for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, including vasodilation and myorelaxation.
  • PEMF therapy may influence connective tissue production and cell membrane activity, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
  • Asthma in children is a chronic respiratory condition requiring effective management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of pulsatile electromagnetic field therapy as an adjunct to pharmacological treatment in children with asthma.
  • To assess the impact of PEMF on pulmonary function tests and clinical outcomes in pediatric asthma patients.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled study involving 42 children with asthma, divided into two groups.
  • The experimental group (n=21) received PEMF therapy (3 mT, 4 Hz, 30 min twice daily for 5 days) combined with pharmacological treatment.
  • The control group (n=21) received only pharmacological treatment. Pulmonary function was evaluated using spirometry, measuring parameters like FVC, IVC, FEV1, PEF, and flow-volume loops.

Main Results:

  • The PEMF group showed statistically significant improvements in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Inspiratory Vital Capacity (IVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), Maximal Expiratory Flow at 75% (MEF75), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), and Peak Inspiratory Flow (PIF).
  • Improvements in ERV, IRV, FEV1/FVC ratio, and decreases in MEF25,50 were not statistically significant.
  • The control group exhibited less clear results, with only mild improvement in the flow-volume loop observed in 14 children.

Conclusions:

  • Pulsatile electromagnetic field therapy, when used as a complementary treatment alongside standard pharmacological interventions, demonstrates effectiveness in improving pulmonary function and clinical status in children with asthma.
  • PEMF therapy led to enhanced lung function parameters and improved the overall clinical condition and mood of pediatric patients.
  • The study recommends pulsatile electro-magnetotherapy as a beneficial complementary therapy for managing asthma in children.

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