[Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF)--results in evidence based medicine]

Area of Science:

• Biomedical engineering
• Medical physics
• Regenerative medicine

Background:

• Electromagnetic field therapy has a long history in medical applications.
• Despite widespread use, the precise effects of electromagnetic fields remain incompletely understood.
• Existing research highlights positive outcomes for specific conditions using pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) therapy.
• To identify conditions where PEMF has demonstrated efficacy.
• To highlight challenges in standardizing PEMF treatment parameters.

Main Methods:

• Review of controlled randomized studies investigating PEMF therapy.
• Analysis of studies focusing on osteotomies, skin wound healing, and osteoarthritis.
• Assessment of variations in applied doses and therapy intervals across studies.

Main Results:

• Controlled studies show positive results for PEMF in treating osteotomies, skin wound healing, and osteoarthritis.
• Significant variability exists in the therapeutic doses and intervals employed in different studies.
• Direct comparison of study outcomes is challenging due to methodological differences.

Conclusions:

• PEMF therapy is a viable treatment option for specific medical conditions.
• The lack of standardized protocols hinders the establishment of optimal dosing and treatment schedules.
• Further research is needed to define precise therapeutic parameters for various indications.