Current Evidence Using Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) poses a significant burden on patient quality of life and healthcare systems.
• Effective non-invasive treatments for OA are continuously sought to manage pain and improve function.
• Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) represent a therapeutic modality with potential benefits for OA management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) in treating osteoarthritis (OA) across various anatomical locations.
• To evaluate the impact of PEMF therapy on pain reduction and overall quality of life in OA patients.
• To identify optimal parameters and applications for PEMF therapy in OA management.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
• Searches of PubMed and Google Scholar identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PEMF therapy for OA.
• Seventeen RCTs involving 1197 patients were included in the analysis.

Main Results:

• PEMF therapy demonstrated significant pain reduction, with a 60% decrease in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and a 42% improvement in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) scores.
• Positive outcomes were observed across multiple anatomical districts, with a notable effect on knee osteoarthritis.
• Secondary benefits included enhanced physical function, reduced medication reliance, and improved patient quality of life.

Conclusions:

• PEMF therapy shows promising efficacy in alleviating pain and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with osteoarthritis.
• Variability in treatment duration (15-90 days) and PEMF device types necessitates further research for optimized therapeutic protocols.
• This review provides a foundation for future investigations into refining PEMF applications for diverse osteoarthritic conditions.