Peripheral magnetic stimulation for the treatment of fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of studies on peripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS) for fibromyalgia (FM) treatment.

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINHAL, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases were searched from inception to July 2023 for studies in adult patients with FM treated with PMS. Studies using transcranial magnetic stimulation were excluded.

Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 279 patients) were identified and included in the review. PMS regimens varied, ranging from 8 to 40 min per session over 3-84 days. All studies compared PMS to a visually and physically identical sham device without magnetic fields. Most of the included studies demonstrated positive findings for PMS on pain and functional outcomes. In our meta-analysis, PMS significantly reduced pain scores within 1-3 months (mean difference -1.86 on NRS, 95% confidence interval -2.85 to -0.87, p = 0.0002, I² = 68%, 4 studies [154 participants], low quality of evidence), but not at ≥3 months (low quality of evidence). Minimal adverse effects were reported.

Evidence for PMS use in FM is encouraging for short-term benefit. However, heterogeneous patient populations, varied PMS regimens, and limited number of studies are important limitations. Large, high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm PMS benefits and to make definitive recommendations.

PROSPERO Identifier is CRD42021235164.