Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic therapy for chronic lower back pain: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

P. B. Lee, Y. C. Kim, Y. J. Lim, C. J. Lee, S. S. Choi, S. H. Park, J. G. Lee, S. C. Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial studied the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic therapy (PEMT) in patients with chronic lower back pain. Active PEMT (n = 17) or placebo treatment (n = 19) was performed three times a week for 3 weeks. Patients were assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS) and revised Oswestry disability scores for 4 weeks after therapy. PEMT produced significant pain reduction throughout the observation period compared with baseline values. The percentage change in the NRS score from baseline was significantly greater in the PEMT group than the placebo group at all three time-points measured. The mean revised Oswestry disability percentage after 4 weeks was significantly improved from the baseline value in the PEMT group, whereas there were no significant differences in the placebo group. In conclusion, PEMT reduced pain and disability and appears to be a potentially useful therapeutic tool for the conservative management of chronic lower back pain.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)160-167
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of International Medical Research
Volume34
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The study was supported by grant (PI16/01404) and by the Spanish Network for Addictive Disorders (Red de Trastornos Adictivos, RD16/0017/0018), both from the Carlos III Institute of Health (Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spanish Ministry of Health) and FEDER funds.

Keywords

  • Lower back pain
  • Pulsed electromagnetic therapy
  • Revised oswestry disability score

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry, medical

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