MADALASAGEDUSLIKU PULSEERIVA TERAPEUTILISE ELEKTROMAGNETVÄLJA TOIME GONARTROOSIGA HAIGETE VALU INTENSIIVSUSELE JA PÕLVELIIGESE LIIKUVUSELE
Effect of low-frequency pulsed electro-magnetic field on pain intensity and on range of knee motion in patients with gonarthrosis
Kerli Djomina, Kirkke Reisberg
Abstract The aim of the current study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term posttherapy effects of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) on pain intensity, the active range of motion of the knee and pain intensity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. In the study participated 3 female patients with bilateral gonarthrosis, aged 59, 70 and 73 years, 2 subjects completed the study, results of those two have been analysed. The subjects were treated with PEMF procedures for both knees during a 3-week period (9 procedures, 20 minutes each), that was followed by a four-week follow-up. Frequency of 15 Hz and magnetic induction of 144 gauss was used. The range of active knee flexion and extension were measured using the extendable goniometer. Knee pain intensity was evaluated before and after the assessment of the active knee movement range on the 100 mm visual analog scale. It was concluded that after 3 weeks of PEMF therapy the pain intensity before the evaluation of active range of motion was decreased in patients with gonarthrosis, changes in pain intensity at the end of active movements of the knee were individual. PEMF therapy increased the active flexion range of motion of the knee and decreased extension deficit. Outcomes were sustained in most cases 4 weeks after the end of PEMF therapy. 138
