Pulsed magnetic field therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee--a double-blind sham-controlled trial.

Wiener klinische Wochenschrift · 2002 · Benefit · Moderate evidence

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BenefitModerate evidencePaper 3838

Study snapshot

PublicationWiener klinische Wochenschrift · 2002

Study typerandomized_trial

Reported directionBenefit

Evidence ratingModerate

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Pulsed magnetic field therapy is frequently used to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis, although its efficacy has not been proven. We conducted a randomized, double-blind comparison of pulsed magnetic field and sham therapy in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients were assigned to receive 84 sessions, each with a duration of 30 minutes, of either pulsed magnetic field or sham treatment. Patients administered the treatment on their own at home, twice a day for six weeks. RESULTS: According to a sample size estimation, 36 consecutive patients were enrolled. 34 patients completed the study, two of whom had to be excluded from the statistical analysis, as they had not applied the PMF sufficiently. Thus, 15 verum and 17 sham-treated patients were enrolled in the statistical analysis. After six weeks of treatment the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index was reduced in the pulsed magnetic field-group from 84.1 (+/- 45.1) to 49.7 (+/- 31.6), and from 73.7 (+/- 43.3) to 66.9 (+/- 52.9) in the sham-treated group (p = 0.03). The following secondary parameters improved in the pulsed magnetic field group more than they did in the sham group: gait speed at fast walking [+6.0 meters per minute (1.6 to 10.4) vs. -3.2 (-8.5 to 2.2)], stride length at fast walking [+6.9 cm (0.2 to 13.7) vs. -2.9 (-8.8 to 2.9)], and acceleration time in the isokinetic dynamometry strength tests [-7.0% (-15.2 to 1.3) vs. 10.1% (-0.3 to 20.6)]. CONCLUSION: In patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee, PMF treatment can reduce impairment in activities of daily life and improve knee function.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typerandomized_trial

Effect directionbenefit

PopulationPatients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee

Sample size36

Exposure84 sessions, 30 minutes each; twice daily for 6 weeks

Evidence strengthModerateConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

In the statistical analysis (15 pulsed magnetic field vs 17 sham), WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index decreased from 84.1 (+/-45.1) to 49.7 (+/-31.6) in the pulsed magnetic field group and from 73.7 (+/-43.3) to 66.9 (+/-52.9) in the sham group (p=0.03). Secondary measures (gait speed, stride length, and acceleration time in strength tests) improved more in the pulsed magnetic field group than in the sham group.

Outcomes measured

WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index
Gait speed at fast walking
Stride length at fast walking
Acceleration time in isokinetic dynamometry strength tests

Limitations

Small sample size (36 enrolled; 32 included in statistical analysis)
Two participants excluded for insufficient application of the therapy
Exposure parameters (e.g., field strength, frequency/pulse characteristics) not reported in the abstract

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "randomized_trial",
  "exposure": {
    "band": null,
    "source": "pulsed magnetic field therapy device (home treatment)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "84 sessions, 30 minutes each; twice daily for 6 weeks"
  },
  "population": "Patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee",
  "sample_size": 36,
  "outcomes": [
    "WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index",
    "Gait speed at fast walking",
    "Stride length at fast walking",
    "Acceleration time in isokinetic dynamometry strength tests"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In the statistical analysis (15 pulsed magnetic field vs 17 sham), WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index decreased from 84.1 (+/-45.1) to 49.7 (+/-31.6) in the pulsed magnetic field group and from 73.7 (+/-43.3) to 66.9 (+/-52.9) in the sham group (p=0.03). Secondary measures (gait speed, stride length, and acceleration time in strength tests) improved more in the pulsed magnetic field group than in the sham group.",
  "effect_direction": "benefit",
  "limitations": [
    "Small sample size (36 enrolled; 32 included in statistical analysis)",
    "Two participants excluded for insufficient application of the therapy",
    "Exposure parameters (e.g., field strength, frequency/pulse characteristics) not reported in the abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "moderate",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "pulsed magnetic field",
    "PMF",
    "sham-controlled",
    "double-blind",
    "randomized trial",
    "knee osteoarthritis",
    "WOMAC",
    "gait speed",
    "isokinetic dynamometry"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: Not supplied
PubMed: 12602111

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