Author/Editor     Fischer, Gerald; Pelka, Rainer B.; Barovič, Jože
Title     Adjuvante Behandlung der Gonarthrose mit schwachen pulsierenden Magnetfeldern
Translated title     Adjuvant treatment of osteo arthritis of the knee with weak pulsing magnetic fields - results of a prospective, placebo controlled trial
Type     članek
Source     Aktuel Rheumatol
Vol. and No.     Letnik 31, št. 4
Publication year     2006
Volume     str. 226-233
Language     ger
Abstract     Purpose: The aim of this study was the objective control of the therapeutic effect of weak pulsing magnetic fields (series of periodically repeating square pulses increasing according to an e-function, frequencies of 10, 20, 30, and 200 - 300 Hz) by means of a double-blind study on osteoarthritis of the knee. Measured parameters were the Knee Society score, pain sensation, blood count and cardiocirculatory values. Methods: 36 placebo and 35 verum test persons (all with a knee gap smaller than 3 mm) were exposed daily for 16 minutes over 6 weeks to a low frequency magnetic field (flux densities increasing gradually from 3.4 up to 13.6 [micro]T) encompassing the whole body. The last data collection was made 4 weeks after the end of treatment. Results: Principally, the statistically ensured results exclusively favour the used magnetic field therapy; by far the greatest number of at least significant differences was found at the end of the whole treatment, lasting 6 weeks. In particular, it is striking that all 4 questioned pain scales showed at least significant improvements in favour of the verum collectiveč also the walking distance was increased. As another confirmed fact, even after 4 weeks without therapy the persistence of several functional and analgesic effects could be documented. Conclusions: Predominantly, on the one hand, pain relief in osteoarthritis patients was confirmed by a double-blind trial, on the other hand, increases in mobility could be proven. Furthermore, we describe mainly the modes of action of low frequency magnetic energy and 3 physical concepts that are seen as the connecting link between electromagnetic fields coupled into connective tissue and biochemical repair and growth processes in bones and cartilage. (Abs. trunc. at 2000 ch.)
Descriptors     ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
PAIN MEASUREMENT
KNEE JOINT