Pulsed electromagnetic fields in knee XXXX : a double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

@entity1 @entity227 @entity571 @entity158
OBJECTIVES: This trial aimed to test the effectiveness of a wearable pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) device in the management of @entity158 in knee @entity571 @entity1 . METHODS: In this randomized [with equal randomization (1:1)], double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, @entity1 with radiographic evidence of knee @entity571 and persistent @entity158 higher than 40 mm on the visual analog scale (VAS) were recruited. The trial consisted of 12 h daily treatment for 1 month in 60 knee @entity571 @entity1 . The primary outcome measure was the reduction in @entity158 intensity, assessed through VAS and WOMAC scores. Secondary outcomes included quality of life assessment through the 36-item Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form version 2 (SF-36 v2), pressure @entity158 threshold (PPT) and changes in intake of NSAIDs/analgesics. RESULTS: Sixty-six @entity1 were included, and 60 completed the study. After 1 month, PEMF induced a significant reduction in @entity227 and WOMAC scores compared with placebo. Additionally, @entity158 tolerance, as expressed by PPT changes, and physical health improved in PEMF-treated @entity1 . A mean treatment effect of -0.73 (95% CI - 1.24 to - 0.19) was seen in VAS score, while the effect size was -0.34 (95% CI - 0.85 to 0.17) for WOMAC score. Twenty-six per cent of @entity1 in the PEMF group stopped NSAID/analgesic therapy. No adverse events were detected. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that PEMF therapy is effective for @entity158 management in knee @entity571 @entity1 and also affects @entity158 threshold and physical functioning. Future larger studies, including head-to-head studies comparing PEMF therapy with standard pharmacological approaches in @entity571 , are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01877278.
