Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Walking Capacity in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease

Reham R. Mahmoud, Awny F. Rahmy, Mohamed G. Ibrahim, Abeer A. Farghaly

Reham R. Mahmoud, Awny F. Rahmy, Mohamed G. Ibrahim, Abeer A. Farghaly – Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Walking Capacity in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(3); 226-232

Abstract
Background. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common vascular disorder characterized by intermittent claudication with costly complications and marked reduction in functional capacity. The pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) has been used widely for different patient populations owing to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenetic effects, however, its use in the management of PAD has been recently introduced. Aim. this study aimed to assess the effect of PEMF on functional walking parameters in patients with PAD. Material and Methods. Sixty patients with PAD (Fontaine stage II), aged from 45-65 were divided into two groups A & B. Group (A) received pulsed electromagnetic field for 60 minutes/session, 3 sessions/week, and for 8 weeks plus drug treatment, whereas, group (B) only received the traditional drug treatment for 8 weeks. The endpoints of the study were claudication pain distance (CPD), maximal walking distance (MWD), claudication pain time (CPT), maximal walking time (MWT), and ankle-brachial index (ABI). Results. There were significant changes in all measured variables compared to the baseline in the two groups. There were significant differences between the two groups in CPD, MWD, CPT, MWT, and ABI in favor of the PEMF group (P < 0.05). Conclusion. PEMF could be an effective therapeutic modality that can help improve the functional walking capacity in patients with PAD (Fontaine stage II).
Key words:
Pulsed electromagnetic field, peripheral arterial disease, walking capacity, Intermittent claudication
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