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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2006 | Research article

Pulsed electromagnetic energy treatment offers no clinical benefit in reducing the pain of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review

Authors: Christopher James McCarthy, Michael James Callaghan, Jacqueline Anne Oldham

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2006

Abstract

Background

The rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis often includes electrotherapeutic modalities as well as advice and exercise. One commonly used modality is pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF). PEMF uses electro magnetically generated fields to promote tissue repair and healing rates. Its equivocal benefit over placebo treatment has been previously suggested however recently a number of randomised controlled trials have been published that have allowed a systematic review to be conducted.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature from 1966 to 2005 was undertaken. Relevant computerised bibliographic databases were searched and papers reviewed independently by two reviewers for quality using validated criteria for assessment. The key outcomes of pain and functional disability were analysed with weighted and standardised mean differences being calculated.

Results

Five randomised controlled trials comparing PEMF with placebo were identified. The weighted mean differences of the five papers for improvement in pain and function, were small and their 95% confidence intervals included the null.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides further evidence that PEMF has little value in the management of knee osteoarthritis. There appears to be clear evidence for the recommendation that PEMF does not significantly reduce the pain of knee osteoarthritis.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/7/51/prepub

Title: Pulsed electromagnetic energy treatment offers no clinical benefit in reducing the pain of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Christopher James McCarthy
Michael James Callaghan
Jacqueline Anne Oldham
Publication date: 01-12-2006
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2006
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-7-51

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Pulsed electromagnetic energy treatment offers no clinical benefit in reducing the pain of knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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