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Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field and wound healing: Implication of cytokines as biological mediators

Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field and wound healing: Implication of cytokines as biological mediators Wound healing is a highly coordinated and complex process involving various cell types, chemical mediators and the surrounding extracellular matrix, resulting in a tightly orchestrated re-establishment of tissue integrity by specific cytokines. It consists of various dynamic processes including a series of overlapping phases: inflammation, proliferation, re-epithelialization and remodeling. One of the underlying mechanisms responsible for the disturbances in wound healing is an out-of-control inflammatory response that can cause pathological consequences, such as hypertrophic scars, keloids or chronic wounds and ulcers. Recently, several reports have evaluated the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on tissue repair. In particular, the data analysis supports an anti-inflammatory effect of EMFs by the modulation of cytokine profiles that drive the transition from a chronic pro-inflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory state of the healing process. In this review, we focus on the effect of EMFs on skin wound healing showing emerging details of the anti-inflammatory effects of EMFs, with a view to cytokines as candidate biomarkers. Molecular clarification of the mechanisms involved in the modulation of inflammatory factors following exposure to EMFs will provide a better understanding of the cellular responses induced by EMFs and a potential, additional treatment in non-responding, chronic wounds. Pesce, Mirko & Patruno, Antonia & Speranza, Lorenza & Reale, Marcella. (2013). Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field and wound healing: Implication of cytokines as biological mediators. European cytokine network. 24. 1-10. 10.1684/ecn.2013.0332. Source

Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on nonspecific low back pain patients: a randomized controlled trial

Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on nonspecific low back pain patients: a randomized controlled trial Further research on pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) effects on the different conditions of low back pain was warranted due to lack of studies in this area. To investigate the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy with 50 Hz frequency, with low intensity of 20 Gauss compared to conventional non-invasive treatment modalities in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. This study conclused that adding pulsed electromagnetic field to Conventional physical therapy Protocol yields superior clinical improvement in pain, functional disability, and lumbar ROM in patients with non-specific low back pain than Conventional physical therapy alone. Elshiwi AM, Hamada HA, Mosaad D, Ragab IMA, Koura GM, Alrawaili SM. Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on nonspecific low back pain patients: a randomized controlled trial. Braz J Phys Ther. 2019 May-Jun;23(3):244-249. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.08.004. Epub 2018 Aug 21. PMID: 30177406; PMCID: PMC6531640. Source

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy effectiveness in low back pain: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy effectiveness in low back pain: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials Low back pain is a worldwide prevalent musculoskeletal condition in the general population. In this sense, the pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) therapy has shown significant clinical benefits in several musculoskeletal conditions. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the PEMF therapy in reducing pain and clinical symptomatology in patients with low back pathological conditions. It was performed a comprehensive database search using Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and PEDro databases to assess the effectiveness of the PEMF therapy in reducing pain and clinical symptomatology in patients with low back pathological conditions. The search was performed from January 2005 to August 2015 and conducted by two independent investigators, which scrutinize the reference list of most relevant studies. The methodological quality was assessed by the PEDro scale and the level of evidence was set according Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine scale. Six studies were eligible inclusion on the qualitative analysis and five into the quantitative analysis, scoring an overall 6.8 points according the PEDro scale. The studies showed heterogeneity concerning the intervention protocols. Nevertheless, the effect sizes’ indicated a clear tendency to reduction of the pain intensity favoring the PEMF groups, reaching a minimal clinically important difference. Conclusion. PEMF therapy seems to be able to relieve the pain intensity and improve functionality in individuals with low back pain conditions. Further research is needed regarding PEMF effects on the different conditions of low back pain, with standardized protocols, larger samples and adjustment for low back pain confounders in order to achieve stronger conclusions. Renato Andrade, Hugo Duarte, Rogério Pereira, Isabel Lopes, Hélder Pereira, Rui Rocha, João Espregueira-Mendes, Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy effectiveness in low back pain: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials, Porto Biomedical Journal, Volume 1, Issue 5, 2016, Pages 156-163, ISSN 2444-8664, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbj.2016.09.001. Source

Low-frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Fibromyalgia

Low-frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Fibromyalgia This study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy for women with fibromyalgia (FM). Fifty-six women with FM, aged 18 to 60 years, were randomly assigned to either PEMF or sham therapy. Both the PEMF group (n=28) and the sham group (n=28) participated in therapy, 30 minutes per session, twice a day for 3 weeks. Treatment outcomes were assessed by the fibromyalgia Impact questionnaire (FIQ), visual analog scale (VAS), patient global assessment of response to therapy, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Short-Form 36 health survey (SF-36), after treatment (at 4 wk) and follow-up (at 12 wk). The PEMF group showed significant improvements in FIQ, VAS pain, BDI score, and SF-36 scale in all domains at the end of therapy. These improvements in FIQ, VAS pain, and SF-36 pain score during follow-up. The sham group also showed improvement were maintained on all outcome measures except total FIQ scores after treatment. At 12 weeks follow-up, only improvements in the BDI and SF-36 scores were present in the sham group. In conclusion, this study showed that low-frequency PEMF therapy might improve function, pain, fatigue, and global status in FM patients. Sutbeyaz, Serap Tomruk MD; Sezer, Nebahat MD; Koseoglu, Fusun MD; Kibar, Sibel MD Low-frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Fibromyalgia, The Clinical Journal of Pain: October 2009 – Volume 25 – Issue 8 – p 722-728 doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e3181a68a6c Source

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial using a low-frequency magnetic field in the treatment of musculoskeletal chronic pain

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial using a low-frequency magnetic field Exposure to a specific pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) has been shown to produce analgesic (antinociceptive) effects in many organisms. In a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial, patients with either chronic generalized pain from fibromyalgia (FM) or chronic localized musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain were exposed to a PEMF (400 microT) through a portable device fitted to their head during twice-daily 40 min treatments over seven days. The effect of this PEMF on pain reduction was recorded using a visual analogue scale. A differential effect of PEMF over sham treatment was noticed in patients with FM, which approached statistical significance (P=0.06) despite low numbers (n=17); this effect was not evident in those without FM (P=0.93; n=15). PEMF may be a novel, safe and effective therapeutic tool for use in at least certain subsets of patients with chronic, nonmalignant pain. Clearly, however, a larger randomized, double-blind clinical trial with just FM patients is warranted. Thomas AW, Graham K, Prato FS, McKay J, Forster PM, Moulin DE, Chari S. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial using a low-frequency magnetic field in the treatment of musculoskeletal chronic pain. Pain Res Manag. 2007 Winter;12(4):249-58. doi: 10.1155/2007/626072. PMID: 18080043; PMCID: PMC2670735. Source

Effects of extreme low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field added to kinesitherapy procedure on quality of life in patients with end stage renal disease on dialysis

Effects of extreme low frequency pemf added to kinesitherapy procedure on quality of life in patients Extreme Low Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Magnetic Field (ELF-PEMF) has a wide range of therapeutic applications which has expanded during the last decades. ELF-PEMF as non-invasive, long term safe method of physical therapy can influence a variety of aspects in chronic diseases including quality of life. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) especially with end stage renal disease (ESRD) treated by dialysis have lower health-related quality of life and changed normal way of living because of ESRD-related co morbid illnesses, associated conditions and complex dyalisis procedures. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of long-term ELF-PEMF in concordance with exercising on the quality of life in ESRD patients on dialysis. Methods. In study group treatment with ELF-PEMF significantly improved FACIT Fatigue v4 scale score as well as physical health, physical functioning, bodily pain and energy/fatigue domains of SF=36v2 scale. There were no effects on mental health domain, limitations due to physical health problems, limitations due to personal or emotional problems, emotional well-being, social functioning, and general health perceptions. In the control group, no beneficial effects on FACIT Fatigue v4 scale and SF36v2 scale item were noticed. Conclusion. ELF-PEMF could be an additional and safe strategy for improving the quality of life in patients with ESRD on dialysis. In conclusion, treatment with ELF-PEMF significantly improves physical health, physical functioning, bodily pain and energy/fatigue. Importantly, there have been no reports of side-effects of ELF-PEMF which had a clearly superior safety profile. Our results left enough space for improvement to significant values in forthcoming, larger studies. The time to onset and subsequent longevity of ELF-PEMF effects should be considered in future study design to achieve an accurate measurement. A clearer definition of the mechanisms might also help in choosing patients who are more likely to benefit from such a treatment. Rakocevic-Hrnjak, Aleksandra & Vuksanovic, Miljanka & Dimkovic, Nada & Djurovic, Aleksandar & Petronijevic, Natasa & Petronijevic, Milan. (2017). Effects of extreme low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field added to kinesitherapy procedure on quality of life in patients with end stage renal disease on dialysis. Vojnosanitetski pregled. 75. 7-7. 10.2298/VSP160620007R. Source

PEMF Therapy Boosts Energy for MS Patients

PEMF Therapy Boosts Energy for MS Patients Fatigue can plague those who suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS), but a study shows that PEMF therapy boosts energy for MS patients. The goal of the study was to address multiple symptoms of MS patients, including bladder problems, spasticity (muscle spasms), fatigue, and their overall quality of life. These patients received daily exposure to a PEMF device that was portable. This device was most likely a small, hand-held device. The study does not indicate what settings were used, and for how long. However, lower settings between 3-5 Hz for about 10 minutes are good for relaxation. The MS Quality of Life Inventory was used to measure the results. This showed that 81% of those who completed their sessions, said that PEMF therapy boosts energy. It is important to note, that because MS is the result of damage to the myelin sheath, that the nerve cells can become inflamed around the brain, spinal cord, and elsewhere. Letting the entire body have a taste of PEMF therapy throughout may well result in improvement in other symptoms. The very fact that PEMF therapy boosts energy is encouraging. Read More PEMF Therapy Education, Mar 21, 2018.

How PEMF therapy heals adrenal disorders

How PEMF therapy heals adrenal disorders Hundreds of studies indicate that PEMF therapy heals adrenal disorders. This is great news for those who suffer from adrenal fatigue, and ultimately end up with diabetes, thyroid disease, and other adrenal disorders. How does PEMF therapy work to bring healing to your adrenal glands? PEMF therapy has been shown to boost cortisol. PEMF therapy heals adrenal fatigue by balancing cortisol, meaning that it aids in bringing it back to the appropriate level. You can put PEMF therapy to the test, and discover for yourself how it heals adrenal disorders and can restore the mind and body to good health. Read More PEMF Therapy Education, Jan 18, 2018.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy in Glaucoma

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy in Glaucoma Courses of magnetotherapy (MT) using ATOS device with 33 mT magnetic field induction were administered to 31 patients (43 eyes) with primary open-angle glaucoma with compensated intraocular pressure. The operation mode was intermittent, with 1.0 to 1.5 Hz field rotation frequency by 6 radii. The procedure is administered to a patient in a sitting posture with magnetic inductor held before the eye. The duration of a session is 10 min, a course consists of 10 sessions. Untreated eyes (n = 15) of the same patients were examined for control. The patients were examined before and 4 to 5 months after MT course. Vision acuity improved by 0.16 diopters, on an average, in 29 eyes (96.7%) out of 30 with vision acuity below 1.0 before treatment. Visocontrastometry was carried out using Visokontrastometer-DT device with spatial frequency range from 0.4 to 19 cycle/degree (12 frequencies) and 125 x 125 monitor. The orientation of lattices was horizontal and vertical. The contrasts ranged from 0.03 to 0.9 (12 levels). MT brought about an improvement of spatial contrast sensitivity by at least 7 values of 12 levels in 22 (84.6%) out of 26 eyes and was unchanged in 4 eyes. Visual field was examined using Humphry automated analyzer. A 120-point threshold test was used. After a course of MT, visual field deficit decreased by at least 10% in 31 (72%) out of 43 eyes, increased in 3, and was unchanged in 9 eyes; on an average, visual field deficit decreased by 22.4% vs. the initial value. After 4 to 5 months the changes in the vision acuity and visual field deficit were negligible. In controls these parameters did not appreciably change over the entire follow-up period. Bisvas Shutanto Kumar, Listopadova NA. Possibilities of magnetotherapy in stabilization of visual function in patients with glaucoma. Vestn Oftalmol. 1996 Jan-Mar;112(1):6-8. Source

Effectiveness of magnetotherapy in optic nerve atrophy: a preliminary study

Effectiveness of magnetotherapy in optic nerve atrophy: a preliminary study Magnetotherapy effects on visual functions (vision acuity and field), on retinal bioelectric activity, on conductive vision system, and on intraocular circulation were studied in 88 patients (160 eyes) with optic nerve atrophy. A Soviet Polyus-1 low-frequency magnetotherapy apparatus was employed with magnetic induction of about 10 mT, exposure 7-10 min, 10-15 sessions per course. Vision acuity of patients with its low (below 0.04 diopters) values improved in 50 percent of cases. The number of patients with vision acuity of 0.2 diopters has increased from 46 before treatment to 75. Magnetotherapy improved ocular hemodynamics in patients with optic nerve atrophy, it reduced the time of stimulation conduction along the vision routes and stimulated the retinal ganglia cells. The maximal effect was achieved after 10 magnetotherapy sessions. A repeated course carried out in 6-8 months promoted a stabilization of the process. Zobina LV, Orlovskaia LS, Sokov SL, Sabaeva GF, Kondé LA, Iakovlev AA. Effektivnost’ magnitoterapii pri atrofii zritel’nogo nerva. Predvaritel’noe issledovanie [Effectiveness of magnetotherapy in optic nerve atrophy. A preliminary study]. Vestn Oftalmol. 1990 Sep-Oct;106(5):54-7. Russian. PMID: 2264232. Source