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.
