Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field reduces oxidative stress during the rehabilitation of post-acute stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: One of the therapeutic methods used in stroke rehabilitation is magnetotherapy using extremely low frequency and variable pulse shape electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of magnetotherapy on the condition of postacute stroke patients, as measured by plasma oxidative stress markers and clinical parameters which show the progress of rehabilitation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The selected 57 post-stroke patients were divided into 2 groups, those with ELFEMF therapy and those without. The level of oxidative stress in the plasma was estimated by typical markers: thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), thiol groups, and carbonyl groups. The effect of ELF-EMF on the course of the patients' rehabilitation following ischemic stroke was evaluated with the use of scales of physical activity and mental state: Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).

RESULTS: Our comparative analysis showed that all parameters of oxidative stress are significantly reduced during rehabilitation using ELF-EMF, compared to the control group rehabilitated only by kinesiotherapy. We also recorded much higher therapeutic benefits using magnetotherapy, which revealed a significant improvement of clinimetric parameters.

CONCLUSIONS: The ELF-EMF therapy meaningfully improves the overall condition of patients through a decrease of oxidative stress markers and it significantly affects the psychophysical abilities of patients after stroke. The change in carbonyl group level correlates with the change in the degree of physical and mental disability; therefore, it could be a marker for the effectiveness of rehabilitation.

KEYWORDS: extremely low frequency electromagnetic field therapy; oxidative stress; rehabilitation; stroke

PMID: 30024661 DOI: 10.17219/acem/73699