A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial: Can Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Be a Novel Method for Treating Chronic Rhinosinusitis?
Author: Nessrien Afify Abed Elrashid1, Olfat Ibrahim Ali2,3, Zizi M Ibrahim4, Mohammed A El Sharkawy5, Bodor Bin Sheeha4, Wafaa Mahmoud Amin6,7
Affiliation:
1 Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt.
2 Physical Therapy Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia.
3 Department of Basic Science for Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt.
4 Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia.
5 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt.
6 Department of Physical Therapy, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia.
7 Basic Science Department for Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt.
Conference/Journal: Medicina (Kaunas)
Date published: 2024 Nov 14
Other:
Volume ID: 60 , Issue ID: 11 , Pages: 1868 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3390/medicina60111868. , Word Count: 294
Background and Objectives: Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy offers a promising approach to treating inflammatory diseases. Its notable anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects and enhancement of microcirculation in the nasal mucosa make it a valuable treatment option. Despite its potential, the use of PEMF for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is still in its early stages, with limited exploration of its effectiveness. This study aimed to assess the impact of PEMF on alleviating symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, sinus opacifications, and ostiomeatal complex issues associated with CRS. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven patients of both genders with CRS, aged 19 to 40 years, were involved in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to either a magnetic or a control group. The magnetic group underwent a 10 min PEMF session with a 20-gauss magnetic field strength at 7 Hz thrice a week for a month. The control group received the same PEMF application as an inactive device. Before and after the intervention, researchers assessed fatigue levels with a visual analog fatigue scale (VAFS), headache intensity via a numerical pain-rating scale, and the status of sinus opacifications and ostiomeatal complex obstructions by computerized tomography (CT). Results: The study findings showed a significant reduction in fatigue and headache scores in the magnetic group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a notable improvement in sinus opacifications and ostiomeatal complex obstructions among participants who received PEMF therapy. Conclusions: PEMF therapy effectively reduces fatigue, headaches, and sinus opacifications in CRS patients, suggesting its potential for inclusion in CRS management guidelines to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The results of this study indicate that PEMF represents a noninvasive and cost-effective approach for treating adults with mild-to-moderate CRS.
Keywords: fatigue; headache; magnetic field; nasal obstruction; sinus opacification; sinusitis.
PMID: 39597053 PMCID: PMC11596204 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60111868
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