Feasibility, acceptance and effects of pulsed magnetic field therapy in patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome : A randomized controlled pilot study.

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q2 MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL

Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift Pub Date : 2025-03-17 DOI:10.1007/s00508-025-02522-w

Mohammad Keilani, Margarete Steiner, Julia Sternik, Jim Schmeckenbecher, Ralf Harun Zwick, Barbara Wagner, Richard Crevenna

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study was to explore the feasibility, acceptance and effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) in patients with post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome.

Methods: A total of 20 patients were included in the study. They were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 10, male:female = 4 : 5, age = 45 ± 9 years) and a placebo group (n = 10, m:f = 4:6, age: 39 ± 23 years). A Papimi™ Delta professional electromagnetic field therapy device was used for treatment. Controls received a placebo PEMF. In total 10 PEMF sessions (30 min., 2× per week) were applied. Physical performance, health-related quality of life, fatigue, work ability, sleep, pain, anxiety and depression were assessed at baseline, posttreatment and at follow-up 5 weeks after treatment. Feasibility and acceptance were assessed posttreatment.

Results: The intervention group showed a notable improvement in the 6 minutes walking test. The use of PEMF improved fatigue (measured with the Brief Fatigue Inventory and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory). Also, the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Work Ability Index and most subscales of the Short Form (SF) 36 questionnaire showed improvement. From the placebo group three patients dropped out. There were no drop-outs in the intervention group. In the intervention group, PEMF was well-accepted and patients showed very good adherence.

Conclusion: The results of this pilot study indicate that PEMF is feasible and well accepted. Furthermore, this study population showed improvements in physical and mental health in the intervention group. This study is a promising contribution to this growing research field and provides the required evidence for future efficacy studies on PEMF for post-COVID-19 patients.

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来源期刊

Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 医学-医学：内科

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

3.80%

发文量

110

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： The Wiener klinische Wochenschrift - The Central European Journal of Medicine - is an international scientific medical journal covering the entire spectrum of clinical medicine and related areas such as ethics in medicine, public health and the history of medicine. In addition to original articles, the Journal features editorials and leading articles on newly emerging topics, review articles, case reports and a broad range of special articles. Experimental material will be considered for publication if it is directly relevant to clinical medicine. The number of international contributions has been steadily increasing. Consequently, the international reputation of the journal has grown in the past several years. Founded in 1888, the Wiener klinische Wochenschrift - The Central European Journal of Medicine - is certainly one of the most prestigious medical journals in the world and takes pride in having been the first publisher of landmarks in medicine.