Effect of High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Therapy on Balance and Quality of Life in Elderly Type 2 Diabetic Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of high-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy (HIFEMT) on balance, core strength, fall risk, and quality of life (QoL) in elderly men with type 2 diabetes.

Design: A prospective randomized controlled trial with a single-center focus.

Setting: This study was conducted at a private geriatric rehabilitation unit from April to December 2024.

Participants: Eighty elderly men (N=80) with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated into 2 equal groups.

Interventions: For 12 weeks, the HIFEMT group received HIFEMT in addition to balance training, whereas the control group received balance training only.

Main outcome measures: Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), core strength was assessed using the double-leg lowering test (DLLT), fall risk was evaluated using the Fall Risk Questionnaire (FRQ), and QoL was measured using the Scale of Older People's Quality of Life-brief (OPQoL-brief).

Results: At post-study, the HIFEMT group demonstrated significantly greater BBS scores (mean difference between groups=4.84; 95% CI, 2.6-7.05; P=.001), DLLT scores (mean difference between groups=0.59; 95% CI, 0.17-1.02; P=.007), and OPQoL-brief scores (mean difference between groups=4.18; 95% CI, 0.99-7.35; P=.01), along with significantly lower FRQ scores (mean difference between groups=-1.07; 95% CI, -1.83 to -0.31; P=.006), compared to the control group.

Conclusions: In elderly type 2 diabetic men, HIFEMT could enhance balance control, core strength, and QoL, while also reducing the risk of falls.