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

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.