Positive and negative effects of administering a magnetic field to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Abstract

Abstract Magnetotherapy applied to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) produces anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioedema effects. Observations suggest that beneficial and adverse effects of magnetotherapy are related to the parameters of the magnetic field applied. The study aimed to assess the positive and negative effects of magnetotherapy, taking into account the type of the field. The study involved 39 patients with RA, who were randomly assigned to two groups: SMF - static magnetic field (n = 18) and PEMF – low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (n = 21). The examinations carried out before and after the therapy included a general assessment of the functional status, assessment of pain severity, measurement of the duration and severity of morning stiffness, computer-aided measurement of the range of motion of the hand joints and measurement of hand volume using water displacement method. The patients received kinesiotherapy and magnetotherapy, as determined by the randomisation. The findings show improved functional status (HAQ-20) on average by 0.26 points (p = 0.0166*), reduced pain (VAS) on average by 2.2 points (p = 0.0000***), reduced duration of morning stiffness on average by 23.2 min. (p = 0.0010**), and reduced severity of morning stiffness on average by 15.2 points (p = 0.0010**). The assessment of the dominant hand showed improved range of motion on average by 1.9 mm (p = 0.0036**) and reduced volume on average by 0.9 mm3 (p = 0.0230*). Significantly reduced duration and severity of morning stiffness was observed in SMF Group. Statistically significant changes in HAQ-20 scores, range of motion and the volume of the dominant hand were identified in PEMF Group. Magnetic fields improve functional status, and reduce pain, morning stiffness as well as swelling in the hand. A static magnetic field may be more effective in reducing morning stiffness whereas a pulsed magnetic field may, to a greater extent, improve function and reduce swelling in the rheumatoid hand. The side effects of magnetotherapy reported so far require further observation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05920746; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov). Day of first registration 27/06/2023.