Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field versus pulsed high intensity laser in the treatment of men with osteopenia or osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Osteoporosis has been related to a negative impact on several aspects of patient health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) and pulsed Nd-YAG laser therapy (HILT) on men with osteopenia or osteoporosis.   Methods: Ninety-five men with osteopenia or osteoporosis (mean age, 52 years; mean height, 176 cm; mean weight, 83 kg; mean body-mass index (BMI), 26.86 kg/m2) took part in the study, and they were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group 1 received PEMF and exercise program (PEMF +EX), Group 2 received HILT and exercise program (HILT+EX), and Group 3 received exercise program only (EX). PEMF was applied three times per week for 12 weeks using a full-body mat, while HILT was applied to the lower back and hip regions with a total dose of energy of 3000 J delivered in two treatment stages. Flexibility, aerobic exercise, strength, weight-bearing, and balance exercises are included in exercise program, which is followed by whole-body vibration training. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the total hip and lumbar spine, bone markers, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and fall risk are all outcome measures. Results: There were no significant differences in the parameters between the groups at the baseline (P > 0.05). Patients in all groups, however, showed significant improvements in all measured parameters following treatment (P< 0.05), with Group 1 and Group 2 showing much greater improvements than Group 3. Conclusion: After 12-weeks of treatment, PEMF combined with exercise is more effective than HILT combined with exercise or exercise alone in increasing BMD and promoting bone formation, suppressing bone-resorption markers, and improving quality of life and fall risk, with the effects lasting up to six months. This study was registered in the ClinicalTrial.gov PRS (NCT05029440, 26/08/2021).