Effectiveness of Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Upper Extremity Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I: a randomized controlled study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate effectiveness of electromagnetic field therapy (EMFT) on pain, kinesiophobia and functionality in individuals with upper extremity Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type-1 (CRPS-1). Methods: Forty-two individuals were randomly assigned into either EMFT (N=21) or placebo EMFT (p-EMFT) (N=21) groups. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of the demographic and clinical characteristics of the cases at the baseline. The EMFT group was treated with 100 Gauss intensity and 50 Hz frequency and p-EMFT group received placebo treatment with same device being turned off. The treatment was applied 60 minutes, once a day, five times a week, for 6 weeks. Physiotherapy program including stretching and range of motion (ROM) exercises were applied for both groups. Pain (visual analogue scale (VAS)), ROM (goniometer and fingertip-to-distal palmar crease distance), kinesiophobia (Tampa scale of kinesiophobia), grip strength (hand dynamometer), edema (figure-of-eight method), and functional ability (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Q-DASH) scale) were assessed. Results: Significant improvements were observed in all outcome variables (p<0.05) in both groups. However these improvements were found to be significantly greater in EMFT group regarding pain, wrist flexion-ROM, wrist extension-ROM, fingertip-to-distal palmar crease distance, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, grip strength, edema, and Q-DASH (p<0.05). Conclusions: EMFT may use as a treatment option to reduce pain, kinesiophobia and edema, and to improve functional ability, grip strength and ROM in treatment of CRPS-1