Effect of electromagnetic field therapy in chronic respiratory disease: systematic review

Abstract

Introduction Pulmonary function and functional capacity decline in chronic respiratory diseases, especially in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Physiotherapy is an integral part of treating respiratory patients since it helps combat muscle depletion and respiratory symptoms. Nevertheless, the knowledge about applying electromagnetic field (EMF) therapy as a therapeutic option in chronic respiratory patients is minimal. So, the aim of this review is to determine the effect of Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Pulmonary Function and 6-minute walk distance in chronic respiratory disease patients. Methods The PubMed, PeDRO, Scopus, COCHRANE, and Web of Science databases were searched and randomised control trials investigating EMF on pulmonary function and 6MWT distance in a chronic respiratory disease population, published before January 2022, were selected. Three reviewers assessed each study’s quality after data were extracted into a trial description form. Results Three studies met the inclusion criteria on pulmonary function and 6MWT distance. The sample size ranges from 10 to 37 for EMF. The improvement in pulmonary function was not significant in FEV1, FEV1/FVC and significant in PEF versus control. The change in 6MWT distance was 21.68 m, which is a clinically significant change. Conclusions EMF therapy has been shown to improve pulmonary function and 6MWT distance. The study was the first to examine and synthesise existing EMF data.

Keywords

• electromagnetic field
• copd
• asthma
• magnetic stimulation
• chronic respiratory disease