Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy on Functional Capacity and Fall Risk in Patients with Diabetic Polyneuropathy: Randomized Controlled Trial.

2 Department of Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt. ____________________________ Correspondence: Ashraf Abdelaal Mohamed Abdelaal , Email: drashraf_pt79@yahoo.com ABSTRACT Background: Diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy (DPN) is a major public health problem. Pulsed low frequency electromagnetic field therapy (LFPEMFT) is a form of alternative therapies used to treat a variety of health conditions including DPN, but an understanding of the LFPEMFT therapeutic efficacy on functional aspects needs further clarification. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of LFPEMFT on functional capacity (assessed through 6 minutes' walk test) and fall risk (assessed through Berg balance scale) in patients with DPN. Methodology: Eighty-Five eligible, volunteer, patients with DPN were randomly assigned into PLFEMT and Sham Electromagnetic Therapy (SEMT) groups. Both groups received treatment twice weekly for 12 weeks. Variables were evaluated pre-study (evaluation-1) and post-study (evaluation-2). Results: At evaluation-2; functional capacity and fall risk mean values and percentages of change were 438.49 ± 31.87 (15.73 %), 380.75 ± 42.77 (0.037 %) and 41.73 ± 3.22 (22.54 %), 34.05 ± 3.64 (2.02 %) for LFPEMFT and SEMT groups respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion: PLFEMT is an effective modality in improving functional capacity and fall risk in patients with DPN.