Influence of interferential currents, pulsed low-frequency electromagnetic field and exercises for pain in postmenopausal osteoporotic patients

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoporosis causes chronic back pain that leads to diminished functional capability and quality of life. Aim: To examine the influence of physical modalities and exercises on pain in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. Material and methods: This was a prospective study comprising 92 patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis randomly selected and followed for one year at the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Skopje. Patients were assigned to three groups: the first group of 32 patients underwent physical procedures, the second group of 30 patients did not undergo physical modalities, and the third control group comprised 30 patients. Physical therapy consisted of physical modalities and exercises. Physical modalities included interferential currents and pulsed low-frequency electromagnetic field conducted each day for 21 days with weekend breaks. Patients from the first and the second group performed exercises 3 times per week during the entire follow-up period. The third group of patients did not practice exercises. Two check-ups were made, on day 21 and at the end of the twelfth month. Assessment of pain intensity was made by the use of a numeric pain rating scale. Results: No significant difference among the groups was observed regarding the mean age of patients (p<0.21). The first check-up showed а significantly higher pain score in the third group of patients (p=0.0003). At the end of the twelfth month the number of patients with pain was significantly reduced as compared to the control group of patients (p=0.0029). Conclusion: Physical therapy modalities and exercises influence on pain in patients with osteoporosis.