[Efficacy of magnetotherapy in hand erosive osteoarthritis. A clinical trial].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Erosive arthritis is an unusual pathology. Despite using magnetotherapy as a treatment, there is no evidence supporting its use. The aim of the study is to evaluate magnetotherapy efficacy in patients suffering from hand erosive arthritis, compared to placebo, in terms of pain. Treatment safety will be also evaluated.

METHOD:

Prospective experimental double-blind randomized study consisting of an intervention group (IG: treatment with magnetotherapy: 15 20-minute-sesions 5 consecutive days per week) and a control group (CG: placebo). Treatment efficacy was evaluated at the end and 3 months after. We used Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for assess pain. Secondarily, functionality (The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score), rigidity (Modified Kapandji Index), grip strength (dynamometry) and quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) were assessed.

RESULTS:

29 patients were evaluated. Due to exclusion criteria, there were 19 patients left, all women with an average age of 59. After randomization, 10 were awarded to IG and 9 to CG, being both comparable groups. A higher percentage of patients with pain controlled (VAS<6) was found in IG post treatment and after 3-months (77.8% vs 33.3%, p=0.1 y 83.3% vs 33.3%, p=0.2; respectively). A tendency to decrease VAS for IG at 3-months (regression coefficient: -2.1 (95% CI: -5.7-1.5; p=0.2) was showed. There were no other statistically significant differences, except a higher dynamometry results in IG, in both hands (p<0.01 and p<0.04 respectively). There were neither adverse effects nor secondary effects.

CONCLUSION:

Magnetotherapy treatment for hand erosive arthritis patients is safe and probably leads to clinical improvement.

• Authors: A Boada-Pladellorens, À Jaén Manzanera, E Bertran Garcia, À Abril Carreras, G Salvador Alarcón, S Martínez Pardo
• Journal: Rehabilitacion (Rehabilitacion (Madr)) 2021 Jul-Sep Vol. 55 Issue 3 Pg. 175-182 ISSN: 1578-3278 [Electronic] Spain
• Vernacular Title: Eficacia de la magnetoterapia en artrosis erosiva de manos. Un ensayo clínico.
• PMID: 33066980 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2020 Sociedad Española de Rehabilitación y Medicina Física. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Female
• Hand
• Humans
• Magnetic Field Therapy
• Middle Aged
• Osteoarthritis (therapy)
• Prospective Studies
• Quality of Life