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Effect of pulsed electromagnetic therapy versus low-level laser therapy on bone mineral density in the elderly with primary osteoporosis: a randomized, controlled trial

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Abstract

Background

Osteoporosis is a major health problem in the elderly worldwide.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the effect of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (LFPEMFT) versus low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone mineral density (BMD) in osteoporotic elderly.

Patients and methods

A total of 60 participants with primary osteoporosis, aged 55–65 years, were randomly allocated into three groups: the LFPEMFT group (group I; n=20), the LLLT group (group II; n=20), and the control group (group III; n=20). Each treatment regimen was applied for 30 min, three times weekly for 3 months on the lumbar region. BMD was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

There were significant increases in BMD in groups I and II, whereas there was a nonsignificant increase in group III (P<0.001, 0.001, and 0.14 for groups I, II, and III, respectively). Between groups, there were significant differences in BMD but in favor of group I (P<0.001). The mean values and percentages of change in BMD were −1.94±0.76 and 39.48%, −2.63±0.49 and 16.79%, and −3.19±0.54 and 0.79% in groups I, II, and III, respectively.

Conclusion

LFPEMFT and LLLT are useful therapeutic procedures to increase BMD in osteoporotic elderly. Furthermore, LFPEMFT is more effective than LLLT in increasing BMD in the elderly with primary osteoporosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, 7 Ahmed Elzaiat Street, Ben Elsaryat, Ei Dokki, Giza, 12612, Egypt

    Ashraf A. M. Abdelaal PhD & Mona M. Taha

  2. Basic Science, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

    Doaa I. Amin & Amira H. Draz

Authors
  1. Ashraf A. M. Abdelaal PhD
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  2. Mona M. Taha
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  3. Doaa I. Amin
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Correspondence to Ashraf A. M. Abdelaal PhD.

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Abdelaal, A.A.M., Taha, M.M., Amin, D.I. et al. Effect of pulsed electromagnetic therapy versus low-level laser therapy on bone mineral density in the elderly with primary osteoporosis: a randomized, controlled trial. Bull Fac Phys Ther 22, 34–39 (2017). https://doi.org/10.4103/bfpt.bfpt_58_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/bfpt.bfpt_58_16

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