Effects of extremely low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field added to kinesitherapy procedure on quality of life in patients with end stage renal disease on dialysis

Background/Aim. Extremely Low Frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Magnetic Field (ELF-PEMF) has a wide range of therapeutic applications which were expanding during the last decades. ELF-PEMF, as non-invasive, longterm safe method of physical therapy can influence a variety of aspects in chronic diseases including quality of life. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially with end stage renal disease (ESRD), treated by dialysis, have lower health-related quality of life and changed normal way of living because of ESRD-related comorbid illnesses, associated conditions and complex dialysis procedures. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of longterm ELF-PEMF in concordance with exercising on quality of life in ESRD patients on dialysis. Methods. A total of 124 patients (59 men and 65 women) with ESRD on dialysis program were divided into study group and control group. Patients included in the study group (n = 54) agreed to receive treatment with ELF-PEMF (18 Hz, 2 mT, applied during 40 minutes after ten consecutive dialysis procedures, four times through one year, 120 treatments in total) together with kinesitherapy over three years. The patients in the control group (n = 70) were subjected only to kinesitherapy as a physical therapy procedure. Quality of life was assessed through the Short Form Health Survey, version 2 (SF36v2) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy, version 4 (FACIT Fatigue v4) questionnaires. Results. In the study group, treatment with ELF-PEMF significantly improved FACIT Fatigue v4 scale score as well as physical health, physical functioning, bodily pain and energy/ fatigue domains of SF=36v2 scale. There were no effects on mental health domain, limitations due to physical health problems, limitations due to personal or emotional problems, emotional well-being, social functioning, and general health perceptions. In the control group, no beneficial effects on FACIT Fatigue v4 scale and SF36v2 scale item were noticed. Conclusion. ELF-PEMF could be a additional and safe strategy for improving quality of life in patients with ESRD on dialysis