Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Clinical Signs and Quality of Life in Patients with Hemophilic Arthropathy of the Knee Joint: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Hemophilic arthropathy (HA) causes severe joint damage and impairs the quality of life (QoL) of hemophiliacs. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) on the clinical signs and QoL of patients with severe hemophilia A experiencing moderate HA in the knee joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six severe hemophiliacs with HA of the knee joint were randomly assigned into the PEMF (n = 20) or placebo (n = 16) groups. The PEMF group received 60 min of PEMF (2 Hz, 25 Gauss for 30 min and 70 Hz, 30 Gauss for 30 min) on the knee joint, three times per week for 6 weeks. The clinical signs, QoL, and pain intensity were measured by the Hemophilia Joint Health Score, A36 Hemofilia-QoL Questionnaire, and visual analog scale, respectively, before and after treatment. RESULTS: In the PEMF group, a significant difference before and after intervention in terms of clinical signs, QoL, and pain intensity (P < 0.05) was founded. Between-group analysis showed a significant improvement in clinical signs (except for atrophy, strength, and swelling duration), QoL, and pain intensity in the PEMF versus control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PEMF can improve the clinical signs, QoL, and pain intensity of severe hemophilia A patient with moderate knee hemophilic arthropathy.