Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on pain, pressure pain threshold, and pain-free grip strength in participants with lateral epicondylitis

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on pain, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and pain-free grip strength (PFGS) in participants with lateral epicondylitis (LE). Methods: A total of 22 participants with LE were included in this pre- and post-test study. All participants received 6 weeks of PEMF therapy. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to record pain levels, pressure algometer was used to measure PPT in kg/cm², and a handheld dynamometer was used to measure PFGS in kg. Results: All the participants improved following 6 weeks of PEMF therapy. VAS score decreased from 7.82 to 3.11, PPT improved from 2.95 kg/cm² to 4.84 kg/cm², and PFGS improved from 18.6 kg to 22.1 kg. All the outcome measures showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) following pre- and post-comparisons. Conclusion: PEMF treatment was effective in decreasing pain and improving function in participants with LE.