Effect of low frequency magnetic fields used in magnetotherapy and magnetostimulation on the rehabilitation results of patiens after ischemic stroke

Keywords:

stroke, rehabilitation, magnetotherapy, magnetostimulation

Summary:

New methods of rehabilitation should be Introduced in order to reduce disability resulting from stroke. During the twelve months of follow-up, effect of low frequency magnetic field (If mf) on the course of patient rehabilitation following ischemic stroke was evaluated on in-patient (acute and subacute period of the stroke) and out­patient (chronic period) basis with the use of Mathew et al s and Barthel’s scales. Lf mf (20 procedures of 20-min. duration) of magnetotherapy (I group – placebo II – group 5.6 mT induction , 10 Hz frequency and sinusoidal shape, III group – 2 .8 mT induction 10 H z frequency and sinusoidal shape) and magnetostimulation (IV group – M1P1 program of Viofor JPS system, 16 min a day) was applied as early as in the subacute period of the stroke (1-8 weeks). The data obtained were pre­sented in the form of percentage changes in the pain levels as well as in the form of the arithmetical mean and standard deviation ;X±SD). The ANOVA test was used for a statistical evaluation of the data obtained in the tests. The results obtained indicate beneficial effects of If mf in the III and IV group of patients in the Barthel’s scale and Mathew scale, which were observed during the examination 12 months after the stroke. The recom­mended doses of If mf seem to be ad­equate to obtain therapeutic effects and may be used in the early period of rehabilitation. The neurological and functional improvement persisted for a long-period of the out-patient treat­ment, which was confirmed during the control examination 12 months after the ischemic stroke. As no adverse effects (which could be attributed to If mf), were observed, this method of physical therapy can be recognized as a safe one and worth making popular in clinical practice.

Source:

Przegląd Lekarski 2007; 64, 2, 74-77

Authors:

Woldańska-Okońska M., Czernicki J.