MS RESEARCH

Long-term Effects of Bio-Electromagnetic-Energy Regulation Therapy on Fatigue in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

(Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22314716/)

To evaluate the long-term effects of a specific electromagnetic therapy device (Bio-Electromagnetic- Energy-Regulation [BEMER]) on MS-related fatigue, we designed a crossover control of a previously performed randomized controlled trial and a long-term open-label follow-up trial. 37 patients with relapsing-remitting MS who had major fatigue (N = 37 patients).

Intervention: After a previous randomized controlled trial (exposure to low-frequency pulsed magnetic fields for 8 min twice daily or to placebo treatment for 12 wk), a crossover from control to treatment for another 12 weeks, followed by an open label follow-up trial to 3 years after.

Results: Patients previously on placebo during the randomized controlled trial experienced significant reductions in fatigue after crossing over to treatment.

The MFIS and FSS scores were significantly lower in the open-label group than in the control subjects after follow-up. Participation in the open-label treatment was the strongest predictor of low fatigue outcome after follow-up. Electromagnetic-field therapy was well tolerated.

Conclusions: In this long-term study, a beneficial effect of long-term BEMER therapy on MS fatigue was demonstrated. Electromagnetic-field therapy may be a useful therapeutic modality in MS patients with severe fatigue.

Effects of a Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy on Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue and Quality of Life: a Double-Blind, Placebo,Controlled Trial

(link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12868251/)

Study was designed to evaluate the effects of a pulsed electromagnetic therapy on MS related fatigue, spasticity, bladder control, and overall quality of life. A multi-site, double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover trial. Each subject received 4 weeks of the active and placebo treatments separated by a 2-week washout period. 117 patients with clinically definite MS participated

Daily exposure to a small, portable pulsing electromagnetic field generator. The MS Quality of Life Inventory (MSQLI) was used to assess changes in fatigue, bladder control, spasticity, and a quality of life composite.

Paired t-tests were used to assess treatment differences in the 117 subjects (81% of the initial sample) who completed both treatment sessions. Improvements in fatigue and overall quality of life were significantly greater on the active device.