Effect of BEMER magnetic field therapy on the level of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized, double-blind controlled trial

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Joachim Piatkowski - , Neurological Outpatient Center Reichenbachstrasse (Author)
  • Simone Kern - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Tjalf Ziemssen - , Department of Neurology (Author)

Abstract

Objectives: Electromagnetic field therapy has been reported to be beneficial in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with significant fatigue. This study was designed to evaluate the long-term effects of Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation (BEMER) on MS-related fatigue. Design: This was a monocenter, patient- and rater-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Patients: There were 37 relapsing-remitting patients with MS with significant fatigue in the study. Intervention: The intervention consisted of BEMER magnetic field treatment for 8 minutes twice daily in comparison to placebo for 12 weeks. Outcome measures: The primary outcome criterion was change in the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) between baseline and 12 weeks. The secondary outcome criteria were changes of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), a general depression scale-long version (ADS-L), Multiple Sclerosis Functional Scale (MSFC), and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Results: There was evidence of a significant difference of MFIS value (primary outcome criterion) after 12 weeks in favor of the verum group (26.84 versus 36.67; p? =? 0.024). In addition, FSS values were significantly lower in the verum group after 12 weeks (3.5 versus 4.7; p? =? 0.016). After 6 weeks' follow-up, verum and placebo groups did not differ in experienced fatigue (MFIS, FSS). Regarding the subscales of the MFIS, there was a significant decrease in physical (p? =? 0.018) and cognitive (p? =? 0.041), but not in psychologic subscales only in the verum group regarding the timepoints baseline and 12 weeks. BEMER therapy was well tolerated. Discussion: In this pilot study, we were able to demonstrate a beneficial effect of BEMER intervention on MS fatigue. As this was only a pilot study, trials with more patients and longer duration are mandatory to describe long-term effects.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)507-511
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Volume15
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2009
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 19422286

Keywords