The Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Fatigue, Depression, and Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition characterized by various symptoms, particularly fatigue, which can significantly impact mental health and quality of life. Evidence regarding the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy in managing certain symptoms of MS remains controversial. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to evaluate randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of PEMF therapy on fatigue, depression, and quality of life in individuals with MS. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for articles published between 1990 and 2023 using the keywords magnetic field therapy and MS. Two independent reviewers conducted the processes of screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Fatigue was analyzed as the primary outcome, while depression and quality of life were considered secondary outcomes. Results: The search yielded 1,768 articles, of which 8 met the inclusion criteria for this review. A total of 372 participants were analyzed, 267 (71.7%) of whom were women. The intervention duration ranged from 3 to 12 weeks. Fatigue levels were reported in all included studies, while depression and quality of life were assessed in three studies. Conclusions: Compared to placebo, beneficial effects of PEMF therapy on fatigue severity were observed in only two studies, while the remaining studies showed no significant differences between groups. Furthermore, quality of life improved in only one study, and depression scores were comparable between groups at the end of all three studies. Additional trials with longer intervention durations, larger sample sizes, advanced technological devices, and objective assessment tools are needed to resolve this controversy.