title: Short-term effect of low-intensity, pulsed, electromagnetic fields on gait characteristics in older adults with low bone mineral density: a pilot randomized-controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the short-term effects of a 10-min exposure to low-intensity, pulsed, electromagnetic fields (PEF) on gait characteristics in older adults with low bone mineral density.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a single-center, double-blind, randomized-controlled trial, community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 70 years were randomized (3:2 ratio) to receive a 10-min treatment with PEF (mean intensity 1.5 mW) or placebo. The following gait parameters were assessed at baseline and just after the intervention/placebo with the GAITRite Portable Walkway system: self-selected gait speed (cm/s), stride length (cm), support base (cm) and double support phase (s).
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the intervention group (25 patients), both self-selected gait speed and stride length increased significantly from baseline, whereas the double support phase decreased. In the placebo group, all gait parameters except for support base remained unchanged. The mean percent increase (± standard deviation) of self-selected gait speed was significantly (P = 0.010) greater in the intervention group (20.1 ± 15.6) compared with the placebo group (10.5 ± 13.1), whereas no significant difference in the mean percent variation of the other parameters was found between the two groups. During the intervention, no adverse event was observed. A similar proportion of patients in the two groups reported one fall in the 30 days after the intervention/placebo.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first randomized-controlled trial showing the potential beneficial effects of PEF on gait characteristics in older adults. Further phase III randomized trials are warranted to establish their potential benefits (e.g. fall prevention) on fall-related health outcomes in elderly patients.
authors: Department of Gerontology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Bone Clinic, Galliera Hospital, Genova, Italy.
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Giusti
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Giovale
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Ponte
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Fratoni
authors: Umberto
authors: U
authors: Tortorolo
authors: Armando
authors: A
authors: De Vincentiis
authors: Gerolamo
authors: G
authors: Bianchi
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D001851:Bone Diseases, Metabolic / Q000503:physiopathology; D004244:Dizziness / Q000175:diagnosis; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D007259:Infrared Rays; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods; D055909:Magnetic Field Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000528:radiation effects; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010919:Placebos; D013997:Time Factors; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos