Short-Term Efficacy of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Double-Blinded Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) in alleviating pain and enhancing functional recovery in patients with chronic low back pain. Materials and Methods: The present study was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted in 30 patients aged 18 to 60 years with chronic low back pain at the outpatient clinic of Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. Patients were randomly assigned to the rPMS group or the sham treatment group, receiving one session per week for three weeks. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were assessed before treatment, after each session, and one-week post-treatment. The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were evaluated before and one week after treatment. Results: Baseline characteristics and scores for VAS, RMDQ, and ODI, were comparable between groups. VAS scores improved significantly in both groups at one-week post-treatment, with the rPMS group showing better outcomes. The mean VAS score decreased in the rPMS group after the second and third sessions was 2.5 (SD 1.6) and 2.5 (SD 1.4), respectively. A linear mixed-effects model indicated a significant reduction in VAS scores by the third session. The median improvement in RMDQ was 3.0 (IQR 3.0) for the rPMS group versus 2.0 (IQR 2.0) for the sham group (p=0.030). ODI scores improved by 5.6 (SD 3.5) in the rPMS group compared to 2.4 (SD 1.8) in the sham group (p=0.048). Conclusion: rPMS, combined with exercise and behavioral modifications, reduces pain and disability in chronic low back pain patients. However, the change in VAS scores did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), suggesting limited clinical impact.