Effect of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation on Patients With Low Back Pain: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) on pain intensity, functional mobility, and kinesiophobia in individuals with low back pain (LBP).

Data sources: The PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception until November 25, 2022.

Study selection: Eligible randomized controlled trials contained information on the population (LBP), intervention (rPMS), and outcomes (pain intensity, functional mobility, and kinesiophobia). Participants in the rPMS intervention group were compared with those in sham or other control groups. Two independent researchers searched for, screened, and qualified the articles.

Data extraction: Two independent researchers extracted key information from each eligible study. The authors' names, year of publication, setting, total sample size, rPMS parameters, baseline/mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were extracted using a standardized form, and the methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database score and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system.

Data synthesis: Of 733 studies identified, 6 randomized controlled trials (n = 139) were included for meta-analysis. Compared with sham rPMS or other therapy, rPMS showed significant efficacy in reducing pain intensity (visual analog scale: MD, -1.89; 95% CI, -3.32 to -0.47; P<.05; very low-quality evidence). Significant efficacy was also found in terms of functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index: MD, -8.39; 95% CI, -13.65 to -3.12; P<.001; low-quality evidence). However, there was no statistically significant between-group difference on the Tampa scale of kinesiophobia (MD, -1.81; 95% CI, -7.60 to 3.98; P>.05; very low-quality evidence).

Conclusions: This meta-analysis found very low- to low-quality evidence that rPMS can be used to reduce pain intensity and improve functional disability in individuals with LBP. However, no significant effect of rPMS on kinesiophobia was found.

Keywords: Functional mobility; Low back pain; Meta-analysis; Pain modulation; Rehabilitation; Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation.