Interferential Electrical Stimulation Versus Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field in Management of Intermittent Claudication

Mohamed, Mona Mahmoud; El-Nahas, Nesreen Gharib; Hamed, Mohamed Hamza; Louis, Nagy Nassif

doi:10.21608/ejhm.2020.93890

Interferential Electrical Stimulation Versus Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field in Management of Intermittent Claudication

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Physical Therapy Department for Cardiovascular/Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

² Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al Azhar University, Egypt.

³ Physical Therapy Department for Cardiovascular/Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.

10.21608/ejhm.2020.93890

Abstract

Background: Intermittent claudication is the occurrence of leg pain, aching, cramping, or fatigue triggered by walking and relieved by rest. It's a chronic disabling condition and the first symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Objective: This study was designed to compare between the therapeutic efficacy of Interferential electrical stimulation and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) in management of intermittent claudication (IC). Subjects and methods: Forty five patients suffering from intermittent claudication due to atherosclerosis (Fontain stage II PAD) and randomly were assigned into three equal groups. Group “A” included 15 patients received 30 min of pulsed electromagnetic field in addition to heel raise exercise and calf stretch exercise and their medical treatment, group “B” included 15 patients received 20 min of interferential electrical stimulation in addition to heel raise exercise and calf stretch exercise and group “C” (control group) that included 15 patients received their medical treatment only. Ankle brachial pressure index, graded treadmill exercise testing to determine absolute claudication distance (ACD), Peak walking time (PWT) and walking impairment questionnaire (distance score, speed score, symptoms impairment score) were recorded pre and post the two months period for all groups. Results: All measured parameters were significantly improved in all groups with the greatest improvement was in group (A) and the least improvement was in group (C) except for ankle brachial index that was changed significantly in group (A) only. Conclusion: PEMF could be an effective vascular rehabilitation modality for improving walking efficiency and functional capacity in patients with intermittent claudication. It significantly increases the blood flow in peripheral arteries and so on can delay the complications of intermittent claudication.

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