Effect of pulsed magnetic field versus low level laser therapy on functional disability in children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Abstract Background: Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis is represented with chronic pain and inflammation, and extra-articular manifestations with elevated comorbidities resulted in massive socio-economic impacts. Both pulsed electromagnetic fields, and low-level laser therapies are non-invasive therapeutic approaches have anabolic benefits those not fully explored so far. Purpose: To compare between pulsed magnetic field versus low level laser therapy in management of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Material & Methods: A single prospective clinical, randomized control trial. It involved forty children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, their age range was 8-16 years old, and they were randomly assigned into two equal groups Group (A): received pulsed electromagnetic field, in addition to standard physical therapy program. Group (B): received low intensity laser therapy, in addition to standard physical therapy program. All children were trained one hour per day, three times a week, as well pretreatment and at two months post treatment values were measured and analyzed. Results: No significant differences at baseline evaluation. Significant increase in group A in terms of knee flexion by 23.84% than group B by 13.92%, and for extension by 16.97% than for group B by 13.72%, also significant decrease in group A in terms of knee circumference at and above patella, also Arabic version of Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire values by 78.9%, 11.83% and 11.53%, while group B were 66.17%, 5.66%, and 6.09%, respectively. Conclusions: It can be concluded that pulsed magnetic field produces better therapeutic improvement in compare to low-level laser therapy in management of children aged 8-16 years old with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.