Effect of pulsed electromagnetic therapy versus low-level laser therapy on bone mineral density in the elderly with primary osteoporosis: a randomized, controlled trial

Background Osteoporosis is a major health problem in the elderly worldwide. Aim The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the effect of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (LFPEMFT) versus low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone mineral density (BMD) in osteoporotic elderly. Patients and methods A total of 60 participants with primary osteoporosis, aged 55–65 years, were randomly allocated into three groups: the LFPEMFT group (group I; n =20), the LLLT group (group II; n =20), and the control group (group III; n =20). Each treatment regimen was applied for 30 min, three times weekly for 3 months on the lumbar region. BMD was evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results There were significant increases in BMD in groups I and II, whereas there was a nonsignificant increase in group III ( P