--- title: "Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Pain and…" description: "Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy significantly reduces pain, stiffness, and improves physical function in osteoarthritis patients in the short term." url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d32251502.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d32251502.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d32251502.html" type: "study" study_key: "d32251502" journal: "Phys Ther" year: 2020 pmid: "32251502" doi: "10.1093/ptj/pzaa054" citations: 1 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" --- # Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Pain and Physical Function in Osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) › Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Pain… **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d32251502.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/d32251502 ## Citation | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Journal | Phys Ther | | Year | 2020 | | PMID | [32251502](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32251502/) | | DOI | [10.1093/ptj/pzaa054](https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzaa054) | | Study key | d32251502 | ## Takeaway Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy significantly reduces pain, stiffness, and improves physical function in osteoarthritis patients in the short term. ## The question Does pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy effectively treat symptoms and improve quality of life (QOL) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA)? ## Hypothesis The study aimed to examine the effects of PEMF therapy and its parameters on symptoms and QOL in OA patients, suggesting an underlying hypothesis that PEMF therapy may be beneficial. ## Methods A meta-analysis was conducted by searching multiple databases including Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro, clinical trial registers, and reference lists up to April 2019. The analysis included randomized, placebo-controlled trials published in English, focusing on OA patients and symptom/QOL outcomes. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent authors. ## Results Sixteen studies were included in the systematic review, with 15 studies providing complete data for the meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference for pain was 1.06, for stiffness 0.37, for function 0.46, and for QOL 1.49. PEMF parameters did not influence symptoms. ## Conclusion PEMF therapy showed beneficial effects on pain, stiffness, and physical function in OA patients compared to placebo. The duration of treatment may not be a critical factor for pain management. Further research is needed to confirm the effects of PEMF therapy on QOL. ## Limitations The current evidence was limited to the short-term effects of PEMF therapy. More studies are required to confirm the effects on quality of life. ## Verbatim from the abstract > Beneficial effect of PEMF therapy on pain, stiffness, and physical function in osteoarthritis ## Standardized Mean Difference of PEMF Therapy vs. Placebo in Osteoarthritis | Measure | Standardized Mean Difference | | --- | --- | | Pain | 1.06 | | Stiffness | 0.37 | | Function | 0.46 | | QOL | 1.49 | *Standardized mean differences indicate the effect size of PEMF therapy compared to placebo for various outcomes in osteoarthritis patients.* ## Where this study is used on Magellan This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions. | Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages | | --- | --- | --- | | PEMF Therapy Mat | Moderate evidence | [PEMF Therapy Mat](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/160.md) | ## Reference 1. **Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Pain and Physical Function in Osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis** Phys Ther 2020 · [PMID 32251502](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32251502/) · [DOI 10.1093/ptj/pzaa054](https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzaa054) > Beneficial effect of PEMF therapy on pain, stiffness, and physical function in osteoarthritis ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d32251502.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d32251502.html","name":"Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Pain and Physical Function in Osteoarthritis: a…","description":"Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy significantly reduces pain, stiffness, and improves physical function in osteoarthritis patients in the short term.","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist (PM&R)","identifier":[{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NPI","value":"1376861765"},{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NY medical license","value":"275110"}]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"encoding":{"@type":"MediaObject","encodingFormat":"text/markdown","contentUrl":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d32251502.md"},"dateModified":"2026-09-02"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Research map","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Pain…","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d32251502.html"}]},{"@type":"ScholarlyArticle","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d32251502.html#study","name":"Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Pain and Physical Function in Osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis","headline":"Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Pain and Physical Function in Osteoarthritis: a…","datePublished":"2020","isPartOf":{"@type":"Periodical","name":"Phys Ther"},"identifier":"PMID:32251502","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32251502/","sameAs":"https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzaa054","abstract":"Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy significantly reduces pain, stiffness, and improves physical function in osteoarthritis patients in the short term."}]} ``` ## Related on Magellan Longevity - [PEMF Therapy Mat](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/160.md) — product graded on this and related evidence - [Evidence: pulsed electromagnetic fields](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s160.md) - [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) - [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md) ## Scope and disclosures Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).