Pulsed electromagnetic field with or without exercise therapy in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

The effect of electromagnetic field on sleep of patients with nocturia

INTRODUCTION

Accumulated studies revealed that electromagnetic field can affect human brain and sleep. We explored the effectiveness of electromagnetic field [Schumann resonance (SR)] on nocturia symptoms, quality of life, and sleep in patients with nocturia.

METHODS

This is a randomized, open-label, and active-controlled study, in which 35 participants were randomized into 2 groups. Group A received oxybutynin and the SR device for 12 weeks, while the active-control group received only the medication. We followed these patients every 4 weeks with a number of questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) for sleep, the American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS) for nocturia symptoms, and the Nocturia-Quality-of-Life-questionnaire (N-QOL) for quality of life. Descriptive statistics, pair t-tests, Chi-squared tests, and repeated measures were applied for data analysis.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found in the demographic data between the 2 groups. The AUASS, N-QOL, PSQI, and ESS total scores were significantly improved in the SR-sleep-device group (P < .001, P = .005, P < .001, P = .001) after treatment, but no significant change was found in the active-control group. Several variables of AUASS in the SR-sleep-device group were significantly improved, especially streaming and sleeping (both P = .001), and subjective sleep quality and sleep efficiency also demonstrated significant improvement (both P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that electromagnetic field (SR) as an add-on can improve not only sleep and quality of life but also nocturia symptoms in patients with nocturia. These findings suggest that SR can be effective for sleep disturbance secondary to physical disease, which can be a new application of the electromagnetic field.

Preliminary results of a randomized crossover clinical trial comparing a new electromagnetic and vibrating device and alpha-blocker agents in patients affected by bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia

To the Editor, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the main causes of patients seeking urological counselling in Western countries. It has been estimated that nearly 70 percent of United States men between the ages of 60 and 69 years, and nearly 80 percent of men ≥ 70 years, have some degree of BPH [...].

Therapeutic use of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy reduces prostate volume and lower urinary tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia

Background

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) etiology remains poorly understood, but chronic low‐grade inflammation plays a role. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) (1‐50 Hz) is effective in reducing tissue inflammation.

Objectives

We designed a pilot study to evaluate the effects of PEMF on prostate volume (PV) in BPH.

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective interventional trial on 27 naive patients with BPH and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). At baseline (V₀), all patients had blood tests, transrectal ultrasound, and questionnaires (IPSS, IIEF‐15) and received a perineal PEMF device (Magcell^®Microcirc, Physiomed Elektromedizin). PEMF was delivered on perineal area 5 minutes twice daily for 28 days, then (V₁) all baseline evaluations were repeated. Afterward, nine patients continued therapy for 3 more months (PT group) and 15 discontinued (FU group). A 4‐month evaluation (V₂) was performed in both groups.

Results

A reduction was observed both at V₁ and at V₂ in PV: PV_V0 44.5 mL (38.0;61.6) vs PV_V1 42.1 mL (33.7;61.5, P = .039) vs PV_V2 41.7mL (32.7;62.8, P = .045). IPSS was reduced both at V₁ and at V₂: IPSS_V0 11 (5.7;23.2) vs IPSS_V1 10 (6;16, P = .045) vs IPSS_V2 9 (6;14, P = .015). Baseline IPSS was related to IPSS reduction both at V₁ (r_s = 0.313;P = .003) and at V₂ (r_s = 0.664;P < .001). PV reduction in patients without metabolic syndrome (ΔPV_V1nMetS −4.7 mL, 95%CI −7.3;‐2.0) was greater than in affected patients (ΔPV_V1MetS 1.7 mL, 95%CI −2.69;6.1)(P = .017, Relative Risk_MetS = 6). No changes were found in gonadal hormones or sexual function.

Discussion

PEMF was able to reduce PV after 28 days of therapy. Symptoms improved in a short time, with high compliance and no effects on hormonal and sexual function or any side effects. Patients with moderate‐severe LUTS and without MetS seem to benefit more from this treatment.

Conclusion

PEMF reduces PV and improves LUTS in a relative short time, in BPH patients. These benefits seem greater in those patients with moderate‐severe LUTS but without MetS.