Effect of High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Therapy on Balance and Quality of Life in Elderly Type 2 Diabetic Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

To assess the effect of high-intensity focused electromagnetic therapy (HIFEMT) on balance, core strength, fall risk, and quality of life (QoL) in elderly men with type 2 diabetes. A prospective randomized controlled trial with a single-center focus. This study was conducted at a private geriatric rehabilitation unit from April to December 2024. Eighty elderly men (N=80) with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated into 2 equal groups. For 12 weeks, the HIFEMT group received HIFEMT in addition to balance training, whereas the control group received balance training only. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), core strength was assessed using the double-leg lowering test (DLLT), fall risk was evaluated using the Fall Risk Questionnaire (FRQ), and QoL was measured using the Scale of Older People's Quality of Life-brief (OPQoL-brief). At post-study, the HIFEMT group demonstrated significantly greater BBS scores (mean difference between groups=4.84; 95% CI, 2.6-7.05; P=.001), DLLT scores (mean difference between groups=0.59; 95% CI, 0.17-1.02; P=.007), and OPQoL-brief scores (mean difference between groups=4.18; 95% CI, 0.99-7.35; P=.01), along with significantly lower FRQ scores (mean difference between groups=-1.07; 95% CI, -1.83 to -0.31; P=.006), compared to the control group. In elderly type 2 diabetic men, HIFEMT could enhance balance control, core strength, and QoL, while also reducing the risk of falls.