The application of high intensity and low intensity magnetotherapy in rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19: a randomized controlled pilot study

Background. Rehabilitation of patients after severe pneumonia associated with the new coronavirus infection requires the searching for effective tools to restore impaired functions, including methods of hardware physiotherapy. Aims: to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of high-intensity electromagnetic field (HIEF) in rehabilitation of patients after pneumonia associated with COVID-19. Methods. 40 patients were examined and treated at the outpatient stage of rehabilitation after severe pneumonia associated with COVID-19. All patients received a set of rehabilitation measures, including daily sessions of therapeutic exercises (No. 15) and magnetotherapy procedures (No. 15). Patients were randomly separated into 2 groups: 20 patients in the treatment group (TG) who received HIEF therapy (BTL-6000 Super Inductive System) and 20 patients in the control group (CG) who received low-intensity magnetotherapy (BTL-4000 Premium device). Results. During the course of therapy, there were no patients who dropped out of the study, and no undesirable side effects and complications were identified. The high clinical effectiveness of the complex of rehabilitation measures has been proven, more pronounced in the group of patients receiving HIEF therapy. The results were confirmed by reliable dynamics of clinical indicators according to the valid questionnaire and positive changes in spirometry data. Conclusions. Application of high-intensity electromagnetic field (HIEF) is advisable in complex outpatient rehabilitation of patients after severe pneumonia associated with COVID-19.