Aim: We aimed to compare the effects of interference current (IFC) and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapies combined with conventional physical therapy on pain, functional situation, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with mechanical chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Methods: In this prospective randomized controlled study, 40 CLBP patients were divided into two groups: group I (Hot pack, ultrasound (US), and IFC combination therapy (n=20)), group II (Hot pack, US, and PEMF combination therapy (n=20)). A total of 10 sessions of therapy were performed on the participants, one session a day, five days a week, for two weeks. Evaluations were performed three times at before the treatment (BT), immediately after the treatment (AT) and 8 weeks after the treatment (AT-8), using the The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), EuroQol-Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), Fingertip-to-floor test (FtF).

Results: There was no difference in age, BMI, gender and baseline values in all two groups. No significant difference was found for RMDQ (F(2.76)=0.174; P=0.840), NRS(F(2.76)=0.155; P=0.857), and EQ (F(2.76)=0.273; P=0.762) scores in time–group interaction (F(2.76)=0.174; P=0.840). No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of RMDQ, NRS, EQ-5D-3L, and FtF scores (p>0.05).

Conclusion: It has been proved that PEMF or IFC therapies in addition to conventional physical therapy programs are effective in mechanical CLBP treatment in terms of pain, functional status, and quality of life.

Keywords: chronic pain, interferential current electrotherapy, low back pain, magnetic field therapy