2.3.1. PAPIMI Intervention
pain
Patients allocated to the PAP intervention group were treated with a PAP ion magnetic inductor (PAPIMIThe PAPIMI is an approved medical device that belongs to the large family of PEMFs, and it is based on the principle of ion induction. The device is composed of a capacitor that stores electrical energy, which is then conducted through a plasma chamber (spark gap). The plasma chamber technology is used to discharge a very high voltage from the capacitor into a spiral coil applicator to create high intensity electromagnetic pulses.Due to very high voltages reaching up to 40kV and peak currents of several 10 kA, an energy output per pulse of about 60 W (joules) with a magnetic induction of 50–150 mT is achieved. Each pulse has a base frequency of about 240 kHz and a duration of about 50 μs. Additionally, the pulse repetition rate can be varied between 1 and 8 Hz. The generated pulses are transmitted without any direct contact with the body, which is penetrated by the induction field. This latter generates weak electric currents having the same intensity and frequency as the originally generated magnetic pulse [The PAPIMI intervention was tailored according to the individual’s needs and administered through the spiral coil applicator. The treatment coil used for the intervention (diameter 18 cm) enhanced ion induction to 100 mT and was centered over the referred pain zone. The applicator was held at a distance of approximately 4 cm from the relevant part of the body (