Electromagnetic Field Therapies: A Bibliography from Medline
Phil Rogers MVB MRCVS
1, Esker Lawns, Lucan, Dublin, Ireland
1, Esker Lawns, Lucan, Dublin, Ireland
Introduction
By the application of stimuli to points on the surface of the body, acupuncture, moxibustion, application of low-power laser, massage and allied physical therapies de-facto alter the electrical characteristics of the stimulated points. These therapies have potent physiological effects via the neuroendocrine, and other homeostatic mechanisms of the body. As shown by thermographic and other methods, one of the effects of physical stimulation of the AP points and autonomic nervous system is to alter the electromagnetic characteristics of the body, often in regions far removed from the locally stimulated areas. One might expect that electromagnetic therapies might have some uses in common with acupuncture and allied therapies.
Materials and Methods
On Sept 26th 1998, a search of PubMed Medline for the profile [electromagnetic AND field AND therapy] returned >360 titles, most with abstracts. Titles relating to EMFs or waves for purposes of measurement, imaging, or guidance, or for diagnostic, surgical or local hyperthermic purposes were excluded. Effects of metallic, magnetetic and magnetic intracellular technology were excluded also, as was the use of cautery, cryotherapy, gamma rays, implantable EM hearing devices, nuclear / ionising radiation and X-rays.
The remaining titles and abstracts were sorted by author within their main areas of application (sections 1 to 8, below).
Organisation of the Bibliography
The bibliography is presented under the following headings:
Conclusions
Clinical uses of EMF therapy have much in common with the clinical uses of AP and allied methods. In contrast to AP-type therapy, EMF therapy is used widely in the healing of bone fractures and non-union fractures.
By the application of stimuli to points on the surface of the body, acupuncture, moxibustion, application of low-power laser, massage and allied physical therapies de-facto alter the electrical characteristics of the stimulated points. These therapies have potent physiological effects via the neuroendocrine, and other homeostatic mechanisms of the body. As shown by thermographic and other methods, one of the effects of physical stimulation of the AP points and autonomic nervous system is to alter the electromagnetic characteristics of the body, often in regions far removed from the locally stimulated areas. One might expect that electromagnetic therapies might have some uses in common with acupuncture and allied therapies.
Materials and Methods
On Sept 26th 1998, a search of PubMed Medline for the profile [electromagnetic AND field AND therapy] returned >360 titles, most with abstracts. Titles relating to EMFs or waves for purposes of measurement, imaging, or guidance, or for diagnostic, surgical or local hyperthermic purposes were excluded. Effects of metallic, magnetetic and magnetic intracellular technology were excluded also, as was the use of cautery, cryotherapy, gamma rays, implantable EM hearing devices, nuclear / ionising radiation and X-rays.
The remaining titles and abstracts were sorted by author within their main areas of application (sections 1 to 8, below).
Organisation of the Bibliography
The bibliography is presented under the following headings:
- Bone and joint
a. Bone problems, fractures, psedoarthrosis
b. Joint problems, fractures, arthritis - Circulation, ischaemia, hypertension, fibrinolysis, CHD, CVA
- Brain damage, epilepsy, depression, nerve and spinal cord damage
- Skin, Ulcers, Wounds
a. Skin
b. Ulcers
c. Wounds - Disorders of the Digestive, Genitourinary and Lung / Respiratory tract
a. Digestive disorders
b. Genitourinary disorders
c. Lung and Respiratory Function disorders - Soft tissues
a. Limbs; Head; Gums; Ear, Nose, Throat, Eye
b. Ligaments, tendons - Cancer, oncology; Immunity and Protection against Radioactivity; Liver, Gallbladder
a. Cancer, oncology
b. Immunity; Protection against Radioactivity
c. Liver and gallbladder - General information on EMF Therapy
- Adverse effects of EMFs
Conclusions
Clinical uses of EMF therapy have much in common with the clinical uses of AP and allied methods. In contrast to AP-type therapy, EMF therapy is used widely in the healing of bone fractures and non-union fractures.
1. Bone and Joint
1a. Bone problems, fractures, psedoarthrosis
Crawford AH (1986) Neurofibromatosis in children. Acta Orthop Scand Suppl 218:1-60. Clinical diagnosis of neurofibromatosis in childhood usually is based on the presence of numerous cafe-au-lait spots. Early diagnosis allows for continuing follow-up and appropriate counselling. Symptomatic therapy can be provided if necessary. The disorder has a tendency via its mesodermal route to affect almost every system in the body; however, few laymen have even heard of the disorder and, except for the "Elephant Man" notoriety, are totally unaware of it, whereas muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and Down syndrome although occurring less frequently are well known to the general public. The management of neurofibromatosis in children covers an extremely wide spectrum: at times the management seems to be simple, involving little more than clinical evaluation and simple investigations. However, in view of the protean manifestations of the condition, a complete history including family history is obligatory, and investigation must include radiographic studies of the abdomen, chest, spine, and skull, the latter to include special views of the orbits and optic foramina. My investigation of this disorder has been extremely frustrating because of the progressive character of the disease. Nothing seems to alter the natural course of the disease. I cannot say that my investigative efforts have revealed any breakthroughs in treatment. An aggressive surgical approach to the myriad of lesions associated with this disease, especially neuromata or segmental problems, is probably advisable. The early treatment of tibial pseudarthrosis by polyprophylene orthotic and pulsating EMFs shows encouraging results over the short course, although I am not so sure as to whether or not the patients would do as well with the custom fit orthotic with or without the electronics. Early stabilization of spinal deformity has proven to be more than moderately successful and is strongly recommended after appropriate intraspinal evaluation. The management of tumors of the brain and spinal cord, as well as those associated with limb hypertrophy and congenital tibial pseudarthrosis, is undergoing innovations at this time which may result in a better cure rate. Procedures include the use of CT to evaluate tumors [Coleman et al. have attempted to differentiate neurofibroma from neurofibrosarcoma by contrast enhancement methods], the use of CO2 lasers to remove previously inoperable CNS tumors, microvascular bone transplantation and pulsating EMF to treat pseudarthrotic bones. PMID: 3083645, UI: 86182808
Alexa O (1996) [Electrically induced osteogenesis. II. Experimental studies - Article in Romanian]. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi Jan;100(1-2):62-65. Disciplina de Ortopedie, Facultatea de Medicina, Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie Gr. T. Popa, Iasi. The paper presents the possibilities to induce osteogenesis using different types of electrical current. The direct current may be used with invasive or semi-invasive methods. Electrodes are placed internally, near the bone. Experiments showed that the optimum stimulation is achieved with current between 5 and 20 uA. The capacitive current is able to induce osteogenesis. The electrodes are placed externally; between the electrodes there is an electric field with the value ranged 1-10 mV/cm. The method of PEMFs is based on the field produced by a coil placed externally. The magnetic field range between 0, 1 and 20 Gauss. This is the most appreciate method because is noninvasive and offered the best experimental results. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 9455398, UI: 98116576
Auer JA, Burch GE, Hall P (1983) Review of pulsing EMF therapy and its possible application to horses. Equine Vet J Oct;15(4):354-360. Relevant literature on electrostimulation in general, and PEMFs in particular, is reviewed. DC current influences cell behaviour by affecting transmembrane ion transport, which is often under enzymatic control. PEMFs influence cell functions through adsorption of ions or dipole formation at the cell membrane. Invasive and non-invasive DC current stimulation is compared to PEMFs. The mode of application of PEMFs to the equine limb and suggested treatment times are briefly discussed. 2 case reports are used to illustrate the effect of PEMFs in equine fracture treatment. PMID: 6641683, UI: 84057661
Barker AT, Dixon RA, Sharrard WJ, Sutcliffe ML (1984) Pulsed magnetic field therapy for tibial non-union: Interim results of a double-blind trial. Lancet May 5;1(8384):994-996. Patients with tibial fractures which had remained ununited for at least 52 wk were randomly allocated to either active or dummy pulsed magnetic field stimulators and treated in full leg plasters for 24 wk with a non-weightbearing conservative regimen, as is usual with such techniques. Fractures in 5/9 patients with working machines united and fractures in 5/7 patients with dummy machines also united. These early results of this double-blind trial are compatible with a difference in success rate at 24 wk on active treatment of +33% to -61% (95% confidence limits) compared with the success rate on the dummy stimulators. The high proportion of fractures uniting in the control group suggests that conservative management of non-union is effective and this may explain much of the success attributed to pulsed magnetic field therapy. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 6143970, UI: 84190306
Bassett CA, Schink-Ascani M (1991) Long-term pulsed EMF (PEMF) results in congenital pseudarthrosis. Calcif Tissue Int Sep;49(3):216-220. Bioelectric Research Ctr, Riverdale, New York 10463. 91 patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia were treated with PEMFs since 1973; 87 were followed to puberty. Lesions were stratified by roentgenographic appearance. Type I and type II had gaps less <5 mm in width. Type III were atrophic, spindled, and had gaps in excess of 5 mm. Overall success in type I and II lesions was 43/60 (72%). Of those 28 patients seen before operative repair had been attempted, 7/8 type I lesions healed (88%), whereas 16/20 type II lesions healed (80%) on PEMFs and immobilization alone. Only 19% (6/31) type III lesions united, only one of which did not require surgery. 16/91 limbs (18%) were ultimately amputed, most before treatment principles were fully defined in 1980. 14 of these 16 patients (88%) had type III lesions. Refracture occurred in 22 patients, most as the result of significant trauma, in the absence of external brace support. 12/19 refractures, retreated with PEMFs and casts, healed on this regime. Episodic use of PEMFs proved effective in controlling stress fractures in several patients until they reached puberty. PEMFs, which are associated with no known risk, seem to be an effective, conservative adjunct in the management of this therapeutically challenging, congenital lesions. PMID: 1933587, UI: 92034339
Bassett CA (1993) Beneficial effects of EMFs. J Cell Biochem Apr;51(4):387-393. Bioelectric Research Ctr, Columbia Univ, Riverdale, New York 10463. Selective control of cell function by applying specifically configured, weak, time-varying magnetic fields has added a new, exciting dimension to biology and medicine. Field parameters for therapeutic, PEMFs were designed to induce voltages similar to those produced, normally, during dynamic mechanical deformation of connective tissues. As a result, a wide variety of challenging musculoskeletal disorders have been treated successfully over the past 20 yr. >250000 patients with chronically ununited fractures have benefitted, worldwide, from this surgically non-invasive method, without risk, discomfort, or the high costs of operative repair. Many of the athermal bioresponses, at the cellular and subcellular levels, have been identified and found appropriate to correct or modify the pathologic processes for which PEMFs have been used. Not only is efficacy supported by these basic studies but by a number of double-blind trials. As understanding of mechanisms expands, specific requirements for field energetics are being defined and the range of treatable ills broadened. These include nerve regeneration, wound healing, graft behavior, diabetes, and myocardial and cerebral ischemia (heart attack and stroke), among other conditions. Preliminary data even suggest possible benefits in controlling malignancy. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8496242, UI: 93266659
Bassett CA, Mitchell SN, Gaston SR (1982) Pulsing EMF treatment in ununited fractures and failed arthrodeses. JAMA Feb 5;247(5):623-628. PEMFs induce weak electric currents in bone by external coils on casts or skin. In November 1979, the FDA approved this surgically noninvasive, outpatient method. It produced confirmed end results in 1007 ununited fractures and 71 failed arthrodeses, worldwide. Overall success was 81% at Columbia-Presbyterian Med Ctr, 79% internationally and 76% in other patients in the USA. PEMF therapy was effective in 75% of 332 patients (a subset) with an average 4.7-yr disability duration, an average of 3.4 previous operative failures to produce union, and a 35% rate of infection. 84% of carpal naviculars and 82% of femoral neck-trochanteric non-unions were united. After attempted arthrodeses could not salvage a failed total-knee prosthesis, PEMFs promoted healing in 85% of patients. When coils were unsuccessful alone, combining them with surgical repair was effective. PMID: 7054564, UI: 82101246
Blumlein H, Schneider U, Rahn BA, Perren SM (1977) [The effect of so-called electrodynamic potentials on experimental reaction-poor pseudarthrosis - Article in German]. Chir Forum Exp Klin Forsch Apr;:105-108. The effect of the magnetic field and the alternating current according to the Kraus-Lechner model was investigated on experimental pseudarthroses in beagle dogs. The evaluation of 16 pseudarthroses showed no effect of the method Kraus-Lechner on healing. PMID: 312722, UI: 79190830
Boening KJ (1983) [Treatment of a navicular bone fracture in a horse with pulsing EMF - Article in German]. Tierarztl Prax 11(4):483-486. PMID: 6658771, UI: 84098412
Brighton CT, Pollack SR (1985) Treatment of recalcitrant non-union with a capacitively coupled electrical field: A preliminary report. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] Apr;67(4):577-585. 22 well established non-unions in 20 patients were treated with a capacitively coupled electrical signal (sine wave, 60 KHz, 5 V peak to peak) that was applied non-invasively through stainless-steel capacitor plates placed on the skin surface overlying the approximate site of the non-union. The average age of the 11 female and 9 male patients in this series was 38.4 yr, and the average duration of the 22 non-unions was 3.3 yr. 17 of the non-unions were labeled recalcitrant, meaning that they had failed to heal after either previous bone-grafting or another type of electrical stimulation, or both. 5 of the non-unions had not been previously treated. 17 (77.3%) of the non-unions achieved solid osseous union after an average of 22.5 wk of treatment with capacitive coupling. The results in this small series were not affected by the non-union being recalcitrant, by the fact that 1 patient bore full weight on the extremity in a cast, by the presence of osteomyelitis, or by the presence of remaining metallic internal-fixation devices in the bone. Since capacitive coupling is non-invasive, involves portable equipment, allows full weight-bearing on the lower extremity in a cast, is easy to apply, and does not require precise localization of the capacitor plates, it has distinct advantages over other methods of treating non-union with electricity. PMID: 3872300, UI: 85157654
Cakirgil GS, Saplakoglu A, Yazar T (1989) The compared effect of a four-coiled system in pulsed EMF stimulation. Orthopedics Nov;12(11):1481-1484. Dept of Orthopedics, Univ of Ankara, Yenisehir, Turkey. A clinical trial evaluated the effects of a pulsed magnetic field on pseudoarthroses of in cases. 19/21 cases had successful results; the remaining 2 failed to respond. 2-coiled and 4-coiled systems were used in this study. The 4-coiled system was more effective in spite of its practical disadvantages and larger size. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 2685789, UI: 90068246
Capanna R, Donati D, Masetti C, Manfrini M, Panozzo A, Cadossi R, Campanacci M (1994) Effect of EMFs on patients undergoing massive bone graft following bone tumor resection: A double blind study. Clin Orthop Sep;306:213-221. Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Clinica Ortopedica I, Universita di Bologna, Italy. Massive bone allograft after tumor resection has been used for >20 yr. Many factors negatively influence the healing of the junction between the allograft and the host bone, resulting in a low healing rate and lengthy time to union. This study evaluated whether PEMF stimulation could be advantageously used in these patients. A double blind prospective randomized study was designed. 83 host graft junctions in 47 patients were considered. The overall host graft junction healing rate was the same (67%) in both control and active stimulated patients. Although not statistically significant, a positive effect of PEMFs was seen for those host graft junctions with a cortico-cortical contact between allograft and host bone. When adjuvant postoperative chemotherapy was not used, a definite effect of PEMF stimulation was seen: the healing time decreased from 9.4 mo in the control group to 6.7 mo in the active stimulated group (p<.001). This effect would have been lost if chemotherapy was employed. There was also no advantage in supplement with iliac crest autografts at the host graft junction site if chemotherapy was used. Factors that significantly influenced the host graft junction healing rate were: chemotherapy; type of allograft host bone contact; quality of host graft junction; and, in intercalary allografts, use of the osteosynthesis device. No difference was noted between control and active groups for patient survival or number of local or distal tumor recurrences. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 8070199, UI: 94349691
Chen II, Saha S (1987) Analysis of the current distribution in bone produced by pulsed electro-magnetic field stimulation of bone. Biomater Artif Cells Artif Organs 15(4):737-744. Dept of Physiology and Biophysics, Louisiana State Univ Med Ctr, Shreveport 71130. Pulsed EM stimulation is being increasingly used by orthopaedic surgeons to treat non-unions and congenital pseudoarthrosis. In this paper a theoretical model is developed to analyze the distribution of induced current in bone due to a PEMF, produced by a pair of Helmholtz coils. The result shows that the induced current density is dependent of the electrical properties of bone, geometry of the coils and their location. PMID: 3452430, UI: 88252360
Darendeliler MA, Darendeliler A, Sinclair PM (1997) Effects of static magnetic and pulsed EMFs on bone healing. Int J Adult Orthodon Orthognath Surg 12(1):43-53. Discipline of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Univ of Sydney, Australia. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the healing pattern of an experimentally induced osteotomy in Hartley guinea pigs in the presence of static magnetic and PEMFs. The sample consisted of 30 Hartley guinea pigs 2 wk of age divided into 3 groups: pulsed EM, static magnetic, and control. An osteotomy was performed in the mandibular postgonial area in all groups under general anesthesia. During the experimental period of 9 d, the animals were kept in experiment cages 8 h/d, the first two groups being in the presence of pulsed EM and static magnetic field, respectively. Based on histologic results, both static and PEMFs seemed to accelerate the rate of bone repair when compared to the control group. The osteotomy sites in the control animals consisted of connective tissue, while new bone had filled the osteotomy areas in both magnetic field groups. PMID: 9456617, UI: 98117733
de Barros Filho TE, Rossi JD, Lage L de A, Rodrigues CJ, de Oliveira AS, Pinto FC, dos Reis GM, Rodrigues Junior AJ (1992) [Effect of EMFs on osteogenesis: an experimental study on rats - Article in Portugese]. Rev Hosp Clin Fac Med Sao Paulo May;47(3):128-130. LIM-41, Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo. The authors studied experimentally the PEMF effects in an experimental model in rats, for evaluation of the velocity of consolidation of tibial and fibular fractures. The animals were followed for a period of 3 wk under continuous stimulation and there were done radiological evaluation weekly and histological study at the end of the study. There were no histological, clinical or radiological differences between the group of rats submitted to PEMFs and the control group. PMID: 1340586, UI: 94053290
Deibert MC, Mcleod BR, Smith SD, Liboff AR (1994) Ion resonance EMF stimulation of fracture healing in rabbits with a fibular ostectomy. J Orthop Res Nov;12(6):878-885. Dept of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Univ of Vermont College of Med, Burlington 05405. Rabbits with a fibular ostectomy were exposed for 28 d to magnetic fields that satisfied the ion resonance conditions for calcium or magnesium. The rabbits were exposed to whole body treatment for 1/2 h, 3 h, or 24 h/d. The fibulae from the experimental and control animals were removed surgically and were subjected to force-deflection testing to establish the stiffness of the healed fracture. The fibulae from the rabbits exposed to the ion resonance magnetic fields were found to be 55-299% (p<.01) more robust than the fibulae from the control animals. PMID: 7983563, UI: 95074712
Diusembaev AA, Diusembaev KA, Zhakupbaev AA (1991) [Experience in the treatment of open fractures of shin bones by means of bitemporal ultra-high frequency electric field and transcerebral electrophoresis - Article in Russian]. Ortop Travmatol Protez Sep;9:43-44. PMID: 1780146, UI: 92140833
Fox IM, Smith SD (1983) Bioelectric repair of metatarsal non-unions. J Foot Surg 22(2):108-115. An exciting new development in the field of bone physiology has been the discovery of electrical potentials in stressed bone and the relation of this knowledge to Wolff's law. The application of these discoveries for the treatment of non-unions by exogenous bioelectric potentials via direct current and PEMFs has been a major development in orthopedic surgery. To date, the literature reports the use of this new treatment modality in the large long bones of the extremities. The authors have utilized these techniques to repair non-unions of the metatarsals and, in the process, have adapted some of the principles for the small bones of the foot. PMID: 6602827, UI: 83239598
Frykman GK, Taleisnik J, Peters G, Kaufman R, Helal B, Wood VE, Unsell RS (1986) Treatment of nonunited scaphoid fractures by pulsed EMF and cast. J Hand Surg [Am] May;11(3):344-349. 35/44 nonunited scaphoid fractures that were at least 6 mo old healed in a mean time of 4.3 mo during PEMF treatment using external coils and a thumb spica cast. The mean time from the onset of the fracture to treatment was 40 mo. No concurrent operation was performed. Follow-up time averaged 8.4 mo. 8/9 fractures with avascular necrosis healed. 5/8 fractures in the proximal third healed. 12/16 patients (75%) treated in short-arm thumb spica casts and PEMF healed versus 22 (92%) of 24 patients treated initially in long-arm thumb spica casts and PEMF. We have found PEMF to be a reliable alternative method of treating nonunited scaphoid fractures. Because of the low risk, simplicity of use, and reliability, we recommend its consideration in the treatment of undisplaced, nonunited fractures without carpal instability <5 yr after the injury. Treatment should initially begin with a long-arm cast. PMID: 3711607, UI: 86225254
Gupta TD, Jain VK, Tandon PN (1991) Comparative study of bone growth by pulsed EMFs. Med Biol Eng Comput Mar;29(2):113-120. Dept of Electrical Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technological Institute, Kanpur, India. PEMFs have been widely used for treatment of non-united fractures and congenital pseudarthrosis. Several electrical stimulation systems such as air-cored and iron-cored coils and solenoids have been used the world over and claimed to be effective. Electrical parameters such as pulse shape, magnitude and frequency differ widely, and the exact bone-healing mechanism is still not clearly understood. The study attempts to analyse the effectiveness of various parameters and suggests an optimal stimulation waveform. Mathematical analysis of electric fields inside the bone together with Fourier analysis of induced voltage waveforms produced by commonly used electrical stimulation wave-forms has been performed. A hypothesis based on assigning different weightings to different frequencies for osteogenic response has been proposed. Using this hypothesis astonishingly similar effective values of electric fields have been found in different systems. Effective electric field rather than peak electric field was the main parameter responsible for osteogenesis. The results agree with experimental findings made on human beings by different investigators. PMID: 1857114, UI: 91311997
Hart FX (1994) Spreadsheet method for calculating the induced currents in bone-fracture healing by a low-frequency magnetic field. Bioelectromagnetics 15(5):465-482. Dept of Physics, Univ of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee 37383-1000. A commercially available spreadsheet program is used on a PC to calculate the induced current density and electric field patterns produced in a nonhomogeneous, anisotropic model of tissue by a localized, low-frequency magnetic field source. Specific application is made to coils used to promote the healing of bone fractures in limbs. The variation of the conductivity of the fracture gap during healing causes the induced current density pattern to change correspondingly, whereas the induced electric field remains relatively unchanged. Use of more simplified, isotropic models for bone and soft tissue gave significantly different results from those obtained from the full model. The magnetic field beyond the region of the coils contributes little to the induced currents in the fracture gap if the gap is located near the center of the coils. PMID: 7802713, UI: 95101018
Haupt HA (1984) Electrical stimulation of osteogenesis. South Med J Jan;77(1):56-64. The three electrical stimulation systems available for treating non-union of long bones are successful in approximately 85% of cases. The percutaneous direct current bone growth stimulator is partially invasive, allows patient mobility, can be used with magnetic fixation devices, and can be monitored for proper function, but it requires an operation, cannot be used where infection exists, and is subject to breakage. The implantable direct current bone growth stimulator is similar, but is totally invasive. The external PEMF bone growth stimulator is noninvasive and can be used where infection exists, but it requires long, exact patient compliance and cannot be used with magnetic fixation devices or at certain sites. None of the systems can be used where synovial pseudarthrosis or a sizeable gap between bone ends exists, nor are they more effective than bone grafting. Whether their use might evoke malignant transformation or might accelerate or retard epiphyseal growth patterns is not known. Many controlled studies are needed before it is clear how commonly electrical stimulation should be used to treat bony ununion. Publication Types: Review PMID: 6364371, UI: 84121514
Heckman JD, Ingram AJ, Loyd RD, Luck JV Jr, Mayer PW (1981) Non-union treatment with pulsed EMFs. Clin Orthop Nov;161:58-66. Noninvasive, PEMF treatment, when properly employed, was effective in securing healing of ununited fractures in 64.4% of 149 patients. The effectiveness of this modality can be ascertained after 3 mo of intensive use in >85% of patients, thus enabling the clinician to decide to terminate treatment, continue electrostimulation, or abandon it in favor of another treatment modality. The success of treatment is dependent upon certain variables. Anatomic location of the non-union is important. Higher healing rates were noted in the tibia than in the femur or humerus. In some conditions, combined electrostimulation and bone grafting was more effective than either measure alone. Young patients healed more rapidly than older patients. Electrostimulation is more effective when instituted within 2 yr of the original fracture than when started at longer intervals after the injury. Infection, either quiescent or actively draining, does not seem to affect the overall results. Of greatest importance is patient adherence to the treatment protocol as outlined, with emphasis placed on adequate immobilization of the fracture and absolute nonweight-bearing during treatment. Considering these factors and in light of the very rare frequency of short-term side effects, the use of PEMFs seems to be a reasonable choice of treatment in the management of ununited fractures. PMID: 6975692, UI: 82071043
Heermeier K, Spanner M, Trager J, Gradinger R, Strauss PG, Kraus W, Schmidt J (1998) Effects of extremely low frequency EMF on collagen type I mRNA expression and extracellular matrix synthesis of human osteoblastic cells. Bioelectromagnetics 19(4):222-231. Institut fur Molekulare Virologie, GSF-Forschungszentrum fur Umwelt und Gesundheit, Neuherberg, Germany. Human osteoblastic cells were grown in a 3-D cell culture model and used to test the effects of a 20 Hz sinusoidal EMF (6 mT and 113 mV/cm max) on collagen type I mRNA expression and extracellular matrix formation in comparison with the effects of growth factors. The cells were isolated from trabecular bone of a healthy individual (HO-197) and from a patient presenting with myositis ossificans (MO-192) and grown in a collagenous sponge-like substrate. Maximal enhancement of collagen type I expression after EMF treatment was 3.7-fold in HO-197 cells and 5.4-fold in MO-192 cells. Similar enhancement was found after transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) treatment. Combined treatment of the cells with EMF and the two growth factors TGF-beta and IGF-I did not act synergistically. MO-192 cells produced an osteoblast-characteristic extracellular matrix containing collagen type I, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin, together with collagen type III, TP-1, and TP-3, two epitopes of an osteoblastic differentiation marker. The effects of EMFs on osteoblastic differentiation were comparable to those of TGF-beta and IGF-I. EMF effects in the treatment of skeletal disorders and in orthopedic adjuvant therapy were mediated via enhancement of collagen type I mRNA expression, which may lead to extensive extracellular matrix synthesis. PMID: 9581965, UI: 98241121
Hinsenkamp M, Ryaby J, Burny F (1985) Treatment of non-union by pulsing EMF: European multicenter study of 308 cases. Reconstr Surg Traumatol 19:147-151. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 3887518, UI: 85191823
Kold SE, Hickman J, Meisen F (1987) Preliminary study of quantitative aspects and the effect of pulsed EMF treatment on the incorporation of equine cancellous bone grafts. Equine Vet J Mar;19(2):120-124. The quantitative aspects of equine cancellous bone graft incorporation and the possibility of influencing graft incorporation by daily exposure to a PEMF was studied in 8 yearling ponies. In order to be able to quantify formative aspects of graft remodelling, a double and treble tetracycline intravital labelling technique was used. Intravital radiographs were obtained at regular intervals throughout the trial, but were found to be of little assistance in assessing any differences between stimulated and non-stimulated grafts. The ponies were humanely destroyed at regular intervals between 9 and 241 d after installation of the graft. Light microscopy and fluorescent light microscopy were used to evaluate quantitative aspects of graft incorporation and to compare PEMF-stimulated grafts with control grafts. There was a small but statistically significant effect of PEMF-stimulation on cancellous bone graft incorporation. In view of this, these observations can only be considered as indicative of a possible trend, but should encourage further studies using different signal modalities. PMID: 3552658, UI: 87190286
Konrad K, Sevcic K, Foldes K, Piroska E, Molnar E (1996) Therapy with pulsed EMFs in aseptic loosening of total hip protheses: a prospective study. Clin Rheumatol Jul;15(4):325-328. Orszagos Reumatologiai es Fizioterapias Intezet, Budapes, Hungary. Aseptic loosening is the most common problem of hip arthroplasties, limiting its long term success. We report a study of PEMF treatment in 24 patients with this complication. At the end of treatment, 6 and 12 mo later, pain and hip movements improved significantly with the exception of flexion and extension. There was significant improvement in both isotope scans and ultrasonography, but not in plain X-ray. The decreased pain and improved function suggest that PEMF is effective in improving symptoms of patients with loose hip replacement. No improvement, however, can be expected in patients with severe pain due to gross loosening. PMID: 8853163, UI: 97005864
Kraus W (1984) [Magnetic field therapy and magnetically induced electrostimulation in orthopedics - Article in German]. Orthopade Apr;13(2):78-92. PMID: 6203080, UI: 84220956
Lechner F, Oeller G, Ascherl R (1979) [Treatment of infected pseudoarthroses with electrodynamic field therapy - Article in German]. Fortschr Med May 24;97(20):943-949. They described the method and fundamentals of electrodynamic field therapy of infected, atrophic pseudarthrosis. Transplantation of autologous spongious bone is of special importance, in addition to the common principles of treatment. The bone graft reestablishes normal electrical conduction within the pseudarthrosis and consolidates the defect as a reactive receptor for the applied AC-potentials. Using this method, we treated 271 patients, suffering from pseudarthroses over an 8-yr period; 91 of them had an infected, often atrophic pseudarthrosis. Bony healing was achieved in 92% of the cases in each group. PMID: 376415, UI: 79192707
Li M (1992) [Electrical stimulation in the treatment of osteoporosis in sciatic denervated rat tibia - Article in Chinese]. Chung Hua Wai Ko Tsa Chih Aug;30(8):458-460. Changhai Hospital, Second Military Med Univ, Shanghai. Osteoporosis in the sciatic-denervated rat tibia was reversed with a capacitively coupled electrical field. In the reversal of a previously established osteoporosis, a statistically significant enhancement of wet weight, dry weight, ashed weight, ultimate strength, cortical area, cortical thickness and a concomitant decrease in cortical porosity occurred in the stimulated, denervated tibiae of the experimental animals compared with the nonstimulated, denervated tibiae of the control animals. A 60 Hz symmetrical sinewave signal was effective in reversing osteoporosis at 10 V peak to peak. Reversal of a well-established osteoporosis in lab animals has not been reported previously. PMID: 1307307, UI: 93339245
Liu HQ, Zhu X, Zhao SL, Yu M, Meng XM (1984) Preliminary report on experimental observation of the effects of magnetic field and "Natural Copper" on fracture healing. Acta Acad Med Wuhan 4(4):220-228. PMID: 6527846, UI: 85138998
Luben RA (1991) Effects of low-energy EMFs (pulsed and DC) on membrane signal transduction processes in biological systems. Health Phys Jul;61(1):15-28. Division of Biomedical Sciences, Univ of California, Riverside 92521. Vertebrates have a number of internal processes for signaling and communication between cell types. Hormones and neurotransmitters move from one cell type to another and carry chemical "messages" that modulate the metabolic responses of tissues to the environment. Interaction with these signaling systems is a potential mechanism by which very low-energy EMFs might produce metabolic responses in the body. Hormone and neurotransmitter receptors are specialized protein molecules that use a variety of biochemical activities to pass chemical signals from the outside of a cell across the plasma membrane to the interior of the cell. Since many low-energy EMFs have too little energy to directly traverse the membrane, it is possible that they may modify the existing signal transduction processes in cell membranes, thus producing both transduction and biochemical amplification of the effects of the field itself. The physiological effects of low-energy EMFs is well established in the healing of bone fractures. The process of regulation of bone turnover and healing is reviewed in the context of clinical applications of EM energy to the healing process, especially for persistent non-union fractures. A hypothetical molecular mechanism is presented that might account for the effects of EMFs on bone cell metabolism in terms of the fields' interference with signal transduction events involved in the hormonal regulation of osteoblast function and differentiation. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 2061045, UI: 91285850
Lunt MJ (1985) Theoretical model for investigating the magnetic and electric fields produced during pulsed magnetic field therapy for non-union of the tibia. Med Biol Eng Comput Jul;23(4):293-300. PMID: 4046650, UI: 86013054
Lunt MJ (1982) Magnetic and electric fields produced during pulsed-magnetic-field therapy for non-union of the tibia. Med Biol Eng Comput Jul;20(4):501-511. PMID: 7132457, UI: 83035509
Madronero A, Pitillas I, Manso FJ (1988) Pulsed EMF treatment failure in radius non-united fracture healing. J Biomed Eng Oct;10(5):463-466. CENIM, Madrid, Spain. PEMF treatment is a non-invasive technique which has wide use in promoting healing of delayed union and non-union of bone. According to reports in the literature, PEMF has a 'success' of about 70%, but with no clear-cut reason to explain the failures. Our tests were carried out on 11 patients with radius non-unions and delayed unions. PEMF failure is associated with implanted metallic plates. In our view, this can be explained because the conducting plates create a uniform bone biopotential around the fracture and thus prevent the negative polarization which stimulates callus formation. Although further controlled and randomized clinical tests are needed, our data show that removal of the plates may be needed before PEMF application. PMID: 3266277, UI: 89179988
Mammi GI, Rocchi R, Cadossi R, Massari L, Traina GC (1993) The electrical stimulation of tibial osteotomies: Double-blind study. Clin Orthop Mar;288:246-253. Dept of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Ospedale Civile C. Magati, Scandiano (RE), Italy. The effect of EMF stimulation was investigated in a group of 40 consecutive patients treated with valgus tibial osteotomy for degenerative arthrosis of the knee. All patients were operated on by the same author and followed the same postoperative program. After surgery, patients were randomly assigned to a control group (dummy stimulators) or to a stimulated one (active stimulators). 4 orthopedic surgeons, unaware of the experimental conditions, were asked to evaluate the roentgenograms taken 60 d postoperatively and to rate the osteotomy healing according to 4 categories (the 4th category being the most advanced stage of healing). In the control group, 73.6% of the patients were included in the first and second category. In the stimulated group, 72.2% of the patients were included in the third and fourth category. On a homogeneous group of patients, EMF stimulation had positive effects on the healing of tibial osteotomies. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 8458140, UI: 93208951
McLeod KJ, Rubin CT (1992) The effect of low-frequency electrical fields on osteogenesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am Jul;74(6):920-929. Dept of Orthopaedics, School of Med, State Univ of New York, Stony Brook 11794-8181. An in vivo animal model of disuse osteopenia was used to determine the osteogenic potential of specific components of electrical fields. The ability of a complex pulsed electrical field to inhibit loss of bone was compared with the remodeling response generated by extremely low-power, low-frequency (15, 75 and 150-Hz) sinusoidal electrical fields. The left ulnae of 30 adult male turkeys were functionally isolated by creation of distal and proximal epiphyseal osteotomies and then were exposed, for 1 h/d, to an electrical field that had been induced exogenously by means of magnetic induction. After a 56-d protocol, the remodeling response was quantified by a comparison of the cross-sectional area of the mid-part of the diaphysis of the functionally isolated ulna with that of the intact contralateral ulna. Disuse resulted in a 13% mean loss of osseous tissue, which was not significantly different than the 10% loss that was caused by disuse treated with inactive coils. Exposure to the pulsed electrical fields prevented this osteopenia and stimulated a 10% mean increase in the bone area. The osteogenic influence of the sinusoidal electrical fields was strongly dependent on the frequency; the 150, 75, and 15-Hz sinusoidal fields, respectively, generated a -3%, + 5%, and + 20% mean change in the bone area. These results suggest a tissue sensitivity that is specific to very low-frequency sinusoidal electrical fields, and they imply that the induced electrical fields need not have complex waveforms to be osteogenic. Since the frequency and intensity range of the sinusoidal fields producing the greatest osteogenic response are similar to the levels produced intrinsically by normal functional activity, these results support the hypothesis that electricity plays a role in the retention of the normal remodeling balance within mature bone. [Published erratum appears in J Bone Joint Surg Am 1992 Sep;74(8):1274]. PMID: 1634583, UI: 92340610
Miller GJ, Burchardt H, Enneking WF, Tylkowski CM (1984) Electromagnetic stimulation of canine bone grafts. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] Jun;66(5):693-698. We evaluated the effect of PEMF stimulation on the rate of healing or incorporation of segmental autogenous cortical bone grafts in the dog in vivo. This non-invasive method of electrical stimulation has been implicated in increasing bone osteogenesis or augmentation of the repair process in the canine fibular osteotomy. We used 2-mo and 6-mo stimulation protocols. At 6 mo, all of the animals were evaluated biomechanically using rapid-loading torsional testing. Histological evaluation using tetracycline labeling was used to evaluate cumulative new-bone formation and porosity, while graft-host time to union was evaluated roentgenographically every 2 wk. Recent reports have implied that particular pulse configurations might be effective in improving graft revascularization and incorporation. Using the particular waveform described, PEMF stimulation had no significant effect on the biomechanical strength, histological presentation, or time to union with either 2 or 6 mo. PMID: 6373772, UI: 84212628
Mishima S (1988) The effect of long-term pulsing EMF stimulation on experimental osteoporosis of rats. Sangyo Ika Daigaku Zasshi Mar 1;10(1):31-45. Dept of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Med, Univ of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan. The author performed experiments in order to investigate what biological effect on the bone would be produced by long-term PEMF systemic stimulation. In some of the mature female rats used as experimental animals, bilateral ovariectomy and right sciatic neurectomy were performed in order to make a model osteoporosis. PEMF stimulation was produced by repetitive pulse burst (RPB) waves at a positive amplitude of 25 mV, negative amplitude of 62.5 mV, burst width of 4.2 ms, pulse width of 230 us and 12 Hz, with the magnetic field strength within a cage being set at 3-10 Gauss. PEMF stimulation over 6 mo did not produce any effects on the physiologically aged bones. PEMF stimulation also did not produce any effects on losed cortical bone in osteoporotic hindlegs. On the other hand, an increase of bone volume and bone formation activity was seen in the cancellous bone of osteoporotic hindlegs. PEMF stimulation had a preventive effect against bone loss of osteoporotic hindlegs. Also, an increase in bone marrow blood flow seemed to be related with this increase of bone volume and bone formation activity. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 3285429, UI: 88218466
Muhsin AU, Islam KM, Ahmed AM, Islam MS, Rabbani KS, Rahman SM, Ahmed S, Hossain M (1991) Effect of pulsed EMF on healing of experimental non-union in rat tibiae. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull Jun;17(1):1-10. IPGMR, Dhaka Univ. To see the effect of PEMF on nonunited fracture healing, non-union was induced in rat tibiae and PEMF was applied on it. Of 5 different techniques used to induce non-union, soft tissue interposition was found to be the most suitable and effective method of experimental induction of non-union. 28 experimental and 15 control rats were finally evaluated for the effect of PEMF applied for up to 8 wk. After sacrifice of 8 experimental and 4 controls, 6 experimental and 3 controls, again 6 experimental and 3 controls and finally 8 experimental and 5 controls at 2, 4, 6 and 8 wk respectively of PEMF application no significant difference as to the quality of healing was seen between the experimental and control animals. PEMF seemed to have no beneficial effect on the healing of nonunited fractures in this experiment. PMID: 1953591, UI: 92061882
Nahoda J, Koudela K, Freyova J (1984) [Healing pseudarthroses of the long bones using a pulsating EMF - Article in Czech]. Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech Apr;51(2):138-144. PMID: 6720212, UI: 84198909
O'Connor BT (1984) Pulsed magnetic field therapy for tibial non-union. Lancet Jul 21;2(8395):171-172. Publication Types: Letter PMID: 6146073, UI: 84244912
Ottani V, De Pasquale V, Govoni P, Castellani PP, Ripani M, Gaudio E, Morocutti M (1991) Augmentation of bone repair by pulsed ELF magnetic fields in rats. Anat Anz 172(2):143-147. Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale, Bologna, Italy. Tibial osteotomies in rats were exposed for 2, 3, 5 and 8 wk to a pulsed extremely low frequency magnetic field. The shape of the pulse was a double halfwave (50 Hz, 70 G). The rate of bone healing was evaluated by light and electron microscopy. An increase of bone healing was found in rats treated with magnetic fields persisting throughout the tested time. The accelerated healing process produced a sequence of morphological appearances identical to those of a normal fracture callus being the enhancement of osteogenesis produced by an acceleration of preliminary ossification. PMID: 2048744, UI: 91264243
Pienkowski D, Pollack SR, Brighton CT, Griffith NJ (1994) Low-power electromagnetic stimulation of osteotomized rabbit fibulae: A randomized, blinded study. J Bone Joint Surg Am Apr;76(4):489-501. Univ of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104. The purpose of this study was to determine whether low-power-consuming symmetrical-waveform EM stimuli could increase the stiffness of fracture sites in a rabbit fibular-osteotomy model. Both active and placebo devices were used in a blinded study protocol. Dose-response studies of pulse amplitude and pulse width were performed by continuous application (24 h/d) of repetitive (15-Hz), bursted (5 ms) symmetrical, rectangular EM stimulus waveforms. The power consumed by these stimuli is approximately 20% of that consumed by the PEMF devices that are in current clinical use. Significant increase of callus bending stiffness was produced by pulse widths of 5-7 us and pulse amplitudes of 50-100 mV. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 8150816, UI: 94201209
Pienkowski D, Pollack SR, Brighton CT, Griffith NJ (1992) Comparison of asymmetrical and symmetrical pulse waveforms in electromagnetic stimulation. J Orthop Res Mar;10(2):247-255. Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery Research, School of Med, Univ of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104. PEMF stimulation is a noninvasive therapeutic modality that has been successfully used to stimulate healing of surgically resistant human bone fracture non-unions. Asymmetry of the stimulus pulse waveform was thought to be necessary for therapeutic effectiveness, but asymmetrical pulses require significant electrical energy that constrains clinical delivery systems to suboptimal designs. Development of low-energy consuming stimuli will enable clinical device improvements and may provide additional information about the interaction of EMFs with tissues. The objectives of this study were (a) to determine if asymmetry of the stimulus pulse waveform is needed for efficacy and (b) to determine if symmetrical pulse waveform stimuli also can produce a beneficial therapeutic response. The rabbit fibular osteotomy model was used to answer these questions and to identify which components of the clinically used asymmetrical PEMF produce the therapeutic response. Asymmetry was not necessary and a narrow pulse width, symmetrical square wave signal also stimulated stiffness increases in this model. The high-amplitude, narrow-pulse portion of the asymmetrical PEMF was the principal component of the signal pulse that induced the clinical therapeutic effect. PMID: 1740743, UI: 92156968
Reddy GN, Saha S (1983) A variable pulse-burst electromagnetic generator for electrical stimulation of biological systems. J Biomed Eng Oct;5(4):336-339. A variable frequency-burst type, EM pulse generator has been developed to optimize the effect of electrical stimulation on bone growth. Using a pair of coils, with 100 turns and 18-gauge wire, the instrument can generate a maximum magnetic field of 300 Gauss. Its pulse repetition frequency can be varied from 10 Hz to 2 KHz and the duty cycle, consisting of several short carrier frequency pulses, can be varied up to 95%. This design also permits the period of the carrier pulse to be changed. PMID: 6632846, UI: 84037881
Reeder MT, Dick BH, Atkins JK, Pribis AB, Martinez JM (1996) Stress fractures: Current concepts of diagnosis and treatment. Sports Med Sep;22(3):198-212. Dept of Family Practice, Albany Med College, New York, USA. Stress fractures are common injuries seen in sports medicine. They occur in many areas of the skeletal system and in multiple sports. However, they are most commonly seen in the lower extremities, with running the reported cause in most cases. Stress fractures result from repetitive, cyclic loading of bone which overwhelms the reparative ability of the skeletal system. Mechanically, three events may lead to stress fractures. First, the applied load can be increased. Secondly, the number of applied stresses can increase. Finally, the surface area over which the load is applied can be decreased. Diagnosis requires thorough clinical evaluation with a high index of suspicion for stress fractures. History must focus on examining the athletes training regimen, especially any changes in distance, running surface and type of shoe. Physical examination varies depending on the location of the stress fracture. Ultrasound is a possible adjunct to the physical examination. Initial plain radiological evaluation may be normal, especially early in the course of a stress fracture. Further radiological evaluation may be necessary to make a definitive diagnosis. Repeating plain radiographs, bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging and computerised tomography are all possible options. Treatment options begin with rest and cessation of the precipitating activity. This should be 'active rest' in which the athlete continues to exercise depending on the site of the fracture. The athlete should be evaluated from a biomechanical point of view and any abnormalities dealt with before rehabilitation. Possible adjuncts to treatment include pneumatic braces and EMF therapy. There are specific stress fractures that must be considered at-risk for complications of healing. The treatment of these fractures begins with immobilisation and may require surgery pending response to therapy. Stress fractures occur more frequently in female athletes in relation to their male counterparts. The "Female Athlete Triad" (eating disorders, amenorrhea and osteoporosis) is documented. Thus, stress fractures in the female athlete requires additional investigation into those areas. The diagnosis and treatment of stress fractures is a challenge for the physician caring for the athlete. It requires a high index of suspicion combined with a strong knowledge of the at-risk stress fractures and their complications. Accurate and timely diagnosis is required to prevent possible costly and disabling complications. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8883216, UI: 97037569
Rettig AC, Shelbourne KD, McCarroll JR, Bisesi M, Watts J (1988) The natural history and treatment of delayed union stress fractures of the anterior cortex of the tibia. Am J Sports Med May;16(3):250-255. Thomas A. Brady Sports Med Ctr, Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana. This study presents 8 patients with stress fracture of the anterolateral cortex of the midshaft of the tibia. All of the patients, ranging in age from 14-23 yr, were competitive basketball players who experienced pain while running or jumping for an average of 4.4 mo before the diagnosis was made. 8 patients were treated with rest and/or PEMF therapy. Although one of the patients required bone grafting procedure, all 8 of these patients showed complete healing and were able to return to full activity after an average of 8.7 mo of treatment. They have remained asymptomatic for an average of 14.7 mo. The overall time from initial symptoms to return to competition averaged 12.5 mo in this group of athletes. Rest and PEMF therapy may result in healing in some patients with delayed union stress fractures of the anterolateral cortex of the midshaft of the tibia. Although this injury is associated with a prolonged healing period, 7/8 patients with adequate followup in our study were able to return to competition without complications after treatment. One patient was asymptomatic for 33 mo before experiencing a reinjury. Diagnosis of stress fracture should be a primary consideration in basketball players with a prolonged history of pain on the anterolateral aspect of the midthird of the tibia. Once the diagnosis is made we recommend initial treatment consist of rest and external electrical stimulation for a minimum time of 3-6 mo before considering surgical intervention. PMID: 3381982, UI: 88250514
Rubin CT, Donahue HJ, Rubin JE, McLeod KJ (1993) Optimization of electric field parameters for the control of bone remodeling: exploitation of an indigenous mechanism for the prevention of osteopenia. J Bone Miner Res Dec;8 Suppl 2:S573-S581. Dept of Orthopaedics, State Univ of New York, Stony Brook. The discovery of piezoelectric potentials in loaded bone prompted the development of a plausible mechanism by which functional activity could intrinsically influence the tissue's cellular environment and thus affect skeletal mass and morphology. In an in vivo model of osteopenia, we found that exogenous induction of electric fields can prevent or even reverse the bone resorption that normally parallels disuse. Importantly, the manner of the response (formation, turnover, resorption) is exceedingly sensitive to subtle changes in electric field parameters. Fields <10 uV/cm, when induced at frequencies between 50 and 150 Hz for 1 h/d, were enough to maintain bone mass even in the absence of function. Reducing the frequency to 15 Hz made the field extremely osteogenic. Indeed, this frequency-specific sinusoidal field initiated more new bone formation than a more complex PEMF, though inducing only 0.1% of the electrical energy of the PEMF. The frequencies and field intensities most effective in the exogenous stimulation of bone formation are similar to those produced by normal functional activity. Endogenous electric fields may serve as critical regulators in both bone modeling and remodeling processes. Delineation of the field parameters most effective in retaining or promoting bone mass will accelerate the development of electricity as a unique and site-specific prophylaxis for osteopenia. Because fields of these frequencies and intensities are indigenous to bone, such exogenous treatment may promote bone quantity and quality with minimal risk or consequence. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8122529, UI: 94168053
Sanders-Shamis M, Bramlage LR, Weisbrode SE, Gabel AA (1989) A preliminary investigation of the effect of selected EMF devices on healing of cannon bone osteotomies in horses. Equine Vet J May;21(3):201-205. Dept of Clinical Sciences, Ohio State Univ, College of Veterinary Med, Columbus 43210. The effect of electrical stimulation by means of selected EMF devices on healing of cannon bone osteotomies in horses was examined. The defects were created as 3 cm x 1 mm longitudinal osteotomies through the dorsal cortices of the mid-metacarpus / metatarsus of adult horses. This type of defect would asses bone healing in a situation similar to an acute, stable fracture of the cortex. Three EM devices of different design were tested in three different groups of horses. Healing was evaluated radiographically and histologically. Osteotomies treated with the EM devices healed similarly to untreated controls. The EM devices studied did not have a local effect on the repair process of an acute, stable, osseous defect. PMID: 2731509, UI: 89276253
Sedel L, Christel P, Duriez J, Duriez R, Evrard J, Ficat C, Cauchoix J, Witvoet J (1981) [Acceleration of repair of non-unions by EMFs - Article in French]. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot 67(1):11-23. This work deals with the results obtained by 4 French orthopaedic departments using A. Bassett's method of EMF stimulation for non-union treatment. 37 cases were studied. The results are known for 35, of which 29 were successes and 6 were failures. The failures were explained for 4 of them by a bad application of the device. For the 29 successful cases, the role of the stimulation is discussed. Discarding those who have been treated a short time after a surgical procedure, those who have been immobilized >6 mo and those where the non-union could have been a delayed union, it remains 14 successful cases apparently undisputable. For them the role of the EMF stimulation seems real. PMID: 6453392, UI: 81200370
Sedel L, Christel P, Duriez J, Duriez R, Evrard J, Ficat C, Cauchoix J, Witvoet J (1982) Results of non-unions treatment by pulsed EMF stimulation. Acta Orthop Scand Suppl 196:81-91. PMID: 6950654, UI: 82156081
Simske SJ, Luttges MW (1995) Suspension osteopenia in mice: whole body EMF effects. Bioelectromagnetics 16(3):152-159. Dept of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Univ of Colorado, Boulder 80309, USA. Whole-body fields were tested for their efficacy in preventing the osteopenia caused by tail suspension in mice. The fields had fundamental frequencies corresponding to the upper range of predicted endogenous impact-generated frequencies (0.25-2.0 kHz) in the long bones. Three distinct whole-body EMFs were applied for 2 wk on growing mice. Structural, geometric, and material properties of the femora, tibiae, and humeri of suspended mice were altered compared to controls. Comparison of suspended mice and mice subjected to caloric restriction shows that the changes in caloric intake do not explain either the suspension or the field-induced effects. In agreement with past studies, rather, unloading seems to cause the suspension effects and to be addressed by the EMFs. The EMF effects on bone properties were apparently frequency dependent, with the lower two fundamental frequencies (260 and 910 Hz) altering, albeit slightly, the suspension-induced bone effects. The fields are not apparently optimized for frequency, etc., with respect to therapeutic potential; however, suspension provides a model system for further study of the in vivo effects of EMFs. PMID: 7677791, UI: 95408313
Sneed NV, VanBree KM (1990) Treating ununited fractures with electricity: nursing implications. J Gerontol Nurs Aug;16(8):26-31. Not only are the elderly more susceptible to fractures because of a decrease in total bone content from osteoporosis, but the regeneration of injured bone may be prolonged as well. When a long bone fracture occurs in the elderly person, weightlessness and immobility result in further acceleration of bone loss. Because the success of PEMF treatments depends on adherence to the treatment protocol, patient education is a key in nursing care. Although all fractures are a serious setback for the elderly person, those that do not heal properly require special considerations and the mobilization of many resources if the patient is to remain out of an institution. PMID: 2387968, UI: 90354615
Steinberg GG (1995) Reversible osteolysis. J Arthroplasty Aug;10(4):556-559. Dept of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, Univ of Massachusetts Med Ctr, Worcester 01655, USA. This is a case report of a 44-yr-old patient in whom osteolytic changes that developed around the distal end of the femoral prosthesis seemed to reverse with the use of antiinflammatory medication and PEMF stimulation. Most reported cases of osteolysis have been described as showing progressive change at a variable rate. There has not been any previously documented case in which there has been reversal of osteolytic change. PMID: 8523021, UI: 96052061
Synder M (1981) [Radiologic evaluation of bone union of the radius in fresh fractures in rats subjected to magnetic field action - Article in Polish]. Chir Narzadow Ruchu Ortop Pol 46(6):517-521. PMID: 7346241, UI: 82261058
Synder M, Zwierzchowski H, Zielinki KW (1984) [Experimental studies of bone fracture healing in a pulsating magnetic field - Article in German]. Beitr Orthop Traumatol Jan;31(1):1-7. PMID: 6712575, UI: 84178248
Tabrah F, Hoffmeier M, Gilbert F Jr, Batkin S, Bassett CA (1990) Bone density changes in osteoporosis-prone women exposed to pulsed EMFs (PEMFs). J Bone Miner Res May;5(5):437-442. Univ of Hawaii School of Med, Straub Clinic and Hospital, Honolulu. To determine the effect of a 72 Hz PEMF on bone density of the radii of osteoporosis-prone women, the nondominant forearms of 20 subjects were exposed to PEMF 10 h daily for a period of 12 wk. Bone density before, during, and after the exposure period was determined by use of a Norland-Cameron bone mineral analyzer. Bone mineral densities of the treated radii measured by single-photon densitometry increased significantly in the immediate area of the field during the exposure period and decreased during the following 36 wk. A similar but weaker response occurred in the opposite arm, suggesting a "cross-talk" effect on the untreated radii, from either possible arm proximity during sleep or very weak general field effects. Properly applied PEMFs, if scaled for whole-body use, may have clinical application in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 2195843, UI: 90313511
Tager KH (1975) [The use of electrodynamic alternating potential in operative and conservative orthopedics - Article in German]. MMW Munch Med Wochenschr May 9;117(19):791-798. The Kraus-Lechner EMF coil was used in 107 patients for operative (82) and conservative (25) indications. The method was a valuable addition to the therapeutic possibilities so far available for bones and joints. The production of new bone is stimulated; blood flow through the soft parts is promoted and affects the inhibition of inflammation. No extra demands are made on the surgical technique and side effects do not occur. X-ray pictures and the indications listed individually agreed with the results of treatment. PMID: 805945, UI: 75174974
Takano-Yamamoto T, Kawakami M, Sakuda M (1992) Effect of a pulsing EMF on demineralized bone-matrix-induced bone formation in a bony defect in the premaxilla of rats. J Dent Res Dec;71(12):1920-1925. Dept of Orthodontics, Osaka Univ, Faculty of Dentistry, Japan. A 2-mm non-healing bony defect was prepared in the premaxilla of male Wistar rats weighing about 180 g as a simulation of an alveolar cleft, for determination of whether a PEMF could promote regeneration of bone induced by demineralized bone matrix (DBM). The defect was either treated with 7 mg DBM or was left as a non-grafted control. The rats were exposed to a PEMF with a frequency of 100 Hz, a 10-ms-wide burst with 100 us-wide quasi-rectangular pulses, repeating at 15 Hz, and magnetic field strength of 1.5-1.8 G. Alkaline phosphatase activity increased significantly from d 7 in the DBM-graft-plus-PEMF group and from d 10 in the DBM-graft group, reaching a maximum on d 14. A >2-fold rise in alkaline phosphatase activity and a 3-fold rise in the amount of 45Ca incorporation in the DBM-graft-plus-PEMF group were attained compared with those of the DBM-graft group. The DBM-graft-plus-PEMF group produced more bone with almost complete osseous bridging in the defect sites than did the group treated with DBM only on d 35. PEMF seemed to enhance the bone-inductive properties of DBM through the stimulation of osteoblast differentiation induced by DBM. PMID: 1452895, UI: 93085028
Verkerke GJ, Schraffordt Koops H, Veth RP, Grootenboer HJ, De Boer LJ, Oldhoff J, Postma A (1994) Development and test of an extendable endoprosthesis for bone reconstruction in the leg. Int J Artif Organs Mar;17(3):155-162. Ctr for Biomedical Technology, Univ of Groningen, The Netherlands. A malignant bone tumour may develop in the femur of a child. In most cases it is necessary to resect the bone involved, growth plate and adjacent tissues. A modular endoprosthetic system has been developed which can be extended non-invasively to bridge the defect resulting from such a resection. Elongation is achieved by using an external magnetic field. In vitro tests with a prototype showed that the lengthening element met all requirements. 6 animal experiments showed that the lengthening element also functioned in vivo. PMID: 8050807, UI: 94327232
von Satzger G, Herbst E (1981) Surgical and electrical methods in the treatment of congenital and posttraumatic pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Clin Orthop Nov;161:82-104. This is a report of 2 adult patients with posttraumatic and 7 children with congenital pseudarthroses treated by surgical and electrical methods. Interest was focused primarily on congenital pseudarthroses because of the unquestionable severity of these cases and consequently a very high benefit/risk ratio. Three procedures were used: external (Hoffmann) fixation combined with monophasic or biphasic pulsed current stimulation; internal (transtarsal) fixation combined with PEMF stimulation; and surgical treatment only, as above, without electrostimulation. Healing was achieved in both treated cases of posttraumatic pseudarthrosis and in 9/14 instances in cases of congenital pseudarthrosis stimulated electrically, as well as in 2 instances with no electrostimulation. In 7 instances, the bone remained healed for 9 mo or more, the longest period being almost 5.5 yr. Both pulsed current and PEMF stimulation seem to enhance the process of bone healing. However, comparison between the different stimulation methods cannot be made on the basis of the limited material presented here, and the need for more basic studies still exists. Concerning the surgical treatment, it seems that transtarsal fixation is a better choice for congenital pseudarthrosis than fixation with an AO-plate, Rush pin or Hoffmann apparatus. PMID: 6975693, UI: 82071047
Wahlstrom O, Knutsson H (1984) A device for generation of EMFs of extremely low frequency. J Biomed Eng Oct;6(4):293-296. A new device to generate EMFs at extra low frequencies, to be used in fracture treatment, is described. The device involves a coil and a battery powered noise-generator. An alternating magnetic field of 4 X 10(-4) T (4 Gauss) (RMS value) with a frequency range 1-1000 Hz is generated. A controlled randomized study of fresh fractures showed significant differences (p<.01) between the treated group and the control group. The results are encouraging and motivate further investigations with this method. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 6503256, UI: 85059331
Wahlstrom O (1984) Stimulation of fracture healing with EMFs of extremely low frequency (EMF of ELF). Clin Orthop Jun;186:293-301. This randomized, controlled study was performed to evaluate how EMFs affect the accumulation of 99mTechnetium - methylendiphosphonate (Tc-MDP) in fresh fractures. 30 women with Colles' fractures, aged 50-70 yr, participated in this study: some in a control group and some in a treated group. After reduction, all patients were immobilized for 4 wk. After randomization, 15 patients were treated by EMFs of extremely low frequency (EMF of ELF), which were generated by a coil and a battery-powered portable current generator during the time of immobilization. The frequency of the alternating magnetic field was 1-1000 Hz; the magnitude was 4 Gauss [RMS (root-mean-square) value]. The scintigrams were performed 1, 2, 4, and 8 wk after the injury. The activity ratio in the fracture area was significantly higher at the examination of 1 and 2 wk (p<.05, p<.01) in the treated group than it was in the control group. The clinical relevance of the results is not known, but one interpretation of the data is that the stimulation with EMF of ELF improves (accelerates) the early phase of fracture healing. The data warrant further investigation of fresh fracture treatment with this method. PMID: 6233054, UI: 84206316
Walenczak K, Widawski T (1993) [A case of stress fracture of the femoral neck - Article in Polish]. Chir Narzadow Ruchu Ortop Pol 58(6):471-473. oddzialu Urazowo-Ortopedycznego Szpitala MSW W Lodzi. A case of 28 yr old male with stress fracture of the femoral neck is presented. Heterogeneous clinical picture is blamed for diagnostic problems in the initial stage of the disease. Bone scintigraphy aids in the early diagnosis. The use of low frequency EMF definitely shortened the treatment time in the case reported. PMID: 7555308, UI: 96012786
Wiendl HJ, Strigl M (1978) [Clinical experiences in supplementary treatment of pseudarthroses using electromagnetic potentials - Article in German]. Fortschr Med Feb 2;96(5):231-236. Kraus-Lechner electromagnetic alternating field therapy was performed postoperatively in addition to osteosynthesis in 22 cases of pseudarthrosis after fractures of the limbs, 5 osteotomies and one fresh fracture of the lower leg. Except for one failure, all cases showed a complete and clearly accelerated osseous bridging. This method gave added success especially in preoperated and problem-cases such as pseudarthrosis of the femoral neck and defect-pseudarthrosis with tibial inflammation. PMID: 304436, UI: 78085891
1b. Joint problems, fractures, arthritis
Galkina MG, Shargorodskaia DV, Roshchina NA (1987) [Reflexotherapy of osteoarthritis patients using the action of a UHF EMF - Article in Russian]. Revmatologiia (Mosk) Jul;3:40-44. PMID: 3317712, UI: 88070073
Glazer PA, Heilmann MR, Lotz JC, Bradford DS (1997) Use of EMFs in a spinal fusion: A rabbit model. Spine Oct 15;22(20):2351-2356. Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery, Univ of California, San Francisco, USA. To evaluate the influence of a PEMF on the spinal fusion rate and biomechanical characteristics in a rabbit model, a prospective, randomized trial analyzed the biomechanical and histologic features of posterolateral spinal fusion in rabbits with and without the application of a PEMF. Also, biomechanical testing, radiographs, and manual palpation assessed the fusion rate with and without a PEMF. Previous studies to assess the benefits of a PEMF in spinal fusion were complicated by the use of instrumentation, and the animal models used do not have a pseudarthrosis rate comparable to that in humans. In contrast, the use of instrumentation does not complicate posterolateral intertransverse process fusion in rabbits, which have a pseudarthrosis rate similar to that in humans (5-35%). 10 New Zealand white rabbits each were randomly assigned to undergo spinal fusion using either 1) autologous bone with EMFs, or 2) autologous bone without EMFs. A specially designed plastic constraint was used to focus the PEMF for 4 h/d over the rabbits' lumbar spine. Animals were killed at 6 wk for biomechanical and histologic testing. As evaluated by radiograph and manual examination in a blinded fashion, PEMF decreased pseudarthrosis rate from 40 to 20%. However, as there were only 5 animals/group, the decrease in non-union rate was not statistically significant. Biomechanical analysis of the fusion mass showed that a PEMF resulted in statistically significant increases in stiffness (35%), area under the load-displacement curve (37%), and load to failure of the fusion mass (42%). Qualitative histologic assessment showed increased bone formation in those fusions exposed to a PEMF. This rabbit fusion model was reproducable, and a PEMF induced a statistically significant increase in stiffness, area under the load-displacement curve, and load to failure of the fusion mass. This is a basis for continued evaluation of biologic enhancement of spinal arthrodesis with the use of a PEMF. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 9355215, UI: 98016835
Godley DR (1997) Nonunited carpal scaphoid fracture in a child: treatment with pulsed EMF stimulation. Orthopedics Aug;20(8):718-719. Dept of Orthopedic Surgery, Permanente Med Group Inc, San Jose, Calif. 95119, USA. PMID: 9263293, UI: 97408774
Grabski RS, Czopek A, Grabski SJ (1988) [Treatment of selected injuries of the knee joint by a high-frequency impulse magnetic field - Article in Polish]. Chir Narzadow Ruchu Ortop Pol 53(1):18-22. PMID: 3409766, UI: 88311988
Grace KL, Revell WJ, Brookes M (1998) The effects of pulsed electromagnetism on fresh fracture healing: osteochondral repair in the rat femoral groove. Orthopedics Mar;21(3):297-302. Dept of Orthopedics, UMDS Guy's Hospital, Rayne Institute, London, UK. Some clinical studies have claimed significant reductions in the healing time of fresh fractures with the use of PEMFs. Animal models, however, have produced more equivocal results. This investigation examined the effects of PEMF treatment on an osteochondral defect placed in the patellofemoral groove of the rat. PEMF enhanced early vascular reaction and suppresses initial pannus proliferation. Early chondrogenesis and bone formation were consistently stimulated, and the restoration of normal bone trabeculae advanced. PEMF treatment therefore may be useful in advancing repair during the early proliferative stage. Later results were variable and suggest that prolonged use may have deleterious effects, enhancing chondrogenesis beyond a point seen in normal repair and thus delaying normal subsurface trabeculation. PMID: 9547814, UI: 98209034
Guizzardi S, Di Silvestre M, Govoni P, Scandroglio R (1994) Pulsed EMF stimulation on posterior spinal fusions: a histological study in rats. J Spinal Disord Feb;7(1):36-40. Institute of Histology and Embryology, Univ of Parma, Italy. This study reports the histological data relative to the effect of PEMFs on the evolution of posterior arthrodesis induced in the lumbar vertebrae of 12 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. After the operation, one group of 6 rats was stimulated with PEMFs for 18 h/d, by means of a pair of coils fixed to the outside of the cage. A control group of 6 rats was given no stimulation after surgery. Acceleration of the process of bone callus organization was already seen after 4 wk, and even more so after 8 wk in the PEMF-stimulated groups. An early replacement of the newly formed cartilage tissue with primary bone (at 4 wk) and subsequently with secondary bone (after 8 wk) was seen. PMID: 8186587, UI: 94243165
Khabirova GF (1978) [Use of magnetic field for the treatment of intra-articular injuries - Article in Russian]. Ortop Travmatol Protez Dec;12:53-57. PMID: 745848, UI: 79135998
Leclaire R, Bourgouin J (1991) Electromagnetic treatment of shoulder periarthritis: a randomized controlled trial of the efficiency and tolerance of magnetotherapy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil Apr;72(5):284-287. Rehabilitation Med Service, Notre Dame Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The potential benefit of magnetotherapy was investigated in 47 consecutive outpatients with periarthritis of the shoulder. Using a controlled triple-blind study design, one group of patients received hot pack applications and passive manual stretching and pulley exercises; the other group received the same therapy plus magnetotherapy. Treatment was given 3 times/wk. For a maximum of 3 mo, a standardized treatment protocol was used. There was no significant improvement in pain reduction or in range of motion with EMF therapy. After 12 wk of therapy, the patients who received magnetotherapy showed mean pain scores of 1.5 (+.61 SD) at rest, 2.2 (+.76 SD) on movement, and 1.9 (+.94 SD), on lying, compared to scores for the control group of 1.4 (+.65 SD), 2.2 (+.7 SD), and 1.9 (+.95 SD), respectively. Linear pain scale scores improved from 71 to 21 for both groups. At 12 wk the gain in range of motion was mean 109+46.8o in patients receiving EMF therapy, compared to 122+33.4o for the controls (not significant). At entry, the functional handicap score was 53.5 for both groups. At 12 wk, it was 24 for the magnetotherapy group and 17 for the control group (difference not significant). This study showed no benefit from magnetotherapy in the pain score, range of motion, or improvement of functional status in patients with periarthritis of the shoulder. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 2009043, UI: 91181967
Lluch BC, Garcia-Andrade DG, Munoz FL, Stern LL (1996) [Usefulness of EMFs in the treatment of hip avascular necrosis: a prospective study of 30 cases - Article in Spanish]. Rev Clin Esp Feb;196(2):67-74. Servicio de Cirugia Ortopedica y Traumatologia, Hospital Universitario San Carlos, Madrid. A series is here reported of 30 hips from 21 patients with the diagnosis of avascular necrosis in different stages (Ficat 0=1, I=4, II=13, III=10, IV=2). Patients underwent external electro-stimulation by means of a EMF generator, and results were evaluated by NMR at 3-mo intervals. Lesions were categorized by NMR: < 25%, 25%-50%, and > 50% of involved head volume. The grading of lesions yielded the following distribution: grade 1=12, grade 2=10, and grade 3=7. Results were categorized in "clinical success", "NMR success" and "combined success" when symptoms decreased or disappeared, the lesion stabilized by NMR, or both, respectively. Overall, the corresponding figures were 80%, 76.6%, and 63.3%, and were remarkably influenced by the NMR grading of the lesion. PMID: 8685491, UI: 96286249
Mitbreit IM, Savchenko AG, Volkova LP, Proskurova GI, Shubina AV (1986) [Low-frequency magnetic field in the complex treatment of patients with lumbar osteochondrosis - Article in Russian]. Ortop Travmatol Protez Oct;10:24-27. PMID: 3808656, UI: 87117093
Mohamed-Ali H, Kolkenbrock H, Ulbrich N, Sorensen H, Kramer KD, Merker HJ (1994) Influence of EMFs on the enzyme activity of rheumatoid synovial fluid cells in vitro. Eur J Clin Chem Clin Biochem Apr;32(4):319-326. Institut fur Anatomie, Freie Universitat Berlin, Germany. Since positive clinical effects have been seen in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with EMFs of weak strength and low frequency range (magnetic field strength: 70 uT; frequency: 1.36-14.44 Hz), an attempt was made to analyse the effects of these EMFs on enzyme activity in monolayer cultures of rheumatoid synovial fluid cells after single irradiation of the cultures for 24 h. We only studied the matrix metalloproteinases (collagenase, gelatinase, proteinase 24.11 and aminopeptidases). It was found that EMFs of such a weak strength and low frequency range do not generally have a uniform effect on the activity of the different proteinases in vitro. While aminopeptidases do not show any great changes in activity, the peptidases hydrolysing N(2,4)-dinitrophenyl-peptide exhibit a distinct increase in activity in the late phase in culture medium without fetal calf serum. This effect was not seen in the presence of fetal calf serum, and enzyme activity fell. Our experiments do not show whether such a phase-bound increase in the activity of proteinases in vitro is only one finding in a much broader range of effects of EMFs, or whether it is a specific effect of weak pulsed magnetic fields of 285+33 nT on enzyme activity after single irradiation. This question requires further elucidation. PMID: 8038273, UI: 94312509
Mooney V (1990) A randomized double-blind prospective study of the efficacy of pulsed EMFs for interbody lumbar fusions. Spine Jul;15(7):708-712. Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Univ of California, Irvine. A randomized double-blind prospective study of PEMFs for lumbar interbody fusions was performed on 195 subjects. There were 98 subjects in the active group and 97 subjects in the placebo group. A brace containing equipment to induce an EMF was applied to patients undergoing interbody fusion in the active group, and a sham brace was used in the control group. In the active group there was a 92% success rate, while the control group had a 65% success rate (p>.005). The data showed the effectiveness of bone graft stimulation with the device. Publication Types: Clinical trial. Randomized controlled trial PMID: 2218718, UI: 91019677
Ponomarev VD, Bogoliubov VM, Frenkel' ID, Pershin SB, Ponomarev IuT (1986) [Characteristics of the course of experimental arthritis after bitemporal exposure to an ultrahigh-frequency electric field - Article in Russian]. Patol Fiziol Eksp Ter Sep;5:74-77. PMID: 3797098, UI: 87091298
Reut NI (1990) [Manual and magneto-barotherapy of spinal osteochondrosis - Article in Russian]. Ortop Travmatol Protez Aug;8:29-31. The problem of the spinal osteochondrosis treatment has not been solved yet. Commonly applicable manual therapy is not always effective. In order to liquidate complex degenerative hypoxic processes in soft tissues of spine, cervical, thoracal and lumbar parts of spine of 468 patients aged from 20-80 yr, in line with the manual therapy, have been exposed to hyperbaric oxygenation with constant magnetic field. In case of persistent pathologic process in spine a single kenalog-novocaine blockade after Shneck was additionally applied. Prolonged good and excellent results were achieved with all patients during 3 yr. Mean term of invalidity was 7 d. Proposed method of spinal osteochondrosis treatment in polyclinic facilitates the economic situation of hospitals and saves patients from hospital bed. PMID: 2074955, UI: 91163939
Serbiuk VV (1978) [Magnetic field in the complex therapy of the knee joint injuries complicated by purulent infection - Article in Russian]. Ortop Travmatol Protez Nov;11:44-47. PMID: 733209, UI: 79094877
Crawford AH (1986) Neurofibromatosis in children. Acta Orthop Scand Suppl 218:1-60. Clinical diagnosis of neurofibromatosis in childhood usually is based on the presence of numerous cafe-au-lait spots. Early diagnosis allows for continuing follow-up and appropriate counselling. Symptomatic therapy can be provided if necessary. The disorder has a tendency via its mesodermal route to affect almost every system in the body; however, few laymen have even heard of the disorder and, except for the "Elephant Man" notoriety, are totally unaware of it, whereas muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and Down syndrome although occurring less frequently are well known to the general public. The management of neurofibromatosis in children covers an extremely wide spectrum: at times the management seems to be simple, involving little more than clinical evaluation and simple investigations. However, in view of the protean manifestations of the condition, a complete history including family history is obligatory, and investigation must include radiographic studies of the abdomen, chest, spine, and skull, the latter to include special views of the orbits and optic foramina. My investigation of this disorder has been extremely frustrating because of the progressive character of the disease. Nothing seems to alter the natural course of the disease. I cannot say that my investigative efforts have revealed any breakthroughs in treatment. An aggressive surgical approach to the myriad of lesions associated with this disease, especially neuromata or segmental problems, is probably advisable. The early treatment of tibial pseudarthrosis by polyprophylene orthotic and pulsating EMFs shows encouraging results over the short course, although I am not so sure as to whether or not the patients would do as well with the custom fit orthotic with or without the electronics. Early stabilization of spinal deformity has proven to be more than moderately successful and is strongly recommended after appropriate intraspinal evaluation. The management of tumors of the brain and spinal cord, as well as those associated with limb hypertrophy and congenital tibial pseudarthrosis, is undergoing innovations at this time which may result in a better cure rate. Procedures include the use of CT to evaluate tumors [Coleman et al. have attempted to differentiate neurofibroma from neurofibrosarcoma by contrast enhancement methods], the use of CO2 lasers to remove previously inoperable CNS tumors, microvascular bone transplantation and pulsating EMF to treat pseudarthrotic bones. PMID: 3083645, UI: 86182808
Alexa O (1996) [Electrically induced osteogenesis. II. Experimental studies - Article in Romanian]. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi Jan;100(1-2):62-65. Disciplina de Ortopedie, Facultatea de Medicina, Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie Gr. T. Popa, Iasi. The paper presents the possibilities to induce osteogenesis using different types of electrical current. The direct current may be used with invasive or semi-invasive methods. Electrodes are placed internally, near the bone. Experiments showed that the optimum stimulation is achieved with current between 5 and 20 uA. The capacitive current is able to induce osteogenesis. The electrodes are placed externally; between the electrodes there is an electric field with the value ranged 1-10 mV/cm. The method of PEMFs is based on the field produced by a coil placed externally. The magnetic field range between 0, 1 and 20 Gauss. This is the most appreciate method because is noninvasive and offered the best experimental results. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 9455398, UI: 98116576
Auer JA, Burch GE, Hall P (1983) Review of pulsing EMF therapy and its possible application to horses. Equine Vet J Oct;15(4):354-360. Relevant literature on electrostimulation in general, and PEMFs in particular, is reviewed. DC current influences cell behaviour by affecting transmembrane ion transport, which is often under enzymatic control. PEMFs influence cell functions through adsorption of ions or dipole formation at the cell membrane. Invasive and non-invasive DC current stimulation is compared to PEMFs. The mode of application of PEMFs to the equine limb and suggested treatment times are briefly discussed. 2 case reports are used to illustrate the effect of PEMFs in equine fracture treatment. PMID: 6641683, UI: 84057661
Barker AT, Dixon RA, Sharrard WJ, Sutcliffe ML (1984) Pulsed magnetic field therapy for tibial non-union: Interim results of a double-blind trial. Lancet May 5;1(8384):994-996. Patients with tibial fractures which had remained ununited for at least 52 wk were randomly allocated to either active or dummy pulsed magnetic field stimulators and treated in full leg plasters for 24 wk with a non-weightbearing conservative regimen, as is usual with such techniques. Fractures in 5/9 patients with working machines united and fractures in 5/7 patients with dummy machines also united. These early results of this double-blind trial are compatible with a difference in success rate at 24 wk on active treatment of +33% to -61% (95% confidence limits) compared with the success rate on the dummy stimulators. The high proportion of fractures uniting in the control group suggests that conservative management of non-union is effective and this may explain much of the success attributed to pulsed magnetic field therapy. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 6143970, UI: 84190306
Bassett CA, Schink-Ascani M (1991) Long-term pulsed EMF (PEMF) results in congenital pseudarthrosis. Calcif Tissue Int Sep;49(3):216-220. Bioelectric Research Ctr, Riverdale, New York 10463. 91 patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia were treated with PEMFs since 1973; 87 were followed to puberty. Lesions were stratified by roentgenographic appearance. Type I and type II had gaps less <5 mm in width. Type III were atrophic, spindled, and had gaps in excess of 5 mm. Overall success in type I and II lesions was 43/60 (72%). Of those 28 patients seen before operative repair had been attempted, 7/8 type I lesions healed (88%), whereas 16/20 type II lesions healed (80%) on PEMFs and immobilization alone. Only 19% (6/31) type III lesions united, only one of which did not require surgery. 16/91 limbs (18%) were ultimately amputed, most before treatment principles were fully defined in 1980. 14 of these 16 patients (88%) had type III lesions. Refracture occurred in 22 patients, most as the result of significant trauma, in the absence of external brace support. 12/19 refractures, retreated with PEMFs and casts, healed on this regime. Episodic use of PEMFs proved effective in controlling stress fractures in several patients until they reached puberty. PEMFs, which are associated with no known risk, seem to be an effective, conservative adjunct in the management of this therapeutically challenging, congenital lesions. PMID: 1933587, UI: 92034339
Bassett CA (1993) Beneficial effects of EMFs. J Cell Biochem Apr;51(4):387-393. Bioelectric Research Ctr, Columbia Univ, Riverdale, New York 10463. Selective control of cell function by applying specifically configured, weak, time-varying magnetic fields has added a new, exciting dimension to biology and medicine. Field parameters for therapeutic, PEMFs were designed to induce voltages similar to those produced, normally, during dynamic mechanical deformation of connective tissues. As a result, a wide variety of challenging musculoskeletal disorders have been treated successfully over the past 20 yr. >250000 patients with chronically ununited fractures have benefitted, worldwide, from this surgically non-invasive method, without risk, discomfort, or the high costs of operative repair. Many of the athermal bioresponses, at the cellular and subcellular levels, have been identified and found appropriate to correct or modify the pathologic processes for which PEMFs have been used. Not only is efficacy supported by these basic studies but by a number of double-blind trials. As understanding of mechanisms expands, specific requirements for field energetics are being defined and the range of treatable ills broadened. These include nerve regeneration, wound healing, graft behavior, diabetes, and myocardial and cerebral ischemia (heart attack and stroke), among other conditions. Preliminary data even suggest possible benefits in controlling malignancy. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8496242, UI: 93266659
Bassett CA, Mitchell SN, Gaston SR (1982) Pulsing EMF treatment in ununited fractures and failed arthrodeses. JAMA Feb 5;247(5):623-628. PEMFs induce weak electric currents in bone by external coils on casts or skin. In November 1979, the FDA approved this surgically noninvasive, outpatient method. It produced confirmed end results in 1007 ununited fractures and 71 failed arthrodeses, worldwide. Overall success was 81% at Columbia-Presbyterian Med Ctr, 79% internationally and 76% in other patients in the USA. PEMF therapy was effective in 75% of 332 patients (a subset) with an average 4.7-yr disability duration, an average of 3.4 previous operative failures to produce union, and a 35% rate of infection. 84% of carpal naviculars and 82% of femoral neck-trochanteric non-unions were united. After attempted arthrodeses could not salvage a failed total-knee prosthesis, PEMFs promoted healing in 85% of patients. When coils were unsuccessful alone, combining them with surgical repair was effective. PMID: 7054564, UI: 82101246
Blumlein H, Schneider U, Rahn BA, Perren SM (1977) [The effect of so-called electrodynamic potentials on experimental reaction-poor pseudarthrosis - Article in German]. Chir Forum Exp Klin Forsch Apr;:105-108. The effect of the magnetic field and the alternating current according to the Kraus-Lechner model was investigated on experimental pseudarthroses in beagle dogs. The evaluation of 16 pseudarthroses showed no effect of the method Kraus-Lechner on healing. PMID: 312722, UI: 79190830
Boening KJ (1983) [Treatment of a navicular bone fracture in a horse with pulsing EMF - Article in German]. Tierarztl Prax 11(4):483-486. PMID: 6658771, UI: 84098412
Brighton CT, Pollack SR (1985) Treatment of recalcitrant non-union with a capacitively coupled electrical field: A preliminary report. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] Apr;67(4):577-585. 22 well established non-unions in 20 patients were treated with a capacitively coupled electrical signal (sine wave, 60 KHz, 5 V peak to peak) that was applied non-invasively through stainless-steel capacitor plates placed on the skin surface overlying the approximate site of the non-union. The average age of the 11 female and 9 male patients in this series was 38.4 yr, and the average duration of the 22 non-unions was 3.3 yr. 17 of the non-unions were labeled recalcitrant, meaning that they had failed to heal after either previous bone-grafting or another type of electrical stimulation, or both. 5 of the non-unions had not been previously treated. 17 (77.3%) of the non-unions achieved solid osseous union after an average of 22.5 wk of treatment with capacitive coupling. The results in this small series were not affected by the non-union being recalcitrant, by the fact that 1 patient bore full weight on the extremity in a cast, by the presence of osteomyelitis, or by the presence of remaining metallic internal-fixation devices in the bone. Since capacitive coupling is non-invasive, involves portable equipment, allows full weight-bearing on the lower extremity in a cast, is easy to apply, and does not require precise localization of the capacitor plates, it has distinct advantages over other methods of treating non-union with electricity. PMID: 3872300, UI: 85157654
Cakirgil GS, Saplakoglu A, Yazar T (1989) The compared effect of a four-coiled system in pulsed EMF stimulation. Orthopedics Nov;12(11):1481-1484. Dept of Orthopedics, Univ of Ankara, Yenisehir, Turkey. A clinical trial evaluated the effects of a pulsed magnetic field on pseudoarthroses of in cases. 19/21 cases had successful results; the remaining 2 failed to respond. 2-coiled and 4-coiled systems were used in this study. The 4-coiled system was more effective in spite of its practical disadvantages and larger size. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 2685789, UI: 90068246
Capanna R, Donati D, Masetti C, Manfrini M, Panozzo A, Cadossi R, Campanacci M (1994) Effect of EMFs on patients undergoing massive bone graft following bone tumor resection: A double blind study. Clin Orthop Sep;306:213-221. Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Clinica Ortopedica I, Universita di Bologna, Italy. Massive bone allograft after tumor resection has been used for >20 yr. Many factors negatively influence the healing of the junction between the allograft and the host bone, resulting in a low healing rate and lengthy time to union. This study evaluated whether PEMF stimulation could be advantageously used in these patients. A double blind prospective randomized study was designed. 83 host graft junctions in 47 patients were considered. The overall host graft junction healing rate was the same (67%) in both control and active stimulated patients. Although not statistically significant, a positive effect of PEMFs was seen for those host graft junctions with a cortico-cortical contact between allograft and host bone. When adjuvant postoperative chemotherapy was not used, a definite effect of PEMF stimulation was seen: the healing time decreased from 9.4 mo in the control group to 6.7 mo in the active stimulated group (p<.001). This effect would have been lost if chemotherapy was employed. There was also no advantage in supplement with iliac crest autografts at the host graft junction site if chemotherapy was used. Factors that significantly influenced the host graft junction healing rate were: chemotherapy; type of allograft host bone contact; quality of host graft junction; and, in intercalary allografts, use of the osteosynthesis device. No difference was noted between control and active groups for patient survival or number of local or distal tumor recurrences. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 8070199, UI: 94349691
Chen II, Saha S (1987) Analysis of the current distribution in bone produced by pulsed electro-magnetic field stimulation of bone. Biomater Artif Cells Artif Organs 15(4):737-744. Dept of Physiology and Biophysics, Louisiana State Univ Med Ctr, Shreveport 71130. Pulsed EM stimulation is being increasingly used by orthopaedic surgeons to treat non-unions and congenital pseudoarthrosis. In this paper a theoretical model is developed to analyze the distribution of induced current in bone due to a PEMF, produced by a pair of Helmholtz coils. The result shows that the induced current density is dependent of the electrical properties of bone, geometry of the coils and their location. PMID: 3452430, UI: 88252360
Darendeliler MA, Darendeliler A, Sinclair PM (1997) Effects of static magnetic and pulsed EMFs on bone healing. Int J Adult Orthodon Orthognath Surg 12(1):43-53. Discipline of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Univ of Sydney, Australia. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the healing pattern of an experimentally induced osteotomy in Hartley guinea pigs in the presence of static magnetic and PEMFs. The sample consisted of 30 Hartley guinea pigs 2 wk of age divided into 3 groups: pulsed EM, static magnetic, and control. An osteotomy was performed in the mandibular postgonial area in all groups under general anesthesia. During the experimental period of 9 d, the animals were kept in experiment cages 8 h/d, the first two groups being in the presence of pulsed EM and static magnetic field, respectively. Based on histologic results, both static and PEMFs seemed to accelerate the rate of bone repair when compared to the control group. The osteotomy sites in the control animals consisted of connective tissue, while new bone had filled the osteotomy areas in both magnetic field groups. PMID: 9456617, UI: 98117733
de Barros Filho TE, Rossi JD, Lage L de A, Rodrigues CJ, de Oliveira AS, Pinto FC, dos Reis GM, Rodrigues Junior AJ (1992) [Effect of EMFs on osteogenesis: an experimental study on rats - Article in Portugese]. Rev Hosp Clin Fac Med Sao Paulo May;47(3):128-130. LIM-41, Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo. The authors studied experimentally the PEMF effects in an experimental model in rats, for evaluation of the velocity of consolidation of tibial and fibular fractures. The animals were followed for a period of 3 wk under continuous stimulation and there were done radiological evaluation weekly and histological study at the end of the study. There were no histological, clinical or radiological differences between the group of rats submitted to PEMFs and the control group. PMID: 1340586, UI: 94053290
Deibert MC, Mcleod BR, Smith SD, Liboff AR (1994) Ion resonance EMF stimulation of fracture healing in rabbits with a fibular ostectomy. J Orthop Res Nov;12(6):878-885. Dept of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Univ of Vermont College of Med, Burlington 05405. Rabbits with a fibular ostectomy were exposed for 28 d to magnetic fields that satisfied the ion resonance conditions for calcium or magnesium. The rabbits were exposed to whole body treatment for 1/2 h, 3 h, or 24 h/d. The fibulae from the experimental and control animals were removed surgically and were subjected to force-deflection testing to establish the stiffness of the healed fracture. The fibulae from the rabbits exposed to the ion resonance magnetic fields were found to be 55-299% (p<.01) more robust than the fibulae from the control animals. PMID: 7983563, UI: 95074712
Diusembaev AA, Diusembaev KA, Zhakupbaev AA (1991) [Experience in the treatment of open fractures of shin bones by means of bitemporal ultra-high frequency electric field and transcerebral electrophoresis - Article in Russian]. Ortop Travmatol Protez Sep;9:43-44. PMID: 1780146, UI: 92140833
Fox IM, Smith SD (1983) Bioelectric repair of metatarsal non-unions. J Foot Surg 22(2):108-115. An exciting new development in the field of bone physiology has been the discovery of electrical potentials in stressed bone and the relation of this knowledge to Wolff's law. The application of these discoveries for the treatment of non-unions by exogenous bioelectric potentials via direct current and PEMFs has been a major development in orthopedic surgery. To date, the literature reports the use of this new treatment modality in the large long bones of the extremities. The authors have utilized these techniques to repair non-unions of the metatarsals and, in the process, have adapted some of the principles for the small bones of the foot. PMID: 6602827, UI: 83239598
Frykman GK, Taleisnik J, Peters G, Kaufman R, Helal B, Wood VE, Unsell RS (1986) Treatment of nonunited scaphoid fractures by pulsed EMF and cast. J Hand Surg [Am] May;11(3):344-349. 35/44 nonunited scaphoid fractures that were at least 6 mo old healed in a mean time of 4.3 mo during PEMF treatment using external coils and a thumb spica cast. The mean time from the onset of the fracture to treatment was 40 mo. No concurrent operation was performed. Follow-up time averaged 8.4 mo. 8/9 fractures with avascular necrosis healed. 5/8 fractures in the proximal third healed. 12/16 patients (75%) treated in short-arm thumb spica casts and PEMF healed versus 22 (92%) of 24 patients treated initially in long-arm thumb spica casts and PEMF. We have found PEMF to be a reliable alternative method of treating nonunited scaphoid fractures. Because of the low risk, simplicity of use, and reliability, we recommend its consideration in the treatment of undisplaced, nonunited fractures without carpal instability <5 yr after the injury. Treatment should initially begin with a long-arm cast. PMID: 3711607, UI: 86225254
Gupta TD, Jain VK, Tandon PN (1991) Comparative study of bone growth by pulsed EMFs. Med Biol Eng Comput Mar;29(2):113-120. Dept of Electrical Engineering, Harcourt Butler Technological Institute, Kanpur, India. PEMFs have been widely used for treatment of non-united fractures and congenital pseudarthrosis. Several electrical stimulation systems such as air-cored and iron-cored coils and solenoids have been used the world over and claimed to be effective. Electrical parameters such as pulse shape, magnitude and frequency differ widely, and the exact bone-healing mechanism is still not clearly understood. The study attempts to analyse the effectiveness of various parameters and suggests an optimal stimulation waveform. Mathematical analysis of electric fields inside the bone together with Fourier analysis of induced voltage waveforms produced by commonly used electrical stimulation wave-forms has been performed. A hypothesis based on assigning different weightings to different frequencies for osteogenic response has been proposed. Using this hypothesis astonishingly similar effective values of electric fields have been found in different systems. Effective electric field rather than peak electric field was the main parameter responsible for osteogenesis. The results agree with experimental findings made on human beings by different investigators. PMID: 1857114, UI: 91311997
Hart FX (1994) Spreadsheet method for calculating the induced currents in bone-fracture healing by a low-frequency magnetic field. Bioelectromagnetics 15(5):465-482. Dept of Physics, Univ of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee 37383-1000. A commercially available spreadsheet program is used on a PC to calculate the induced current density and electric field patterns produced in a nonhomogeneous, anisotropic model of tissue by a localized, low-frequency magnetic field source. Specific application is made to coils used to promote the healing of bone fractures in limbs. The variation of the conductivity of the fracture gap during healing causes the induced current density pattern to change correspondingly, whereas the induced electric field remains relatively unchanged. Use of more simplified, isotropic models for bone and soft tissue gave significantly different results from those obtained from the full model. The magnetic field beyond the region of the coils contributes little to the induced currents in the fracture gap if the gap is located near the center of the coils. PMID: 7802713, UI: 95101018
Haupt HA (1984) Electrical stimulation of osteogenesis. South Med J Jan;77(1):56-64. The three electrical stimulation systems available for treating non-union of long bones are successful in approximately 85% of cases. The percutaneous direct current bone growth stimulator is partially invasive, allows patient mobility, can be used with magnetic fixation devices, and can be monitored for proper function, but it requires an operation, cannot be used where infection exists, and is subject to breakage. The implantable direct current bone growth stimulator is similar, but is totally invasive. The external PEMF bone growth stimulator is noninvasive and can be used where infection exists, but it requires long, exact patient compliance and cannot be used with magnetic fixation devices or at certain sites. None of the systems can be used where synovial pseudarthrosis or a sizeable gap between bone ends exists, nor are they more effective than bone grafting. Whether their use might evoke malignant transformation or might accelerate or retard epiphyseal growth patterns is not known. Many controlled studies are needed before it is clear how commonly electrical stimulation should be used to treat bony ununion. Publication Types: Review PMID: 6364371, UI: 84121514
Heckman JD, Ingram AJ, Loyd RD, Luck JV Jr, Mayer PW (1981) Non-union treatment with pulsed EMFs. Clin Orthop Nov;161:58-66. Noninvasive, PEMF treatment, when properly employed, was effective in securing healing of ununited fractures in 64.4% of 149 patients. The effectiveness of this modality can be ascertained after 3 mo of intensive use in >85% of patients, thus enabling the clinician to decide to terminate treatment, continue electrostimulation, or abandon it in favor of another treatment modality. The success of treatment is dependent upon certain variables. Anatomic location of the non-union is important. Higher healing rates were noted in the tibia than in the femur or humerus. In some conditions, combined electrostimulation and bone grafting was more effective than either measure alone. Young patients healed more rapidly than older patients. Electrostimulation is more effective when instituted within 2 yr of the original fracture than when started at longer intervals after the injury. Infection, either quiescent or actively draining, does not seem to affect the overall results. Of greatest importance is patient adherence to the treatment protocol as outlined, with emphasis placed on adequate immobilization of the fracture and absolute nonweight-bearing during treatment. Considering these factors and in light of the very rare frequency of short-term side effects, the use of PEMFs seems to be a reasonable choice of treatment in the management of ununited fractures. PMID: 6975692, UI: 82071043
Heermeier K, Spanner M, Trager J, Gradinger R, Strauss PG, Kraus W, Schmidt J (1998) Effects of extremely low frequency EMF on collagen type I mRNA expression and extracellular matrix synthesis of human osteoblastic cells. Bioelectromagnetics 19(4):222-231. Institut fur Molekulare Virologie, GSF-Forschungszentrum fur Umwelt und Gesundheit, Neuherberg, Germany. Human osteoblastic cells were grown in a 3-D cell culture model and used to test the effects of a 20 Hz sinusoidal EMF (6 mT and 113 mV/cm max) on collagen type I mRNA expression and extracellular matrix formation in comparison with the effects of growth factors. The cells were isolated from trabecular bone of a healthy individual (HO-197) and from a patient presenting with myositis ossificans (MO-192) and grown in a collagenous sponge-like substrate. Maximal enhancement of collagen type I expression after EMF treatment was 3.7-fold in HO-197 cells and 5.4-fold in MO-192 cells. Similar enhancement was found after transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) treatment. Combined treatment of the cells with EMF and the two growth factors TGF-beta and IGF-I did not act synergistically. MO-192 cells produced an osteoblast-characteristic extracellular matrix containing collagen type I, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin, together with collagen type III, TP-1, and TP-3, two epitopes of an osteoblastic differentiation marker. The effects of EMFs on osteoblastic differentiation were comparable to those of TGF-beta and IGF-I. EMF effects in the treatment of skeletal disorders and in orthopedic adjuvant therapy were mediated via enhancement of collagen type I mRNA expression, which may lead to extensive extracellular matrix synthesis. PMID: 9581965, UI: 98241121
Hinsenkamp M, Ryaby J, Burny F (1985) Treatment of non-union by pulsing EMF: European multicenter study of 308 cases. Reconstr Surg Traumatol 19:147-151. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 3887518, UI: 85191823
Kold SE, Hickman J, Meisen F (1987) Preliminary study of quantitative aspects and the effect of pulsed EMF treatment on the incorporation of equine cancellous bone grafts. Equine Vet J Mar;19(2):120-124. The quantitative aspects of equine cancellous bone graft incorporation and the possibility of influencing graft incorporation by daily exposure to a PEMF was studied in 8 yearling ponies. In order to be able to quantify formative aspects of graft remodelling, a double and treble tetracycline intravital labelling technique was used. Intravital radiographs were obtained at regular intervals throughout the trial, but were found to be of little assistance in assessing any differences between stimulated and non-stimulated grafts. The ponies were humanely destroyed at regular intervals between 9 and 241 d after installation of the graft. Light microscopy and fluorescent light microscopy were used to evaluate quantitative aspects of graft incorporation and to compare PEMF-stimulated grafts with control grafts. There was a small but statistically significant effect of PEMF-stimulation on cancellous bone graft incorporation. In view of this, these observations can only be considered as indicative of a possible trend, but should encourage further studies using different signal modalities. PMID: 3552658, UI: 87190286
Konrad K, Sevcic K, Foldes K, Piroska E, Molnar E (1996) Therapy with pulsed EMFs in aseptic loosening of total hip protheses: a prospective study. Clin Rheumatol Jul;15(4):325-328. Orszagos Reumatologiai es Fizioterapias Intezet, Budapes, Hungary. Aseptic loosening is the most common problem of hip arthroplasties, limiting its long term success. We report a study of PEMF treatment in 24 patients with this complication. At the end of treatment, 6 and 12 mo later, pain and hip movements improved significantly with the exception of flexion and extension. There was significant improvement in both isotope scans and ultrasonography, but not in plain X-ray. The decreased pain and improved function suggest that PEMF is effective in improving symptoms of patients with loose hip replacement. No improvement, however, can be expected in patients with severe pain due to gross loosening. PMID: 8853163, UI: 97005864
Kraus W (1984) [Magnetic field therapy and magnetically induced electrostimulation in orthopedics - Article in German]. Orthopade Apr;13(2):78-92. PMID: 6203080, UI: 84220956
Lechner F, Oeller G, Ascherl R (1979) [Treatment of infected pseudoarthroses with electrodynamic field therapy - Article in German]. Fortschr Med May 24;97(20):943-949. They described the method and fundamentals of electrodynamic field therapy of infected, atrophic pseudarthrosis. Transplantation of autologous spongious bone is of special importance, in addition to the common principles of treatment. The bone graft reestablishes normal electrical conduction within the pseudarthrosis and consolidates the defect as a reactive receptor for the applied AC-potentials. Using this method, we treated 271 patients, suffering from pseudarthroses over an 8-yr period; 91 of them had an infected, often atrophic pseudarthrosis. Bony healing was achieved in 92% of the cases in each group. PMID: 376415, UI: 79192707
Li M (1992) [Electrical stimulation in the treatment of osteoporosis in sciatic denervated rat tibia - Article in Chinese]. Chung Hua Wai Ko Tsa Chih Aug;30(8):458-460. Changhai Hospital, Second Military Med Univ, Shanghai. Osteoporosis in the sciatic-denervated rat tibia was reversed with a capacitively coupled electrical field. In the reversal of a previously established osteoporosis, a statistically significant enhancement of wet weight, dry weight, ashed weight, ultimate strength, cortical area, cortical thickness and a concomitant decrease in cortical porosity occurred in the stimulated, denervated tibiae of the experimental animals compared with the nonstimulated, denervated tibiae of the control animals. A 60 Hz symmetrical sinewave signal was effective in reversing osteoporosis at 10 V peak to peak. Reversal of a well-established osteoporosis in lab animals has not been reported previously. PMID: 1307307, UI: 93339245
Liu HQ, Zhu X, Zhao SL, Yu M, Meng XM (1984) Preliminary report on experimental observation of the effects of magnetic field and "Natural Copper" on fracture healing. Acta Acad Med Wuhan 4(4):220-228. PMID: 6527846, UI: 85138998
Luben RA (1991) Effects of low-energy EMFs (pulsed and DC) on membrane signal transduction processes in biological systems. Health Phys Jul;61(1):15-28. Division of Biomedical Sciences, Univ of California, Riverside 92521. Vertebrates have a number of internal processes for signaling and communication between cell types. Hormones and neurotransmitters move from one cell type to another and carry chemical "messages" that modulate the metabolic responses of tissues to the environment. Interaction with these signaling systems is a potential mechanism by which very low-energy EMFs might produce metabolic responses in the body. Hormone and neurotransmitter receptors are specialized protein molecules that use a variety of biochemical activities to pass chemical signals from the outside of a cell across the plasma membrane to the interior of the cell. Since many low-energy EMFs have too little energy to directly traverse the membrane, it is possible that they may modify the existing signal transduction processes in cell membranes, thus producing both transduction and biochemical amplification of the effects of the field itself. The physiological effects of low-energy EMFs is well established in the healing of bone fractures. The process of regulation of bone turnover and healing is reviewed in the context of clinical applications of EM energy to the healing process, especially for persistent non-union fractures. A hypothetical molecular mechanism is presented that might account for the effects of EMFs on bone cell metabolism in terms of the fields' interference with signal transduction events involved in the hormonal regulation of osteoblast function and differentiation. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 2061045, UI: 91285850
Lunt MJ (1985) Theoretical model for investigating the magnetic and electric fields produced during pulsed magnetic field therapy for non-union of the tibia. Med Biol Eng Comput Jul;23(4):293-300. PMID: 4046650, UI: 86013054
Lunt MJ (1982) Magnetic and electric fields produced during pulsed-magnetic-field therapy for non-union of the tibia. Med Biol Eng Comput Jul;20(4):501-511. PMID: 7132457, UI: 83035509
Madronero A, Pitillas I, Manso FJ (1988) Pulsed EMF treatment failure in radius non-united fracture healing. J Biomed Eng Oct;10(5):463-466. CENIM, Madrid, Spain. PEMF treatment is a non-invasive technique which has wide use in promoting healing of delayed union and non-union of bone. According to reports in the literature, PEMF has a 'success' of about 70%, but with no clear-cut reason to explain the failures. Our tests were carried out on 11 patients with radius non-unions and delayed unions. PEMF failure is associated with implanted metallic plates. In our view, this can be explained because the conducting plates create a uniform bone biopotential around the fracture and thus prevent the negative polarization which stimulates callus formation. Although further controlled and randomized clinical tests are needed, our data show that removal of the plates may be needed before PEMF application. PMID: 3266277, UI: 89179988
Mammi GI, Rocchi R, Cadossi R, Massari L, Traina GC (1993) The electrical stimulation of tibial osteotomies: Double-blind study. Clin Orthop Mar;288:246-253. Dept of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Ospedale Civile C. Magati, Scandiano (RE), Italy. The effect of EMF stimulation was investigated in a group of 40 consecutive patients treated with valgus tibial osteotomy for degenerative arthrosis of the knee. All patients were operated on by the same author and followed the same postoperative program. After surgery, patients were randomly assigned to a control group (dummy stimulators) or to a stimulated one (active stimulators). 4 orthopedic surgeons, unaware of the experimental conditions, were asked to evaluate the roentgenograms taken 60 d postoperatively and to rate the osteotomy healing according to 4 categories (the 4th category being the most advanced stage of healing). In the control group, 73.6% of the patients were included in the first and second category. In the stimulated group, 72.2% of the patients were included in the third and fourth category. On a homogeneous group of patients, EMF stimulation had positive effects on the healing of tibial osteotomies. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 8458140, UI: 93208951
McLeod KJ, Rubin CT (1992) The effect of low-frequency electrical fields on osteogenesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am Jul;74(6):920-929. Dept of Orthopaedics, School of Med, State Univ of New York, Stony Brook 11794-8181. An in vivo animal model of disuse osteopenia was used to determine the osteogenic potential of specific components of electrical fields. The ability of a complex pulsed electrical field to inhibit loss of bone was compared with the remodeling response generated by extremely low-power, low-frequency (15, 75 and 150-Hz) sinusoidal electrical fields. The left ulnae of 30 adult male turkeys were functionally isolated by creation of distal and proximal epiphyseal osteotomies and then were exposed, for 1 h/d, to an electrical field that had been induced exogenously by means of magnetic induction. After a 56-d protocol, the remodeling response was quantified by a comparison of the cross-sectional area of the mid-part of the diaphysis of the functionally isolated ulna with that of the intact contralateral ulna. Disuse resulted in a 13% mean loss of osseous tissue, which was not significantly different than the 10% loss that was caused by disuse treated with inactive coils. Exposure to the pulsed electrical fields prevented this osteopenia and stimulated a 10% mean increase in the bone area. The osteogenic influence of the sinusoidal electrical fields was strongly dependent on the frequency; the 150, 75, and 15-Hz sinusoidal fields, respectively, generated a -3%, + 5%, and + 20% mean change in the bone area. These results suggest a tissue sensitivity that is specific to very low-frequency sinusoidal electrical fields, and they imply that the induced electrical fields need not have complex waveforms to be osteogenic. Since the frequency and intensity range of the sinusoidal fields producing the greatest osteogenic response are similar to the levels produced intrinsically by normal functional activity, these results support the hypothesis that electricity plays a role in the retention of the normal remodeling balance within mature bone. [Published erratum appears in J Bone Joint Surg Am 1992 Sep;74(8):1274]. PMID: 1634583, UI: 92340610
Miller GJ, Burchardt H, Enneking WF, Tylkowski CM (1984) Electromagnetic stimulation of canine bone grafts. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] Jun;66(5):693-698. We evaluated the effect of PEMF stimulation on the rate of healing or incorporation of segmental autogenous cortical bone grafts in the dog in vivo. This non-invasive method of electrical stimulation has been implicated in increasing bone osteogenesis or augmentation of the repair process in the canine fibular osteotomy. We used 2-mo and 6-mo stimulation protocols. At 6 mo, all of the animals were evaluated biomechanically using rapid-loading torsional testing. Histological evaluation using tetracycline labeling was used to evaluate cumulative new-bone formation and porosity, while graft-host time to union was evaluated roentgenographically every 2 wk. Recent reports have implied that particular pulse configurations might be effective in improving graft revascularization and incorporation. Using the particular waveform described, PEMF stimulation had no significant effect on the biomechanical strength, histological presentation, or time to union with either 2 or 6 mo. PMID: 6373772, UI: 84212628
Mishima S (1988) The effect of long-term pulsing EMF stimulation on experimental osteoporosis of rats. Sangyo Ika Daigaku Zasshi Mar 1;10(1):31-45. Dept of Orthopedic Surgery, School of Med, Univ of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan. The author performed experiments in order to investigate what biological effect on the bone would be produced by long-term PEMF systemic stimulation. In some of the mature female rats used as experimental animals, bilateral ovariectomy and right sciatic neurectomy were performed in order to make a model osteoporosis. PEMF stimulation was produced by repetitive pulse burst (RPB) waves at a positive amplitude of 25 mV, negative amplitude of 62.5 mV, burst width of 4.2 ms, pulse width of 230 us and 12 Hz, with the magnetic field strength within a cage being set at 3-10 Gauss. PEMF stimulation over 6 mo did not produce any effects on the physiologically aged bones. PEMF stimulation also did not produce any effects on losed cortical bone in osteoporotic hindlegs. On the other hand, an increase of bone volume and bone formation activity was seen in the cancellous bone of osteoporotic hindlegs. PEMF stimulation had a preventive effect against bone loss of osteoporotic hindlegs. Also, an increase in bone marrow blood flow seemed to be related with this increase of bone volume and bone formation activity. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 3285429, UI: 88218466
Muhsin AU, Islam KM, Ahmed AM, Islam MS, Rabbani KS, Rahman SM, Ahmed S, Hossain M (1991) Effect of pulsed EMF on healing of experimental non-union in rat tibiae. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull Jun;17(1):1-10. IPGMR, Dhaka Univ. To see the effect of PEMF on nonunited fracture healing, non-union was induced in rat tibiae and PEMF was applied on it. Of 5 different techniques used to induce non-union, soft tissue interposition was found to be the most suitable and effective method of experimental induction of non-union. 28 experimental and 15 control rats were finally evaluated for the effect of PEMF applied for up to 8 wk. After sacrifice of 8 experimental and 4 controls, 6 experimental and 3 controls, again 6 experimental and 3 controls and finally 8 experimental and 5 controls at 2, 4, 6 and 8 wk respectively of PEMF application no significant difference as to the quality of healing was seen between the experimental and control animals. PEMF seemed to have no beneficial effect on the healing of nonunited fractures in this experiment. PMID: 1953591, UI: 92061882
Nahoda J, Koudela K, Freyova J (1984) [Healing pseudarthroses of the long bones using a pulsating EMF - Article in Czech]. Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech Apr;51(2):138-144. PMID: 6720212, UI: 84198909
O'Connor BT (1984) Pulsed magnetic field therapy for tibial non-union. Lancet Jul 21;2(8395):171-172. Publication Types: Letter PMID: 6146073, UI: 84244912
Ottani V, De Pasquale V, Govoni P, Castellani PP, Ripani M, Gaudio E, Morocutti M (1991) Augmentation of bone repair by pulsed ELF magnetic fields in rats. Anat Anz 172(2):143-147. Istituto di Anatomia Umana Normale, Bologna, Italy. Tibial osteotomies in rats were exposed for 2, 3, 5 and 8 wk to a pulsed extremely low frequency magnetic field. The shape of the pulse was a double halfwave (50 Hz, 70 G). The rate of bone healing was evaluated by light and electron microscopy. An increase of bone healing was found in rats treated with magnetic fields persisting throughout the tested time. The accelerated healing process produced a sequence of morphological appearances identical to those of a normal fracture callus being the enhancement of osteogenesis produced by an acceleration of preliminary ossification. PMID: 2048744, UI: 91264243
Pienkowski D, Pollack SR, Brighton CT, Griffith NJ (1994) Low-power electromagnetic stimulation of osteotomized rabbit fibulae: A randomized, blinded study. J Bone Joint Surg Am Apr;76(4):489-501. Univ of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104. The purpose of this study was to determine whether low-power-consuming symmetrical-waveform EM stimuli could increase the stiffness of fracture sites in a rabbit fibular-osteotomy model. Both active and placebo devices were used in a blinded study protocol. Dose-response studies of pulse amplitude and pulse width were performed by continuous application (24 h/d) of repetitive (15-Hz), bursted (5 ms) symmetrical, rectangular EM stimulus waveforms. The power consumed by these stimuli is approximately 20% of that consumed by the PEMF devices that are in current clinical use. Significant increase of callus bending stiffness was produced by pulse widths of 5-7 us and pulse amplitudes of 50-100 mV. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 8150816, UI: 94201209
Pienkowski D, Pollack SR, Brighton CT, Griffith NJ (1992) Comparison of asymmetrical and symmetrical pulse waveforms in electromagnetic stimulation. J Orthop Res Mar;10(2):247-255. Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery Research, School of Med, Univ of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104. PEMF stimulation is a noninvasive therapeutic modality that has been successfully used to stimulate healing of surgically resistant human bone fracture non-unions. Asymmetry of the stimulus pulse waveform was thought to be necessary for therapeutic effectiveness, but asymmetrical pulses require significant electrical energy that constrains clinical delivery systems to suboptimal designs. Development of low-energy consuming stimuli will enable clinical device improvements and may provide additional information about the interaction of EMFs with tissues. The objectives of this study were (a) to determine if asymmetry of the stimulus pulse waveform is needed for efficacy and (b) to determine if symmetrical pulse waveform stimuli also can produce a beneficial therapeutic response. The rabbit fibular osteotomy model was used to answer these questions and to identify which components of the clinically used asymmetrical PEMF produce the therapeutic response. Asymmetry was not necessary and a narrow pulse width, symmetrical square wave signal also stimulated stiffness increases in this model. The high-amplitude, narrow-pulse portion of the asymmetrical PEMF was the principal component of the signal pulse that induced the clinical therapeutic effect. PMID: 1740743, UI: 92156968
Reddy GN, Saha S (1983) A variable pulse-burst electromagnetic generator for electrical stimulation of biological systems. J Biomed Eng Oct;5(4):336-339. A variable frequency-burst type, EM pulse generator has been developed to optimize the effect of electrical stimulation on bone growth. Using a pair of coils, with 100 turns and 18-gauge wire, the instrument can generate a maximum magnetic field of 300 Gauss. Its pulse repetition frequency can be varied from 10 Hz to 2 KHz and the duty cycle, consisting of several short carrier frequency pulses, can be varied up to 95%. This design also permits the period of the carrier pulse to be changed. PMID: 6632846, UI: 84037881
Reeder MT, Dick BH, Atkins JK, Pribis AB, Martinez JM (1996) Stress fractures: Current concepts of diagnosis and treatment. Sports Med Sep;22(3):198-212. Dept of Family Practice, Albany Med College, New York, USA. Stress fractures are common injuries seen in sports medicine. They occur in many areas of the skeletal system and in multiple sports. However, they are most commonly seen in the lower extremities, with running the reported cause in most cases. Stress fractures result from repetitive, cyclic loading of bone which overwhelms the reparative ability of the skeletal system. Mechanically, three events may lead to stress fractures. First, the applied load can be increased. Secondly, the number of applied stresses can increase. Finally, the surface area over which the load is applied can be decreased. Diagnosis requires thorough clinical evaluation with a high index of suspicion for stress fractures. History must focus on examining the athletes training regimen, especially any changes in distance, running surface and type of shoe. Physical examination varies depending on the location of the stress fracture. Ultrasound is a possible adjunct to the physical examination. Initial plain radiological evaluation may be normal, especially early in the course of a stress fracture. Further radiological evaluation may be necessary to make a definitive diagnosis. Repeating plain radiographs, bone scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging and computerised tomography are all possible options. Treatment options begin with rest and cessation of the precipitating activity. This should be 'active rest' in which the athlete continues to exercise depending on the site of the fracture. The athlete should be evaluated from a biomechanical point of view and any abnormalities dealt with before rehabilitation. Possible adjuncts to treatment include pneumatic braces and EMF therapy. There are specific stress fractures that must be considered at-risk for complications of healing. The treatment of these fractures begins with immobilisation and may require surgery pending response to therapy. Stress fractures occur more frequently in female athletes in relation to their male counterparts. The "Female Athlete Triad" (eating disorders, amenorrhea and osteoporosis) is documented. Thus, stress fractures in the female athlete requires additional investigation into those areas. The diagnosis and treatment of stress fractures is a challenge for the physician caring for the athlete. It requires a high index of suspicion combined with a strong knowledge of the at-risk stress fractures and their complications. Accurate and timely diagnosis is required to prevent possible costly and disabling complications. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8883216, UI: 97037569
Rettig AC, Shelbourne KD, McCarroll JR, Bisesi M, Watts J (1988) The natural history and treatment of delayed union stress fractures of the anterior cortex of the tibia. Am J Sports Med May;16(3):250-255. Thomas A. Brady Sports Med Ctr, Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana. This study presents 8 patients with stress fracture of the anterolateral cortex of the midshaft of the tibia. All of the patients, ranging in age from 14-23 yr, were competitive basketball players who experienced pain while running or jumping for an average of 4.4 mo before the diagnosis was made. 8 patients were treated with rest and/or PEMF therapy. Although one of the patients required bone grafting procedure, all 8 of these patients showed complete healing and were able to return to full activity after an average of 8.7 mo of treatment. They have remained asymptomatic for an average of 14.7 mo. The overall time from initial symptoms to return to competition averaged 12.5 mo in this group of athletes. Rest and PEMF therapy may result in healing in some patients with delayed union stress fractures of the anterolateral cortex of the midshaft of the tibia. Although this injury is associated with a prolonged healing period, 7/8 patients with adequate followup in our study were able to return to competition without complications after treatment. One patient was asymptomatic for 33 mo before experiencing a reinjury. Diagnosis of stress fracture should be a primary consideration in basketball players with a prolonged history of pain on the anterolateral aspect of the midthird of the tibia. Once the diagnosis is made we recommend initial treatment consist of rest and external electrical stimulation for a minimum time of 3-6 mo before considering surgical intervention. PMID: 3381982, UI: 88250514
Rubin CT, Donahue HJ, Rubin JE, McLeod KJ (1993) Optimization of electric field parameters for the control of bone remodeling: exploitation of an indigenous mechanism for the prevention of osteopenia. J Bone Miner Res Dec;8 Suppl 2:S573-S581. Dept of Orthopaedics, State Univ of New York, Stony Brook. The discovery of piezoelectric potentials in loaded bone prompted the development of a plausible mechanism by which functional activity could intrinsically influence the tissue's cellular environment and thus affect skeletal mass and morphology. In an in vivo model of osteopenia, we found that exogenous induction of electric fields can prevent or even reverse the bone resorption that normally parallels disuse. Importantly, the manner of the response (formation, turnover, resorption) is exceedingly sensitive to subtle changes in electric field parameters. Fields <10 uV/cm, when induced at frequencies between 50 and 150 Hz for 1 h/d, were enough to maintain bone mass even in the absence of function. Reducing the frequency to 15 Hz made the field extremely osteogenic. Indeed, this frequency-specific sinusoidal field initiated more new bone formation than a more complex PEMF, though inducing only 0.1% of the electrical energy of the PEMF. The frequencies and field intensities most effective in the exogenous stimulation of bone formation are similar to those produced by normal functional activity. Endogenous electric fields may serve as critical regulators in both bone modeling and remodeling processes. Delineation of the field parameters most effective in retaining or promoting bone mass will accelerate the development of electricity as a unique and site-specific prophylaxis for osteopenia. Because fields of these frequencies and intensities are indigenous to bone, such exogenous treatment may promote bone quantity and quality with minimal risk or consequence. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8122529, UI: 94168053
Sanders-Shamis M, Bramlage LR, Weisbrode SE, Gabel AA (1989) A preliminary investigation of the effect of selected EMF devices on healing of cannon bone osteotomies in horses. Equine Vet J May;21(3):201-205. Dept of Clinical Sciences, Ohio State Univ, College of Veterinary Med, Columbus 43210. The effect of electrical stimulation by means of selected EMF devices on healing of cannon bone osteotomies in horses was examined. The defects were created as 3 cm x 1 mm longitudinal osteotomies through the dorsal cortices of the mid-metacarpus / metatarsus of adult horses. This type of defect would asses bone healing in a situation similar to an acute, stable fracture of the cortex. Three EM devices of different design were tested in three different groups of horses. Healing was evaluated radiographically and histologically. Osteotomies treated with the EM devices healed similarly to untreated controls. The EM devices studied did not have a local effect on the repair process of an acute, stable, osseous defect. PMID: 2731509, UI: 89276253
Sedel L, Christel P, Duriez J, Duriez R, Evrard J, Ficat C, Cauchoix J, Witvoet J (1981) [Acceleration of repair of non-unions by EMFs - Article in French]. Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot 67(1):11-23. This work deals with the results obtained by 4 French orthopaedic departments using A. Bassett's method of EMF stimulation for non-union treatment. 37 cases were studied. The results are known for 35, of which 29 were successes and 6 were failures. The failures were explained for 4 of them by a bad application of the device. For the 29 successful cases, the role of the stimulation is discussed. Discarding those who have been treated a short time after a surgical procedure, those who have been immobilized >6 mo and those where the non-union could have been a delayed union, it remains 14 successful cases apparently undisputable. For them the role of the EMF stimulation seems real. PMID: 6453392, UI: 81200370
Sedel L, Christel P, Duriez J, Duriez R, Evrard J, Ficat C, Cauchoix J, Witvoet J (1982) Results of non-unions treatment by pulsed EMF stimulation. Acta Orthop Scand Suppl 196:81-91. PMID: 6950654, UI: 82156081
Simske SJ, Luttges MW (1995) Suspension osteopenia in mice: whole body EMF effects. Bioelectromagnetics 16(3):152-159. Dept of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Univ of Colorado, Boulder 80309, USA. Whole-body fields were tested for their efficacy in preventing the osteopenia caused by tail suspension in mice. The fields had fundamental frequencies corresponding to the upper range of predicted endogenous impact-generated frequencies (0.25-2.0 kHz) in the long bones. Three distinct whole-body EMFs were applied for 2 wk on growing mice. Structural, geometric, and material properties of the femora, tibiae, and humeri of suspended mice were altered compared to controls. Comparison of suspended mice and mice subjected to caloric restriction shows that the changes in caloric intake do not explain either the suspension or the field-induced effects. In agreement with past studies, rather, unloading seems to cause the suspension effects and to be addressed by the EMFs. The EMF effects on bone properties were apparently frequency dependent, with the lower two fundamental frequencies (260 and 910 Hz) altering, albeit slightly, the suspension-induced bone effects. The fields are not apparently optimized for frequency, etc., with respect to therapeutic potential; however, suspension provides a model system for further study of the in vivo effects of EMFs. PMID: 7677791, UI: 95408313
Sneed NV, VanBree KM (1990) Treating ununited fractures with electricity: nursing implications. J Gerontol Nurs Aug;16(8):26-31. Not only are the elderly more susceptible to fractures because of a decrease in total bone content from osteoporosis, but the regeneration of injured bone may be prolonged as well. When a long bone fracture occurs in the elderly person, weightlessness and immobility result in further acceleration of bone loss. Because the success of PEMF treatments depends on adherence to the treatment protocol, patient education is a key in nursing care. Although all fractures are a serious setback for the elderly person, those that do not heal properly require special considerations and the mobilization of many resources if the patient is to remain out of an institution. PMID: 2387968, UI: 90354615
Steinberg GG (1995) Reversible osteolysis. J Arthroplasty Aug;10(4):556-559. Dept of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, Univ of Massachusetts Med Ctr, Worcester 01655, USA. This is a case report of a 44-yr-old patient in whom osteolytic changes that developed around the distal end of the femoral prosthesis seemed to reverse with the use of antiinflammatory medication and PEMF stimulation. Most reported cases of osteolysis have been described as showing progressive change at a variable rate. There has not been any previously documented case in which there has been reversal of osteolytic change. PMID: 8523021, UI: 96052061
Synder M (1981) [Radiologic evaluation of bone union of the radius in fresh fractures in rats subjected to magnetic field action - Article in Polish]. Chir Narzadow Ruchu Ortop Pol 46(6):517-521. PMID: 7346241, UI: 82261058
Synder M, Zwierzchowski H, Zielinki KW (1984) [Experimental studies of bone fracture healing in a pulsating magnetic field - Article in German]. Beitr Orthop Traumatol Jan;31(1):1-7. PMID: 6712575, UI: 84178248
Tabrah F, Hoffmeier M, Gilbert F Jr, Batkin S, Bassett CA (1990) Bone density changes in osteoporosis-prone women exposed to pulsed EMFs (PEMFs). J Bone Miner Res May;5(5):437-442. Univ of Hawaii School of Med, Straub Clinic and Hospital, Honolulu. To determine the effect of a 72 Hz PEMF on bone density of the radii of osteoporosis-prone women, the nondominant forearms of 20 subjects were exposed to PEMF 10 h daily for a period of 12 wk. Bone density before, during, and after the exposure period was determined by use of a Norland-Cameron bone mineral analyzer. Bone mineral densities of the treated radii measured by single-photon densitometry increased significantly in the immediate area of the field during the exposure period and decreased during the following 36 wk. A similar but weaker response occurred in the opposite arm, suggesting a "cross-talk" effect on the untreated radii, from either possible arm proximity during sleep or very weak general field effects. Properly applied PEMFs, if scaled for whole-body use, may have clinical application in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 2195843, UI: 90313511
Tager KH (1975) [The use of electrodynamic alternating potential in operative and conservative orthopedics - Article in German]. MMW Munch Med Wochenschr May 9;117(19):791-798. The Kraus-Lechner EMF coil was used in 107 patients for operative (82) and conservative (25) indications. The method was a valuable addition to the therapeutic possibilities so far available for bones and joints. The production of new bone is stimulated; blood flow through the soft parts is promoted and affects the inhibition of inflammation. No extra demands are made on the surgical technique and side effects do not occur. X-ray pictures and the indications listed individually agreed with the results of treatment. PMID: 805945, UI: 75174974
Takano-Yamamoto T, Kawakami M, Sakuda M (1992) Effect of a pulsing EMF on demineralized bone-matrix-induced bone formation in a bony defect in the premaxilla of rats. J Dent Res Dec;71(12):1920-1925. Dept of Orthodontics, Osaka Univ, Faculty of Dentistry, Japan. A 2-mm non-healing bony defect was prepared in the premaxilla of male Wistar rats weighing about 180 g as a simulation of an alveolar cleft, for determination of whether a PEMF could promote regeneration of bone induced by demineralized bone matrix (DBM). The defect was either treated with 7 mg DBM or was left as a non-grafted control. The rats were exposed to a PEMF with a frequency of 100 Hz, a 10-ms-wide burst with 100 us-wide quasi-rectangular pulses, repeating at 15 Hz, and magnetic field strength of 1.5-1.8 G. Alkaline phosphatase activity increased significantly from d 7 in the DBM-graft-plus-PEMF group and from d 10 in the DBM-graft group, reaching a maximum on d 14. A >2-fold rise in alkaline phosphatase activity and a 3-fold rise in the amount of 45Ca incorporation in the DBM-graft-plus-PEMF group were attained compared with those of the DBM-graft group. The DBM-graft-plus-PEMF group produced more bone with almost complete osseous bridging in the defect sites than did the group treated with DBM only on d 35. PEMF seemed to enhance the bone-inductive properties of DBM through the stimulation of osteoblast differentiation induced by DBM. PMID: 1452895, UI: 93085028
Verkerke GJ, Schraffordt Koops H, Veth RP, Grootenboer HJ, De Boer LJ, Oldhoff J, Postma A (1994) Development and test of an extendable endoprosthesis for bone reconstruction in the leg. Int J Artif Organs Mar;17(3):155-162. Ctr for Biomedical Technology, Univ of Groningen, The Netherlands. A malignant bone tumour may develop in the femur of a child. In most cases it is necessary to resect the bone involved, growth plate and adjacent tissues. A modular endoprosthetic system has been developed which can be extended non-invasively to bridge the defect resulting from such a resection. Elongation is achieved by using an external magnetic field. In vitro tests with a prototype showed that the lengthening element met all requirements. 6 animal experiments showed that the lengthening element also functioned in vivo. PMID: 8050807, UI: 94327232
von Satzger G, Herbst E (1981) Surgical and electrical methods in the treatment of congenital and posttraumatic pseudarthrosis of the tibia. Clin Orthop Nov;161:82-104. This is a report of 2 adult patients with posttraumatic and 7 children with congenital pseudarthroses treated by surgical and electrical methods. Interest was focused primarily on congenital pseudarthroses because of the unquestionable severity of these cases and consequently a very high benefit/risk ratio. Three procedures were used: external (Hoffmann) fixation combined with monophasic or biphasic pulsed current stimulation; internal (transtarsal) fixation combined with PEMF stimulation; and surgical treatment only, as above, without electrostimulation. Healing was achieved in both treated cases of posttraumatic pseudarthrosis and in 9/14 instances in cases of congenital pseudarthrosis stimulated electrically, as well as in 2 instances with no electrostimulation. In 7 instances, the bone remained healed for 9 mo or more, the longest period being almost 5.5 yr. Both pulsed current and PEMF stimulation seem to enhance the process of bone healing. However, comparison between the different stimulation methods cannot be made on the basis of the limited material presented here, and the need for more basic studies still exists. Concerning the surgical treatment, it seems that transtarsal fixation is a better choice for congenital pseudarthrosis than fixation with an AO-plate, Rush pin or Hoffmann apparatus. PMID: 6975693, UI: 82071047
Wahlstrom O, Knutsson H (1984) A device for generation of EMFs of extremely low frequency. J Biomed Eng Oct;6(4):293-296. A new device to generate EMFs at extra low frequencies, to be used in fracture treatment, is described. The device involves a coil and a battery powered noise-generator. An alternating magnetic field of 4 X 10(-4) T (4 Gauss) (RMS value) with a frequency range 1-1000 Hz is generated. A controlled randomized study of fresh fractures showed significant differences (p<.01) between the treated group and the control group. The results are encouraging and motivate further investigations with this method. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 6503256, UI: 85059331
Wahlstrom O (1984) Stimulation of fracture healing with EMFs of extremely low frequency (EMF of ELF). Clin Orthop Jun;186:293-301. This randomized, controlled study was performed to evaluate how EMFs affect the accumulation of 99mTechnetium - methylendiphosphonate (Tc-MDP) in fresh fractures. 30 women with Colles' fractures, aged 50-70 yr, participated in this study: some in a control group and some in a treated group. After reduction, all patients were immobilized for 4 wk. After randomization, 15 patients were treated by EMFs of extremely low frequency (EMF of ELF), which were generated by a coil and a battery-powered portable current generator during the time of immobilization. The frequency of the alternating magnetic field was 1-1000 Hz; the magnitude was 4 Gauss [RMS (root-mean-square) value]. The scintigrams were performed 1, 2, 4, and 8 wk after the injury. The activity ratio in the fracture area was significantly higher at the examination of 1 and 2 wk (p<.05, p<.01) in the treated group than it was in the control group. The clinical relevance of the results is not known, but one interpretation of the data is that the stimulation with EMF of ELF improves (accelerates) the early phase of fracture healing. The data warrant further investigation of fresh fracture treatment with this method. PMID: 6233054, UI: 84206316
Walenczak K, Widawski T (1993) [A case of stress fracture of the femoral neck - Article in Polish]. Chir Narzadow Ruchu Ortop Pol 58(6):471-473. oddzialu Urazowo-Ortopedycznego Szpitala MSW W Lodzi. A case of 28 yr old male with stress fracture of the femoral neck is presented. Heterogeneous clinical picture is blamed for diagnostic problems in the initial stage of the disease. Bone scintigraphy aids in the early diagnosis. The use of low frequency EMF definitely shortened the treatment time in the case reported. PMID: 7555308, UI: 96012786
Wiendl HJ, Strigl M (1978) [Clinical experiences in supplementary treatment of pseudarthroses using electromagnetic potentials - Article in German]. Fortschr Med Feb 2;96(5):231-236. Kraus-Lechner electromagnetic alternating field therapy was performed postoperatively in addition to osteosynthesis in 22 cases of pseudarthrosis after fractures of the limbs, 5 osteotomies and one fresh fracture of the lower leg. Except for one failure, all cases showed a complete and clearly accelerated osseous bridging. This method gave added success especially in preoperated and problem-cases such as pseudarthrosis of the femoral neck and defect-pseudarthrosis with tibial inflammation. PMID: 304436, UI: 78085891
1b. Joint problems, fractures, arthritis
Galkina MG, Shargorodskaia DV, Roshchina NA (1987) [Reflexotherapy of osteoarthritis patients using the action of a UHF EMF - Article in Russian]. Revmatologiia (Mosk) Jul;3:40-44. PMID: 3317712, UI: 88070073
Glazer PA, Heilmann MR, Lotz JC, Bradford DS (1997) Use of EMFs in a spinal fusion: A rabbit model. Spine Oct 15;22(20):2351-2356. Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery, Univ of California, San Francisco, USA. To evaluate the influence of a PEMF on the spinal fusion rate and biomechanical characteristics in a rabbit model, a prospective, randomized trial analyzed the biomechanical and histologic features of posterolateral spinal fusion in rabbits with and without the application of a PEMF. Also, biomechanical testing, radiographs, and manual palpation assessed the fusion rate with and without a PEMF. Previous studies to assess the benefits of a PEMF in spinal fusion were complicated by the use of instrumentation, and the animal models used do not have a pseudarthrosis rate comparable to that in humans. In contrast, the use of instrumentation does not complicate posterolateral intertransverse process fusion in rabbits, which have a pseudarthrosis rate similar to that in humans (5-35%). 10 New Zealand white rabbits each were randomly assigned to undergo spinal fusion using either 1) autologous bone with EMFs, or 2) autologous bone without EMFs. A specially designed plastic constraint was used to focus the PEMF for 4 h/d over the rabbits' lumbar spine. Animals were killed at 6 wk for biomechanical and histologic testing. As evaluated by radiograph and manual examination in a blinded fashion, PEMF decreased pseudarthrosis rate from 40 to 20%. However, as there were only 5 animals/group, the decrease in non-union rate was not statistically significant. Biomechanical analysis of the fusion mass showed that a PEMF resulted in statistically significant increases in stiffness (35%), area under the load-displacement curve (37%), and load to failure of the fusion mass (42%). Qualitative histologic assessment showed increased bone formation in those fusions exposed to a PEMF. This rabbit fusion model was reproducable, and a PEMF induced a statistically significant increase in stiffness, area under the load-displacement curve, and load to failure of the fusion mass. This is a basis for continued evaluation of biologic enhancement of spinal arthrodesis with the use of a PEMF. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 9355215, UI: 98016835
Godley DR (1997) Nonunited carpal scaphoid fracture in a child: treatment with pulsed EMF stimulation. Orthopedics Aug;20(8):718-719. Dept of Orthopedic Surgery, Permanente Med Group Inc, San Jose, Calif. 95119, USA. PMID: 9263293, UI: 97408774
Grabski RS, Czopek A, Grabski SJ (1988) [Treatment of selected injuries of the knee joint by a high-frequency impulse magnetic field - Article in Polish]. Chir Narzadow Ruchu Ortop Pol 53(1):18-22. PMID: 3409766, UI: 88311988
Grace KL, Revell WJ, Brookes M (1998) The effects of pulsed electromagnetism on fresh fracture healing: osteochondral repair in the rat femoral groove. Orthopedics Mar;21(3):297-302. Dept of Orthopedics, UMDS Guy's Hospital, Rayne Institute, London, UK. Some clinical studies have claimed significant reductions in the healing time of fresh fractures with the use of PEMFs. Animal models, however, have produced more equivocal results. This investigation examined the effects of PEMF treatment on an osteochondral defect placed in the patellofemoral groove of the rat. PEMF enhanced early vascular reaction and suppresses initial pannus proliferation. Early chondrogenesis and bone formation were consistently stimulated, and the restoration of normal bone trabeculae advanced. PEMF treatment therefore may be useful in advancing repair during the early proliferative stage. Later results were variable and suggest that prolonged use may have deleterious effects, enhancing chondrogenesis beyond a point seen in normal repair and thus delaying normal subsurface trabeculation. PMID: 9547814, UI: 98209034
Guizzardi S, Di Silvestre M, Govoni P, Scandroglio R (1994) Pulsed EMF stimulation on posterior spinal fusions: a histological study in rats. J Spinal Disord Feb;7(1):36-40. Institute of Histology and Embryology, Univ of Parma, Italy. This study reports the histological data relative to the effect of PEMFs on the evolution of posterior arthrodesis induced in the lumbar vertebrae of 12 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. After the operation, one group of 6 rats was stimulated with PEMFs for 18 h/d, by means of a pair of coils fixed to the outside of the cage. A control group of 6 rats was given no stimulation after surgery. Acceleration of the process of bone callus organization was already seen after 4 wk, and even more so after 8 wk in the PEMF-stimulated groups. An early replacement of the newly formed cartilage tissue with primary bone (at 4 wk) and subsequently with secondary bone (after 8 wk) was seen. PMID: 8186587, UI: 94243165
Khabirova GF (1978) [Use of magnetic field for the treatment of intra-articular injuries - Article in Russian]. Ortop Travmatol Protez Dec;12:53-57. PMID: 745848, UI: 79135998
Leclaire R, Bourgouin J (1991) Electromagnetic treatment of shoulder periarthritis: a randomized controlled trial of the efficiency and tolerance of magnetotherapy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil Apr;72(5):284-287. Rehabilitation Med Service, Notre Dame Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The potential benefit of magnetotherapy was investigated in 47 consecutive outpatients with periarthritis of the shoulder. Using a controlled triple-blind study design, one group of patients received hot pack applications and passive manual stretching and pulley exercises; the other group received the same therapy plus magnetotherapy. Treatment was given 3 times/wk. For a maximum of 3 mo, a standardized treatment protocol was used. There was no significant improvement in pain reduction or in range of motion with EMF therapy. After 12 wk of therapy, the patients who received magnetotherapy showed mean pain scores of 1.5 (+.61 SD) at rest, 2.2 (+.76 SD) on movement, and 1.9 (+.94 SD), on lying, compared to scores for the control group of 1.4 (+.65 SD), 2.2 (+.7 SD), and 1.9 (+.95 SD), respectively. Linear pain scale scores improved from 71 to 21 for both groups. At 12 wk the gain in range of motion was mean 109+46.8o in patients receiving EMF therapy, compared to 122+33.4o for the controls (not significant). At entry, the functional handicap score was 53.5 for both groups. At 12 wk, it was 24 for the magnetotherapy group and 17 for the control group (difference not significant). This study showed no benefit from magnetotherapy in the pain score, range of motion, or improvement of functional status in patients with periarthritis of the shoulder. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 2009043, UI: 91181967
Lluch BC, Garcia-Andrade DG, Munoz FL, Stern LL (1996) [Usefulness of EMFs in the treatment of hip avascular necrosis: a prospective study of 30 cases - Article in Spanish]. Rev Clin Esp Feb;196(2):67-74. Servicio de Cirugia Ortopedica y Traumatologia, Hospital Universitario San Carlos, Madrid. A series is here reported of 30 hips from 21 patients with the diagnosis of avascular necrosis in different stages (Ficat 0=1, I=4, II=13, III=10, IV=2). Patients underwent external electro-stimulation by means of a EMF generator, and results were evaluated by NMR at 3-mo intervals. Lesions were categorized by NMR: < 25%, 25%-50%, and > 50% of involved head volume. The grading of lesions yielded the following distribution: grade 1=12, grade 2=10, and grade 3=7. Results were categorized in "clinical success", "NMR success" and "combined success" when symptoms decreased or disappeared, the lesion stabilized by NMR, or both, respectively. Overall, the corresponding figures were 80%, 76.6%, and 63.3%, and were remarkably influenced by the NMR grading of the lesion. PMID: 8685491, UI: 96286249
Mitbreit IM, Savchenko AG, Volkova LP, Proskurova GI, Shubina AV (1986) [Low-frequency magnetic field in the complex treatment of patients with lumbar osteochondrosis - Article in Russian]. Ortop Travmatol Protez Oct;10:24-27. PMID: 3808656, UI: 87117093
Mohamed-Ali H, Kolkenbrock H, Ulbrich N, Sorensen H, Kramer KD, Merker HJ (1994) Influence of EMFs on the enzyme activity of rheumatoid synovial fluid cells in vitro. Eur J Clin Chem Clin Biochem Apr;32(4):319-326. Institut fur Anatomie, Freie Universitat Berlin, Germany. Since positive clinical effects have been seen in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with EMFs of weak strength and low frequency range (magnetic field strength: 70 uT; frequency: 1.36-14.44 Hz), an attempt was made to analyse the effects of these EMFs on enzyme activity in monolayer cultures of rheumatoid synovial fluid cells after single irradiation of the cultures for 24 h. We only studied the matrix metalloproteinases (collagenase, gelatinase, proteinase 24.11 and aminopeptidases). It was found that EMFs of such a weak strength and low frequency range do not generally have a uniform effect on the activity of the different proteinases in vitro. While aminopeptidases do not show any great changes in activity, the peptidases hydrolysing N(2,4)-dinitrophenyl-peptide exhibit a distinct increase in activity in the late phase in culture medium without fetal calf serum. This effect was not seen in the presence of fetal calf serum, and enzyme activity fell. Our experiments do not show whether such a phase-bound increase in the activity of proteinases in vitro is only one finding in a much broader range of effects of EMFs, or whether it is a specific effect of weak pulsed magnetic fields of 285+33 nT on enzyme activity after single irradiation. This question requires further elucidation. PMID: 8038273, UI: 94312509
Mooney V (1990) A randomized double-blind prospective study of the efficacy of pulsed EMFs for interbody lumbar fusions. Spine Jul;15(7):708-712. Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Univ of California, Irvine. A randomized double-blind prospective study of PEMFs for lumbar interbody fusions was performed on 195 subjects. There were 98 subjects in the active group and 97 subjects in the placebo group. A brace containing equipment to induce an EMF was applied to patients undergoing interbody fusion in the active group, and a sham brace was used in the control group. In the active group there was a 92% success rate, while the control group had a 65% success rate (p>.005). The data showed the effectiveness of bone graft stimulation with the device. Publication Types: Clinical trial. Randomized controlled trial PMID: 2218718, UI: 91019677
Ponomarev VD, Bogoliubov VM, Frenkel' ID, Pershin SB, Ponomarev IuT (1986) [Characteristics of the course of experimental arthritis after bitemporal exposure to an ultrahigh-frequency electric field - Article in Russian]. Patol Fiziol Eksp Ter Sep;5:74-77. PMID: 3797098, UI: 87091298
Reut NI (1990) [Manual and magneto-barotherapy of spinal osteochondrosis - Article in Russian]. Ortop Travmatol Protez Aug;8:29-31. The problem of the spinal osteochondrosis treatment has not been solved yet. Commonly applicable manual therapy is not always effective. In order to liquidate complex degenerative hypoxic processes in soft tissues of spine, cervical, thoracal and lumbar parts of spine of 468 patients aged from 20-80 yr, in line with the manual therapy, have been exposed to hyperbaric oxygenation with constant magnetic field. In case of persistent pathologic process in spine a single kenalog-novocaine blockade after Shneck was additionally applied. Prolonged good and excellent results were achieved with all patients during 3 yr. Mean term of invalidity was 7 d. Proposed method of spinal osteochondrosis treatment in polyclinic facilitates the economic situation of hospitals and saves patients from hospital bed. PMID: 2074955, UI: 91163939
Serbiuk VV (1978) [Magnetic field in the complex therapy of the knee joint injuries complicated by purulent infection - Article in Russian]. Ortop Travmatol Protez Nov;11:44-47. PMID: 733209, UI: 79094877
2. Circulation, ischaemia, hypertension, fibrinolysis, CHD, CVA
Bogdanov NN, Akhmedzhanov MIu, Buiavykh AG (1986) [Optimization of the effects of physical and health resort factors in ischemic heart disease and arterial hypertension - Article in Russian]. Ter Arkh 58(5):108-111. Natural and instrumental physical methods were discussed in the therapy, prevention and rehabilitation of 280 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and 300 patients with arterial hypertension (AH). In the CHD and AH patients, short- and long-term follow-up results showed the efficacy of optimized use of a number of physical factors (precardial and segmental massage, low frequency magnetic field). It is appropriate to expand the concept "nonpharmacological" methods in the control of CHD and AH. PMID: 3488602, UI: 86290113
Ezhova LV, Akhmedzhanov MIu, Shatrov AA (1985) [Changes in physical work capacity of patients with myocardial infarction under the effect of graded bicycle training with preliminary action of magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:58-59. PMID: 3984256, UI: 85169881
Galimzianov FV (1990) [Electromagnetic therapy after phlebectomy - Article in Russian]. Khirurgiia (Mosk) May;5:108-110. Comparative analysis of outpatient treatment by means of pulsed complexly-modulated EMF (PCMEMF) applied after phlebectomy in 30 patients with varicosity of the lower limbs showed the expediency of this type of treatment in the postoperative period. Exposure of the operated on limb to PCMEMF raises the efficacy of the rehabilitation measures and reduces the terms of the patients' temporary incapacity. PMID: 2391917, UI: 90362765
Gorczynska E (1988) Fibrinolytical processes in rabbits activated by the magnetic field. J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol 32(4):391-396. Dept of Biochemistry, Academy of Agriculture, Szczecin, Poland. Rabbits were exposed to a constant magnetic field of 0.005 T, 0.1 T and 0.3 T induction for 1 h/d for 28 d. The magnetic field increased the rate of fibrinolysis. A decrease in fibrinogen concentration, an increase in the level of fibrinogen degradation products and a considerably shorter time of fibrinolysis in plasma were all noted. The magnitude of these processes was proportional to duration of exposure to the magnetic field in action. These date confirms the similar effect seen in other mammalians (guinea pigs, rats). Thus, the application of a static magnetic field of intensity as low as 0.005 T to increase a fibrinolysis in the thrombotic therapy seems to be justified. PMID: 3221089, UI: 89124317
Gordon RT, Gordon D (1981) Selective resolution of plaques and treatment of atherosclerosis by biophysical alteration of "cellular" and "intracellular" properties. Med Hypotheses Feb;7(2):217-229. This is a totally new approach to effective treatment of atherosclerosis by alteration of biophysical properties both "intracellularly" and "extracellularly." Early results show that by allowing the atherosclerotic lesions to take up the magnetically excitable submicron particles and then applying an external alternating EMF, the atherosclerotic lesions may be selectively resolved without damaging normal blood vessels. This concept suggests many areas of research since there are many ways to alter atherosclerotic plaques biophysically, and many substances may be used to enhance the process. This new technology and this initial experimentation introduces a "new era" in the effective treatment of Atherosclerosis. PMID: 7219246, UI: 81172377
Grant G, Cadossi R, Steinberg G (1994) Protection against focal cerebral ischemia following exposure to a pulsed EMF. Bioelectromagnetics 15(3):205-216. Dept of Neurosurgery, Stanford Univ, California 94305. There is evidence that EM stimulation may accelerate the healing of tissue damage after ischemia. We studied the effects of low frequency PEMF exposure on cerebral injury in a rabbit model of transient focal ischemia (2 h occlusion followed by 4 h of reperfusion). PEMF exposure (280 V, 75 Hz, IGEA Stimulator) was initiated 10 min after the onset of ischemia and continued throughout reperfusion (6 exposed, 6 controls). MRI and histology were used to measure the degree of ischemic injury. Exposure to PEMF attenuated cortical ischemia edema on MRI at the most anterior coronal level by 65% (p<.001). On histology, PEMF exposure reduced ischemic neuronal damage in this same cortical area by 69% (p<.01) and by 43% (p<.05) in the striatum. Exposure to a PEMF of short duration may have implications for the treatment of acute stroke. PMID: 8074737, UI: 94354894
Grunner O (1985) [Cerebral use of a pulsating magnetic field in neuropsychiatry patients with long-term headache - Article in German]. EEG EMG Z Elektroenzephalogr Verwandte Geb Dec;16(4):227-230. 40 patients with headaches of various etiology were given pulsed magnetic field therapy (f=260 Hz; t=3 ms; induction B=1.9 mT; gradient=0.5 mT/cm). Each session lasted 0.5 h. Self-assessment statements and EEG changes were used to evaluate changes of headache intensity. EEG frequency analysis showed significant changes in % delta and alpha 1 activities (7.5-9.5/s) after use of the real treatment, as compared with sham treatment. Improved self-assessment, and EEG were found in headaches associated with cerebral arteriosclerosis, sequels to cerebral concussion, depressive neurosis, or tension headache. Pulsed magnetic field could be applied only where the EEG was physiological. PMID: 3935419, UI: 86081440
Karlov VA, Rodshtat IV, Kalashnikov IuD, Kitaeva LV, Khokhlov IuK (1991) [Experience with using extremely high frequency radiotherapy of the millimeter wave range in cerebrovascular disorders - Article in Russian]. Sov Med 3:20-21. Vascular diseases of the brain (functional transient and ischemic apoplexy, circulatory encephalopathy) in 79 patients were treated by UHF EMF of millimetric wave range. 14 patients entered the control group. The data show a clear-cut trend to a decrease of arterial pressure, normalization of blood glucose level, arrest of DIC syndrome development. PMID: 1882282, UI: 91352655
Kniazeva TA, Otto MP, Markarov GS, Donova OM, Markarova IS (1994) [The efficacy of low-intensity exposures in hypertension - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:8-9. 100 hypertensive subjects with labile and stable disease were exposed to low-intensity low-frequency electrostatic field generated by the unit "Infita-A". In labile hypertension, the field produces a hypotensive effect, improves myocardial contractility, increases myocardial and coronary reserves due to reduced peripheral resistance and stimulation of myocardial propulsion. Therapeutic response to the treatment is attributed to normalized function of deep brain structures. PMID: 8171859, UI: 94225808
Kniazeva TA (1979) [Effect of a decimeter-band EMF on the functional state of the kidneys and on renal and central hemodynamics in the period of rehabilitative postoperative treatment of renovascular hypertension - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult 3:36-41. PMID: 473667, UI: 79251078
Liubimova NN, Popov VI (1990) [The action of a decimeter-wave EMF on the indices of the blood kallikrein-kinin system in rabbits with an experimental myocardial infarct - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult May;3:14-17. Continuous 10-d exposure of the heart and adrenal regions of rabbits with myocardial infarction to EMF produced by decimeter waves leads to activation of kallikrein-kinin system. With the heart exposure, this activation comes through marked changes in microcirculatory bed, whereas in the adrenal exposure it is trophic defects that are induced in the myocardium. The exposure of the thyroid regions brings about unnoticeable effect. PMID: 2219809, UI: 91021141
Lud GV (1986) [Effect of a constant magnetic field on blood circulation after experimental operations on arteries of the extremities - Article in Russian]. Vestn Khir Sep;137(9):87-88. PMID: 3538626, UI: 87071468
Miasnikov IG (1992) [Magnetotherapy of initial manifestations of cerebrovascular disorders in hypertension - Article in Russian]. Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 92(1):63-67. The paper is concerned with the data on 147 subjects who underwent magnetotherapy with the unit "Magniter-AMT-01" applied to the cervical area. The main group included 102 subjects, 45 person served as control. The purpose of the work was to base the application of MT under inpatient and home conditions with the use of the above-indicated unit. In view of this fact, a study was made of cerebral hemo- and thermodynamics with the aid of rheoencephalography and encephaloradiothermography under the action of different modes of the functioning of the unit "Magniter-AMT-01" (pulse and variable magnet induction fields 12-15 mTl and 30-35 mTl). A method of measuring magnetosensitivity of patients depending on the temperature reaction of the brain to a single MT session was elaborated. The greatest clinical effect was attained with the use of pulse magnetic field 15 mTl. Magnetotherapy with the use of the unit "Magniter-AMT-01" gave good results under inpatient and home conditions. The magnetosensitive patients had the highest effect. PMID: 1319653, UI: 92312254
Orlov LL, Alekseeva NP, Slutskii II, Galuza GI, Chogovadze VA (1986) [Various humoral factors regulating blood pressure in patients with hypertension during treatment by an impulse magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Kardiologiia Mar;26(3):56-60. Renin activity, aldosterone, prostaglandin (PGF2 alpha and PGB) and cyclic nucleotide levels and catecholamine excretion were measured in 165 essentially hypertensive patients exposed to therapeutic effects of "running" impulse magnetic field (RIMF). The correction of arterial blood pressure in RIMF-treated patients was mediated by BP-controlling humoral factors, the magnitude and direction of changes in levels and activity of biologically-active substances and hormones being determined by their respective baselines. A decrease of hyperfunction, as reflected in elevated hormonal production, and an increase of hypofunction were the most common therapeutic effect of RIMF exposure. PMID: 3012184, UI: 86228610
Orlov LL, Makoeva LD, Glezer MG, Memetov KA, Belinskaia TF, Arzhanenko OM (1991) [Effects of impulse magnet field and beta adrenergic blockaders on physical work capacity and hemodynamics of patients with neurocirculatory dystonia of the cardiac type - Article in Russian]. Kardiologiia Feb;31(2):36-39. PMID: 2041288, UI: 91251499
Orlov LL, Makoeva LD, Glezer MG, Titov SIu, Arzhanenko OM, Margarian AG, Musev VA, Memetov KA, Belinskaia TF (1992) [Evaluation of antianginal effects of running pulse magnetic field and drug therapy on the physical working capacity and hemodynamics in patients with stable angina pectoris - Article in Russian]. Kardiologiia Feb;32(2):23-26. The effects of the running pulse magnetic field, antianginal drug therapy and their combinations on the physical capacity were compared in 60 patients with Functional Classes I-III stable angina pectoris. Monotherapy with the running pulse magnetic field was found to produce an antianginal effect in patients with Functional Classes I-II angina pectoris, but the efficacy of drug therapy increased when antianginal drugs were used in combination with running pulse magnetic field in patients with severe angina. PMID: 1527930, UI: 92408123
Orlov LL, Alekseeva NP, Galuza GI, Slutskii II, Drozdov IuF (1985) [Hemodynamic and humoral mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of the "travelling" impulse magnetic field in hypertension - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:23-27. PMID: 3984249, UI: 85169867
Pasynkov EI, Konstantinova GD, Vlasova EI (1976) [Therapeutic use of alternating magnetic field in chronic diseases of the veins of the lower limbs - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Sep;5:16-19. PMID: 1025854, UI: 77176520
Shatrov AA (1978) [Effect of sanatorium-health resort treatment with the inclusion of a UHF electrical field and centimer-range electromagnetic waves on the peripheral blood circulation and vascular reactivity of patients with vibration disease - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Mar;2:22-25. PMID: 148780, UI: 78182266
Sokolov BA, Bezruchenko SV, Kunitsyna LA (1998) [A comparative evaluation of the effect of an extremely high-frequency EMF on cerebral hemodynamics in hypertension patients exposed in different reflexogenic areas - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:16-18. A single session and multiple sinocarotid and temporal exposures to EHF EMF in patients with stage I and II hypertension had different effects on cerebral circulation. Variants of the above treatment are proposed. PMID: 9560995, UI: 98221766
Strelkova NI, Gavrilkov AT, Diuzhilova NF, Strel'tsova EN (1981) [Status of cerebral circulation in patients with hemiplegia of vascular and traumatic origin treated with decimeter therapy and an alternating magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr 81(8):1162-1166. 181 patients with hemiparesis after a cerebral stroke or craniocerebral injury were treated by local exposure of the pathological focus to decimeter EM waves (DW) and alternating magnetic field (AMF). These treatment methods improved the cerebral circulation and hastened the restoration of motor functions, especially, if used in combination with sulfide baths, therapeutic physical exercises and massage. The therapeutic effectiveness of the DW- and AMF-therapy is confirmed objectively by so informative examination methods, as rheoencephalography, ultrasonic dopplerography, and thermography. PMID: 7315051, UI: 82087133
Strelkova NI, Maslovskaia SG, Gavrilkov AG, Strel'tsova EN (1983) [Use of the EMF in patients after disturbance of cerebral circulation - Article in Russian]. Sov Med 5:35-38. PMID: 6612459, UI: 83302409
Temur'iants NA, Mikhailov AV (1985) [Effect of weak alternating ultra-low frequency magnetic fields on the development of the hypercoagulation syndrome in immobilized rats - Article in Russian]. Biofizika Nov;30(6):1046-1049. The experimental results are given concerning the effect of variable magnetic field (VMF) with the frequency of 8 Hz and intensity 4 A/m on some parameters of rat haemocoagulation system under standard mobile regime as well as under prolonged hypokinesia. It is stated that repeated daily exposition of VMF causes hypocoagulational blood shift in intact animals. Under the effect of simultaneous VMF and hypokinesia the correction of hypercoagulational shift induced by animal hypokinesia was found. The highest VMF effect was seen in prolonged experiments. The ability of VMF with the given parameters to limit the development of rat blood hypercoagulation under hypokinesia was discussed. PMID: 4074760, UI: 86077826
Ezhova LV, Akhmedzhanov MIu, Shatrov AA (1985) [Changes in physical work capacity of patients with myocardial infarction under the effect of graded bicycle training with preliminary action of magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:58-59. PMID: 3984256, UI: 85169881
Galimzianov FV (1990) [Electromagnetic therapy after phlebectomy - Article in Russian]. Khirurgiia (Mosk) May;5:108-110. Comparative analysis of outpatient treatment by means of pulsed complexly-modulated EMF (PCMEMF) applied after phlebectomy in 30 patients with varicosity of the lower limbs showed the expediency of this type of treatment in the postoperative period. Exposure of the operated on limb to PCMEMF raises the efficacy of the rehabilitation measures and reduces the terms of the patients' temporary incapacity. PMID: 2391917, UI: 90362765
Gorczynska E (1988) Fibrinolytical processes in rabbits activated by the magnetic field. J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol 32(4):391-396. Dept of Biochemistry, Academy of Agriculture, Szczecin, Poland. Rabbits were exposed to a constant magnetic field of 0.005 T, 0.1 T and 0.3 T induction for 1 h/d for 28 d. The magnetic field increased the rate of fibrinolysis. A decrease in fibrinogen concentration, an increase in the level of fibrinogen degradation products and a considerably shorter time of fibrinolysis in plasma were all noted. The magnitude of these processes was proportional to duration of exposure to the magnetic field in action. These date confirms the similar effect seen in other mammalians (guinea pigs, rats). Thus, the application of a static magnetic field of intensity as low as 0.005 T to increase a fibrinolysis in the thrombotic therapy seems to be justified. PMID: 3221089, UI: 89124317
Gordon RT, Gordon D (1981) Selective resolution of plaques and treatment of atherosclerosis by biophysical alteration of "cellular" and "intracellular" properties. Med Hypotheses Feb;7(2):217-229. This is a totally new approach to effective treatment of atherosclerosis by alteration of biophysical properties both "intracellularly" and "extracellularly." Early results show that by allowing the atherosclerotic lesions to take up the magnetically excitable submicron particles and then applying an external alternating EMF, the atherosclerotic lesions may be selectively resolved without damaging normal blood vessels. This concept suggests many areas of research since there are many ways to alter atherosclerotic plaques biophysically, and many substances may be used to enhance the process. This new technology and this initial experimentation introduces a "new era" in the effective treatment of Atherosclerosis. PMID: 7219246, UI: 81172377
Grant G, Cadossi R, Steinberg G (1994) Protection against focal cerebral ischemia following exposure to a pulsed EMF. Bioelectromagnetics 15(3):205-216. Dept of Neurosurgery, Stanford Univ, California 94305. There is evidence that EM stimulation may accelerate the healing of tissue damage after ischemia. We studied the effects of low frequency PEMF exposure on cerebral injury in a rabbit model of transient focal ischemia (2 h occlusion followed by 4 h of reperfusion). PEMF exposure (280 V, 75 Hz, IGEA Stimulator) was initiated 10 min after the onset of ischemia and continued throughout reperfusion (6 exposed, 6 controls). MRI and histology were used to measure the degree of ischemic injury. Exposure to PEMF attenuated cortical ischemia edema on MRI at the most anterior coronal level by 65% (p<.001). On histology, PEMF exposure reduced ischemic neuronal damage in this same cortical area by 69% (p<.01) and by 43% (p<.05) in the striatum. Exposure to a PEMF of short duration may have implications for the treatment of acute stroke. PMID: 8074737, UI: 94354894
Grunner O (1985) [Cerebral use of a pulsating magnetic field in neuropsychiatry patients with long-term headache - Article in German]. EEG EMG Z Elektroenzephalogr Verwandte Geb Dec;16(4):227-230. 40 patients with headaches of various etiology were given pulsed magnetic field therapy (f=260 Hz; t=3 ms; induction B=1.9 mT; gradient=0.5 mT/cm). Each session lasted 0.5 h. Self-assessment statements and EEG changes were used to evaluate changes of headache intensity. EEG frequency analysis showed significant changes in % delta and alpha 1 activities (7.5-9.5/s) after use of the real treatment, as compared with sham treatment. Improved self-assessment, and EEG were found in headaches associated with cerebral arteriosclerosis, sequels to cerebral concussion, depressive neurosis, or tension headache. Pulsed magnetic field could be applied only where the EEG was physiological. PMID: 3935419, UI: 86081440
Karlov VA, Rodshtat IV, Kalashnikov IuD, Kitaeva LV, Khokhlov IuK (1991) [Experience with using extremely high frequency radiotherapy of the millimeter wave range in cerebrovascular disorders - Article in Russian]. Sov Med 3:20-21. Vascular diseases of the brain (functional transient and ischemic apoplexy, circulatory encephalopathy) in 79 patients were treated by UHF EMF of millimetric wave range. 14 patients entered the control group. The data show a clear-cut trend to a decrease of arterial pressure, normalization of blood glucose level, arrest of DIC syndrome development. PMID: 1882282, UI: 91352655
Kniazeva TA, Otto MP, Markarov GS, Donova OM, Markarova IS (1994) [The efficacy of low-intensity exposures in hypertension - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:8-9. 100 hypertensive subjects with labile and stable disease were exposed to low-intensity low-frequency electrostatic field generated by the unit "Infita-A". In labile hypertension, the field produces a hypotensive effect, improves myocardial contractility, increases myocardial and coronary reserves due to reduced peripheral resistance and stimulation of myocardial propulsion. Therapeutic response to the treatment is attributed to normalized function of deep brain structures. PMID: 8171859, UI: 94225808
Kniazeva TA (1979) [Effect of a decimeter-band EMF on the functional state of the kidneys and on renal and central hemodynamics in the period of rehabilitative postoperative treatment of renovascular hypertension - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult 3:36-41. PMID: 473667, UI: 79251078
Liubimova NN, Popov VI (1990) [The action of a decimeter-wave EMF on the indices of the blood kallikrein-kinin system in rabbits with an experimental myocardial infarct - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult May;3:14-17. Continuous 10-d exposure of the heart and adrenal regions of rabbits with myocardial infarction to EMF produced by decimeter waves leads to activation of kallikrein-kinin system. With the heart exposure, this activation comes through marked changes in microcirculatory bed, whereas in the adrenal exposure it is trophic defects that are induced in the myocardium. The exposure of the thyroid regions brings about unnoticeable effect. PMID: 2219809, UI: 91021141
Lud GV (1986) [Effect of a constant magnetic field on blood circulation after experimental operations on arteries of the extremities - Article in Russian]. Vestn Khir Sep;137(9):87-88. PMID: 3538626, UI: 87071468
Miasnikov IG (1992) [Magnetotherapy of initial manifestations of cerebrovascular disorders in hypertension - Article in Russian]. Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 92(1):63-67. The paper is concerned with the data on 147 subjects who underwent magnetotherapy with the unit "Magniter-AMT-01" applied to the cervical area. The main group included 102 subjects, 45 person served as control. The purpose of the work was to base the application of MT under inpatient and home conditions with the use of the above-indicated unit. In view of this fact, a study was made of cerebral hemo- and thermodynamics with the aid of rheoencephalography and encephaloradiothermography under the action of different modes of the functioning of the unit "Magniter-AMT-01" (pulse and variable magnet induction fields 12-15 mTl and 30-35 mTl). A method of measuring magnetosensitivity of patients depending on the temperature reaction of the brain to a single MT session was elaborated. The greatest clinical effect was attained with the use of pulse magnetic field 15 mTl. Magnetotherapy with the use of the unit "Magniter-AMT-01" gave good results under inpatient and home conditions. The magnetosensitive patients had the highest effect. PMID: 1319653, UI: 92312254
Orlov LL, Alekseeva NP, Slutskii II, Galuza GI, Chogovadze VA (1986) [Various humoral factors regulating blood pressure in patients with hypertension during treatment by an impulse magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Kardiologiia Mar;26(3):56-60. Renin activity, aldosterone, prostaglandin (PGF2 alpha and PGB) and cyclic nucleotide levels and catecholamine excretion were measured in 165 essentially hypertensive patients exposed to therapeutic effects of "running" impulse magnetic field (RIMF). The correction of arterial blood pressure in RIMF-treated patients was mediated by BP-controlling humoral factors, the magnitude and direction of changes in levels and activity of biologically-active substances and hormones being determined by their respective baselines. A decrease of hyperfunction, as reflected in elevated hormonal production, and an increase of hypofunction were the most common therapeutic effect of RIMF exposure. PMID: 3012184, UI: 86228610
Orlov LL, Makoeva LD, Glezer MG, Memetov KA, Belinskaia TF, Arzhanenko OM (1991) [Effects of impulse magnet field and beta adrenergic blockaders on physical work capacity and hemodynamics of patients with neurocirculatory dystonia of the cardiac type - Article in Russian]. Kardiologiia Feb;31(2):36-39. PMID: 2041288, UI: 91251499
Orlov LL, Makoeva LD, Glezer MG, Titov SIu, Arzhanenko OM, Margarian AG, Musev VA, Memetov KA, Belinskaia TF (1992) [Evaluation of antianginal effects of running pulse magnetic field and drug therapy on the physical working capacity and hemodynamics in patients with stable angina pectoris - Article in Russian]. Kardiologiia Feb;32(2):23-26. The effects of the running pulse magnetic field, antianginal drug therapy and their combinations on the physical capacity were compared in 60 patients with Functional Classes I-III stable angina pectoris. Monotherapy with the running pulse magnetic field was found to produce an antianginal effect in patients with Functional Classes I-II angina pectoris, but the efficacy of drug therapy increased when antianginal drugs were used in combination with running pulse magnetic field in patients with severe angina. PMID: 1527930, UI: 92408123
Orlov LL, Alekseeva NP, Galuza GI, Slutskii II, Drozdov IuF (1985) [Hemodynamic and humoral mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of the "travelling" impulse magnetic field in hypertension - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:23-27. PMID: 3984249, UI: 85169867
Pasynkov EI, Konstantinova GD, Vlasova EI (1976) [Therapeutic use of alternating magnetic field in chronic diseases of the veins of the lower limbs - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Sep;5:16-19. PMID: 1025854, UI: 77176520
Shatrov AA (1978) [Effect of sanatorium-health resort treatment with the inclusion of a UHF electrical field and centimer-range electromagnetic waves on the peripheral blood circulation and vascular reactivity of patients with vibration disease - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Mar;2:22-25. PMID: 148780, UI: 78182266
Sokolov BA, Bezruchenko SV, Kunitsyna LA (1998) [A comparative evaluation of the effect of an extremely high-frequency EMF on cerebral hemodynamics in hypertension patients exposed in different reflexogenic areas - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:16-18. A single session and multiple sinocarotid and temporal exposures to EHF EMF in patients with stage I and II hypertension had different effects on cerebral circulation. Variants of the above treatment are proposed. PMID: 9560995, UI: 98221766
Strelkova NI, Gavrilkov AT, Diuzhilova NF, Strel'tsova EN (1981) [Status of cerebral circulation in patients with hemiplegia of vascular and traumatic origin treated with decimeter therapy and an alternating magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr 81(8):1162-1166. 181 patients with hemiparesis after a cerebral stroke or craniocerebral injury were treated by local exposure of the pathological focus to decimeter EM waves (DW) and alternating magnetic field (AMF). These treatment methods improved the cerebral circulation and hastened the restoration of motor functions, especially, if used in combination with sulfide baths, therapeutic physical exercises and massage. The therapeutic effectiveness of the DW- and AMF-therapy is confirmed objectively by so informative examination methods, as rheoencephalography, ultrasonic dopplerography, and thermography. PMID: 7315051, UI: 82087133
Strelkova NI, Maslovskaia SG, Gavrilkov AG, Strel'tsova EN (1983) [Use of the EMF in patients after disturbance of cerebral circulation - Article in Russian]. Sov Med 5:35-38. PMID: 6612459, UI: 83302409
Temur'iants NA, Mikhailov AV (1985) [Effect of weak alternating ultra-low frequency magnetic fields on the development of the hypercoagulation syndrome in immobilized rats - Article in Russian]. Biofizika Nov;30(6):1046-1049. The experimental results are given concerning the effect of variable magnetic field (VMF) with the frequency of 8 Hz and intensity 4 A/m on some parameters of rat haemocoagulation system under standard mobile regime as well as under prolonged hypokinesia. It is stated that repeated daily exposition of VMF causes hypocoagulational blood shift in intact animals. Under the effect of simultaneous VMF and hypokinesia the correction of hypercoagulational shift induced by animal hypokinesia was found. The highest VMF effect was seen in prolonged experiments. The ability of VMF with the given parameters to limit the development of rat blood hypercoagulation under hypokinesia was discussed. PMID: 4074760, UI: 86077826
3. Brain damage, epilepsy, depression, nerve and spinal cord damage
Antimonii GD, Salamov RA (1980) [Action of a modulated EMF on experimentally induced epileptiform brain activity in rats - Article in Russian]. Biull Eksp Biol Med Feb;89(2):145-148. Effect of the modulated EMF (MEMF) on the experimentally evoked epileptiform activity of the brain structures was studied. The effect of 2-30 hz MEMF induced suppression of brain epileptiform activity in 41% of experiments. The epileptiform activity was markedly decreased in 23% and potentiated in 10% of the experiments, while in 25% of the experiments the MEMF effect did not essentially change the pattern of the evoked epileptiform brain activity. PMID: 7370408, UI: 80175731
Barker AT (1991) An introduction to the basic principles of magnetic nerve stimulation. J Clin Neurophysiol Jan;8(1):26-37. Dept of Med Physics and Clinical Engineering, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK. Magnetic nerve stimulation is a new method for the noninvasive stimulation of neuromuscular tissue. The technique, developed at the Univ of Sheffield, UK, is being increasingly used for both clinical studies and basic research, with some 500 stimulators presently in use worldwide. This paper looks at the development of magnetic stimulation as a clinical tool. The basic physics principles of the technique are outlined, and the different magnetic field waveforms, coil geometrics, and orientations that can be used are discussed. The depth of penetration of magnetic stimulation is compared to that of conventional electrical stimulation using surface electrodes. The former generated lower electric fields at the surface of the body, resulting in greater penetration and the ability to stimulate deep nerves without pain. Magnetic stimulation has many other advantages over electrical stimulation, including being able to stimulate the human brain without discomfort due to the magnetic fields passing through the skull without attenuation. These advantages, along with the limitations of the technique, are discussed. Finally, data relating to the safety of brain stimulation are summarised in terms of the EM parameters used. The present generation of magnetic stimulators cause no acute hazards, provided their electrical and mechanical design meets the relevant electromedical safety standards. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 2019648, UI: 91210409
Del Seppia C, Ghione S, Luschi P, Papi F (1995) Exposure to oscillating magnetic fields influences sensitivity to electrical stimuli: 1: Experiments on pigeons. Bioelectromagnetics 16(5):290-294. Dipartimento di Scienze del Comportamento Animale e dell'Uomo Universita di Pisa, Italy. The comparison of two measurements of the pigeon threshold for electrical stimuli, performed 2 h apart, reveals stress-induced analgesia as a result of stressful manipulations between the two tests. When pigeons are exposed to a weak, oscillating magnetic field between the two measurements, the analgesic response is inhibited and a hyperalgesic effect is recorded. The present findings are in agreement with previous studies showing that magnetic treatments may alter pigeons' emotional state and some of their behavioral patterns. PMID: 8554629, UI: 96126586
Geddes LA (1991) History of magnetic stimulation of the nervous system. J Clin Neurophysiol Jan;8(1):3-9. William A. Hillenbrand Biomedical Engineering Ctr, Purdue Univ, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907. The use of a time-varying magnetic field to induce a sufficiently strong current to stimulate living tissue was first reported by d'Arsonval in 1896. Since then, there have been many studies in what is now called magnetic stimulation. This paper traces the history of this field from d'Arsonval to its present use in neurophysiology. Publication Types: Historical article PMID: 2019649, UI: 91210410
Halmo M, Rattaj J, Chochol D, Kalmancokova A, Juras L (1994) [The effect of electromagnetic stimulation on the depressive syndrome - Article in Slovak]. Bratisl Lek Listy Mar;95(3):117-121. INTERDAT v Pezinku, Slovakia. The antidepressive effect of stimulation by static 12.5 mT EMF of low induction is described. They report the occurrence of the antidepressive effect in 3 groups of depressive patients who were hospitalized in a mental hospital. 45 patients in group 1 were given a single stimulation of static 12.5 mT EMF, in the time schedule of 3x3 m with 1 m breaks between the periods of EM stimulation. In 55% of them, the antidepressive effect has been seen, although of short duration. The experiments in group 2 were arranged as being double blind. Patients in the stimulated group reacted by positive antidepressive effect more often than in the placebo group; the level of significance was 5%. In the third group of 19 patients, the stimulation was applied repeatedly. There was no evidence of confirmation of the assumption that repetition of stimulation could possibly stabilize and prolong its antidepressive effect, particularly by applying our used induction values. In spite of these facts it is possible to assume that in future the described antidepressive effect, after finding the appropriate manner, will be of therapeutic use. (Tab. 4, Fig. 1, Ref. 7.) PMID: 7922637, UI: 95006977
Jacobson JI (1994) Pineal-hypothalamic tract mediation of picotesla magnetic fields in the treatment of neurological disorders. Panminerva Med Dec;36(4):201-205. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, FL 334377-1418, USA. The objective of this study is analysis of the clinical efficacy of picotesla magnetic fields in the treatment of epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. The method utilized involved the exogenous application of physiologic, very weak magnetic fields to the brain by Sandyk, Anninos, Derpapas and Tsagas. The magnetic device produced a magnetic field ranging from about 5 x 10(-8) to about 2.5 x 10(-7) Gauss (G) at frequencies of 2-7 Hz. The wave form was sinusoidal and the device was positioned about the posterior portion of the corpus callosum most specifically to influence the pineal gland. Direct correlation of melatonin production with magnetic field stimulation was found. In most cases, the neurological conditions showed amelioration or palliation over an extended period of time. It seemed that resonance was established between the magnetic field and melatonin which could be explained with Jacobson Resonance. These studies begin to point to the explanation of the mechanism of interaction between non-ionizing EM radiation and biological systems. Also, evaluation of the pineal gland as an magneto-sensitive gland may help us understand fundamental conditions in magneto-receptors of biological systems in terms of their piezoelectric nature. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 7603740, UI: 95327372
Jacobson JI, Yamanashi WS (1994) A possible, physical mechanism in the treatment of neurologic disorders with externally applied pico Tesla magnetic fields. Physiol Chem Phys Med NMR 26(4):287-297. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biological Research, Jupiter, FL 33477. The clinical studies describing the treatment of some neurological disorders with an externally applied picoTesla (10(-12) Tesla, or 10(-8) Gauss) magnetic field are considered from a physical view point. An equation relating the intrinsic (or "rest") energy of a charted particle of mass m with its energy of interaction in an externally applied magnetic field B is presented. The equation is proposed to represent an initial basic physical interaction as a part of a more complex biological mechanism to explain the therapeutic effects of externally applied magnetic fields in these and other neurologic disorders. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 7700979, UI: 95215493
Kanje M, Rusovan A, Sisken B, Lundborg G (1993) Pretreatment of rats with pulsed EMFs enhances regeneration of the sciatic nerve. Bioelectromagnetics 14(4):353-359. Dept of Animal Physiology, Univ of Lund, Sweden. Regeneration of the sciatic nerve was studied in rats pretreated in a PEMF. The rats were exposed between a pair of Helmholtz coils at a pulse repetition rate of 2 pps at a field density of 60 or 300 uT. The PEMF treatment was then discontinued. After an interval of recovery, regeneration of the sciatic nerve was initiated by a crush lesion. Regeneration of sensory fibers was measured by the "pinch test" after an additional 3-6 d. A variety of PEMF pretreatments including 4 h/d for 1-4 d or exposure for 15 m/d during 2 d resulted in an increased regeneration distance, measured 3 d after the crush lesion. This effect was found even after a 14-d recovery period. In contrast, pretreatment for 4 h/d for 2 d at 60 uT did not affect the regeneration distance. PEMF pretreatment conditioned the rat sciatic nerve in a manner similar to that which occurs after a crush lesion, which shows that PEMF affects the neuronal cell body. However, the mechanism of this effect remains obscure. PMID: 8216387, UI: 94030101
Maccabee PJ, Amassian VE, Cracco RQ, Cracco JB, Eberle L, Rudell A (1991) Stimulation of the human nervous system using the magnetic coil. J Clin Neurophysiol Jan;8(1):38-55. Dept of Neurology, State Univ of New York, Brooklyn 11203. The magnetic coil (MC) is a unique probe that can be used to elucidate basic neurophysiological mechanisms in humans. Either by excitation or inhibition of responding neural elements, we have been able to investigate: (1) the distribution of the electric field induced within isotropic and anisotropic volume conductors by round and figure-8 MCs; (2) the theoretical relationship between electric field distribution and excitation of distal peripheral nerve, nerve root, cranial nerve, and motor cortex; (3) the effect of focal MC stimulation of motor and visual systems; (4) perturbation of sequential digit movements by MC stimulation of human premotor cortex; (5) activation of frontal motor areas related to speech; (6) elicitation of a sense of movement in an ischemic paralyzed limb by focal MC cortical stimulation; and (7) the effect of stimulation of the human visual system to (a) suppress and unmask visual perception using single MC stimuli and (b) prolong visual suppression using short trains of MC stimuli. In the future, prolongation of MC action by using repetitive stimuli should be useful in further investigating functions concerned with language, speech, and cognition. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 2019650, UI: 91210411
Meissl G (1979) [Nerve regeneration by means of the effect of an intermittent EMF: Experimental study on a rabbit - Article in German]. Handchirurgie 11(1):31-35. An experiment on healing of transected nerves of rabbits was carried out. Under microsurgical techniques continuity of the nerve was reestablished by end-to-end coaptation without creating a defect, so only the elasticity of the nerve tissue had to be overcome, and by nerve grafting. In both cases treatment with intermittent high frequency magnetic field was applied continuously. Histologic studies revealed that the scar at the suture site matured more quickly than usually and that distal to the site of transection the normal calibre of regenerated axons was reached within a shorter time than previously. PMID: 393577, UI: 80113931
Mix E, Jenssen HL, Lehmitz R, Lakner K, Hitzschke B, Richter M, Heydenreich A (1990) [Effect of pulsating EMF therapy on cell volume and phagocytosis activity in multiple sclerosis and migraine - Article in German]. Psychiatr Neurol Med Psychol (Leipz) Aug;42(8):457-466. Neurologische Abteilung, Universitat Rostock. PEMF treatment was studied in 10 patients with multiple sclerosis and 10 patients with migraine. In both patients' groups a single treatment induced a significant rise of yeast particle uptake by blood granulocytes. The % of phagocytizing cells was increased in migraine patients only. In both groups 20 PEMF treatments caused a reduction of particle uptake, whereas the % of phagocytizing cells remained unchanged. In migraine patients the opsonic capacity of serum and the mean cell volume of erythrocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes were initially reduced, but increased during the course of 20 PEMF treatments. The biphasic changes of cell volume and phagocytic activity are interpreted as a result of counter-regulation of the organism in response to the primary PEMF effect. PMID: 2247525, UI: 91062477
Nikulin MA, Gonchar NV, Klocheva EG (1989) [Reaction of the autonomic nervous system of children to a magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Pediatriia 9:59-62. Infrared thermography was used to study some reactions of the body to the action of magnetic field on parameters of the functions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and changes in the white blood cell counts in 20 normal children and 20 patients aged 6-15 yr suffering from chronic gastroduodenal diseases. Changes in infrared radiation on the surface of the anterior abdominal wall in the patients mirrored the adequacy of the compensatory reactions of the ANS to the action of the magnetic field. Parameters of ANS function, mainly sympathetic, indicate the effect of the magnetic field on the patient's body. PMID: 2587171, UI: 90067762
Orgel MG, O'Brien WJ, Murray HM (1984) Pulsing EMF therapy in nerve regeneration: an experimental study in the cat. Plast Reconstr Surg Feb;73(2):173-183. A multidisciplinary approach to the study of peripheral nerve regeneration in the cat has been presented. The purpose of this work has been to determine if PEMF therapy can enhance peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. In equal groups of animals, two types of PEMF treatment were compared with untreated controls. All animals underwent quantitative electrophysiologic and morphologic assessment at the area of injury. Also, muscle fiber sizing in the periphery and retrograde labeling of anterior horn motoneurons with horseradish peroxidase were studied. There were no statistical differences between the groups in electrophysiologic or morphologic parameters. However, in animals treated with a pulse-burst EMF there was a statistically significant improvement in the labeling and localization of anterior horn cells in the CNS. Pulse-burst EM radiation can increase the numbers of motor neurons that reestablish appropriate connections to the periphery after nerve injury. It remains to be seen if this improved spinal cord organization can translate to improved peripheral functional return. PMID: 6695016, UI: 84119896
Ossenkopp KP, Cain DP (1991) Inhibitory effects of powerline-frequency (60-Hz) magnetic fields on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures and mortality in rats. Behav Brain Res Aug 29;44(2):211-216. Dept of Psychology, Univ of Western Ontario, London, Canada. The possibility that exposure to powerline frequency (60-Hz) magnetic fields might affect the form or intensity of epileptic seizures, induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) in rats, was examined. Male adult rats were exposed to either 60-Hz magnetic fields with intensities of up to 1.85 Gauss (185 uT) or to a sham field condition, for 1 h before injections of PTZ (45-75 mg/kg). The subsequent seizures were monitored and recorded on videotape and any subsequent mortalities were noted. Exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields before giving PTZ was found to significantly (p<.005) reduce the lethality of the drug-induced seizures. The LD50 for the sham-exposed group was 65.88 mg/kg, whereas for the 60-Hz magnetic field-exposed rats, the LD50 was 85.33 mg/kg. In some experiments exposure to the 1.0 and 1.5 Gauss magnetic fields also produced significant (p<.05) reductions in seizure durations. Acute exposure to low intensity 60-Hz magnetic fields had an inhibitory effect on the lethality and expression of PTZ-induced seizures in rats. Some possible mechanisms, which could account for these effects of magnetic field exposure on seizures, are discussed. PMID: 1751012, UI: 92088503
Raji AM (1984) An experimental study of the effects of pulsed EMF (Diapulse) on nerve repair. J Hand Surg [Br] Jun;9(2):105-112. This study investigates the effects of a PEMF (Diapulse) on experimentally divided and sutured common peroneal nerves in rats. Evidence is presented that PEMF accelerates recovery of use of the injured limb and enhances regeneration of damaged nerves. PMID: 6747406, UI: 84266450
Sandyk R (1995) Reversal of alexia in multiple sclerosis by weak EMFs. Int J Neurosci Nov;83(1-2):69-79. NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811, USA. The occurrence of cognitive deficits in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been known since 1877 when Charcot noted "enfeeblement of memory" in his patients. Cognitive deficits have been reported in almost 50% of patients with a relapsing-remitting course and in a significantly higher % of patients with a chronic progressive course leading to intellectual disability which is often severe enough to preclude employment. MS is considered a form of subcortical dementia and the occurrence of classical cortical disorders such as aphasia, agnosia and apraxia is reported to be rare in the disease. However, in my experience alexia, a reading impairment unrelated to visual acuity or visual field defects, is common in patients with MS. Recently, I reported that treatment with picotesla range EMFs is an efficacious modality in the management of both the motor and cognitive symptoms of MS. 3 patients with MS who developed alexia as a manifestation of the disease are presented. In all patients the alexia was reversed several months after they began treatment with EMFs. Since alexia usually reflects a disconnection syndrome whereby lesions involving the left visual cortex and the splenium of the corpus callosum disconnect language association areas from visual association areas, it is suggested that reversal of the alexia in these patients by EMFs was related to improved interhemispheric transcallosal transmission of visual information. Also, changes in the metabolism of monoamines, which are involved in visual information processing and reading comprehension, may have been important in causing reversal of the alexia. This report further supports the unique efficacy of this treatment modality in reversing specific cognitive deficits in MS. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8746750, UI: 96357640
Sandyk R (1996) Treatment with EMF alters the clinical course of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis: a case report. Int J Neurosci Nov;88(1-2):75-82. NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811, USA. It is estimated that 10-20% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a chronic progressive (CP) course characterized by an insidious of neurological deficits followed by steady progression of disability in the absence of symptomatic remission. No therapeutic modality has shown specific efficacy in the treatment of patients with CP MS and there are no data to show that any pharmacologic or other modality alters the clinical course of CP MS. Treatment with picotesla EMFs is a highly effective modality for the symptomatic management of MS including the chronic progressive form. Also, this treatment also seems to alter the natural course of the disease in CP patients. A 36 yr-old man experienced, at the age of 31, insidious weakness in the legs and several months later developed difficulties with balance with ataxia of gait. His gait abnormality progressed slowly over the following years and at the age of 35 he was severely disabled with spastic paraparesis and ataxia using a rolling walker for ambulation and a scooter for longer distances. In particular, his disability had progressed rapidly over the 6 mo preceding the initiation of treatment with EMFs. He as classified have CP MS and his prognosis was considered extremely unfavorable due to the degree of cerebellar and pyramidal tract involvement and the rapid course of deterioration. In July 1995 the patient began experimental treatment with EMFs. While receiving 3 treatment sessions/wk for 12 mo he experienced improvement in cerebellar functions such as gait, balance and tremor as well as bowel and bladder functions, mood, sleep and cognitive function and resolution of diplopia, blurring of vision, dysarthria, paresthesias in the hands, and fatigue. Most remarkably, there was no further progression of the disease during the course of magnetic therapy. This case showed that EMF-treatment reversed the clinical course of CP MS in addition to producing symptomatic improvement. PMID: 9003966, UI: 97157687
Sandyk R, Anninos PA (1992) Attenuation of epilepsy with application of external magnetic fields: a case report. Int J Neurosci Sep;66(1-2):75-85. Democrition Univ of Thrace, Dept of Med Physics, Alexandroupolis, Greece. We found earlier that magnetoencephalographic (MEG) brain measurements in patients with seizure disorders show significant MEG activity often in the absence of conventional EEG abnormalities. We localized foci of seizure activity using the mapping technique characterized by the ISO-Spectral Amplitude (ISO-SA) on the scalp distribution of specified spectral components or frequency bands of the emitted MEG Fourier power spectrum. Also, using an electronic device, we utilized the above recorded activity to emit back the same intensity and frequency of magnetic field to the presumed epileptic foci. Using this method we were able, over the past 2.5 yr, successfully to attenuate seizure activity in a cohort of over 150 patients with various forms of epilepsy. We present a patient with severe epilepsy and behavioral disturbances in whom application of an external artificial magnetic field of low intensity produced a substantial attenuation of seizure frequency which coincided with an improvement in the patient's behavior. Artificial magnetic treatment may be a valuable adjunctive procedure in the management of epilepsy. PMID: 1304572, UI: 93279926
Sandyk R, Anninos PA, Tsagas N (1991) Magnetic fields and seasonality of affective illness: implications for therapy. Int J Neurosci Jun;58(3-4):261-267. Dept of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Med/Montefiore Med Ctr, Bronx, NY 10461. Seasonal affective disorder is characterized by recurrent winter depression associated with hypersomnia, overeating, and carbohydrate craving. The severe form of winter depression affects about 5% of the general population and is believed to be caused by light deficiency. About 70%-80% of patients with winter depression experience attenuation of symptoms when exposed to bright light therapy. Hypotheses pertaining to the pathogenesis of winter depression implicate the effects of light on different characteristics of circadian rhythms. In addition to light, the geomagnetic field is an environmental factor which may be implicated in the pathophysiology of winter depression. There is strong indication that the pineal gland is a magnetosensitive system and that changes in the ambient magnetic field alter melatonin secretion and synchronize the circadian rhythms. In man, shielding of the ambient magnetic field significantly desynchronizes circadian rhythms which could be gradually resynchronized after application of magnetic fields. The strength of the environmental magnetic field diminishes during the winter months, leading to increased susceptibility for desynchronization of circadian rhythms. Thus, since the acute application of magnetic fields in experimental animals resembles that of acute exposure to light with respect to melatonin secretion (it suppresses melatonin secretion), magnetic treatment might be beneficial for patients with winter depression. Also, since the environmental light and magnetic fields, which undergo diurnal and seasonal variations, influence the activity of the pineal gland, we propose that a synergistic effect of light and magnetic therapy in patients with winter depression would be more physiological and, therefore, superior to phototherapy alone. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 1365047, UI: 95088073
Tkach EV, Abilova AN, Gazalieva ShM (1989) [Characteristics of the effect of a constant EMF on reparative processes in spinal cord injuries - Article in Russian]. Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr 89(5):41-44. In 171 white rats the spinal cord was completely sectioned in the upper thoracic region. In 46 control rats an early crude spinal cord scar was identified which precluded the growth of nerve fibers. On the contrary, in animals exposed to constant magnetic field a smooth spinal cord scar was found with collaterals of anterior spinal arteria, recrease of the destruction zone and nervous fiber growth across the scar, This resulted in restored hind paw motility by 56+4.8% as related to control rats in which motility did not restore. Magnet therapy applied as a part in combined restitutional therapy in 104 patients in early restitution period yielded a 46.15+4.89% to 76.32+4.87% increase in the rate of restoration of motor and sensory functions. With the therapy applied in late periods, the restitution was 48.1+5.6% and 78.1+3.9%, respectively. The magnetic field is considered as a reparation booster in spinal cord trauma applicable in any stage of the disease. PMID: 2781918, UI: 89389617
Wallace MC, Tator CH, Gentles WM (1987) Effect of alternating current stimulation of the spinal cord on recovery from acute spinal cord injury in rats. Surg Neurol Oct;28(4):269-276. The therapeutic value of electrical stimulation of the spinal cord was studied in rats injured by acute compression of the spinal cord. 20 adult Wistar rats underwent cord compression at T6-7 by the extradural clip compression technique at a force of 125 g for 1 m. After injury and group randomization, stimulating electrodes were placed extradurally, proximal and distal to the injury site, and attached to a small, implantable receiver-stimulator. The receiver was secured to the paraspinal muscles and implanted subcutaneously, overlying the thoracic spine. The animals were maintained in specially designed cages with encircling antennae attached to radio frequency transmitters. The 10 treatment animals were subjected to a 460-kHz PEMF, pulsed at a frequency of 10 Hz. The receivers converted the pulsed radio frequency into square-wave pulses at the cord electrodes (width 1 ms, frequency 10 Hz). The 10 control animals were exposed to a similar field but with a frequency below the range of the tuned receiver, and therefore they did not receive the square-wave pulse. Clinical recovery was assessed by the inclined plane technique which measures the maximum angle of inclination attained without falling. After 15 wk of continuous spinal cord stimulation, the inclined plane performance was not significantly different between the two groups (treatment group mean, 44.4+5.4; control group mean, 41.7+7.9). This is the first experimental study of the effect of long-term continuous electrical stimulation on spinal cord recovery in mammals. The methods required and the technical aspects involved in achieving continuous stimulation, and the guidelines for future study of this modality are discussed. PMID: 3498231, UI: 87320075
Wilson DH, Jagadeesh P (1976) Experimental regeneration in peripheral nerves and the spinal cord in lab animals exposed to a pulsed EMF. Paraplegia May;14(1):12-20. Peripheral nerve section and suture was performed in 132 rats. Postoperatively 50% of the rats were exposed to a PEMF daily and 50% were kept as controls. Nerve conduction studies, histology and nerve fibre counts all showed an increased rate of regeneration in EMF-treated rats. Preliminary results from a similar controlled study of spinal cord regeneration after hemicordotomy in cats show that PEMF therapy had induced nerve fibre regeneration across the region of the scar in cats killed 3 mo after the hemicordotomy. PMID: 180476, UI: 76221416
Zienowicz RJ, Thomas BA, Kurtz WH, Orgel MG (1991) A multivariate approach to the treatment of peripheral nerve transection injury: the role of EMF therapy. Plast Reconstr Surg Jan;87(1):122-129. Univ of Massachusetts Med School, Berkshire Med Ctr, Pittsfield. A multivariate approach to the treatment of peripheral nerve transection injury has been used in rats. Phase 1, a pilot study, (48 rats, 8 groups) examined variables associated with the method and timing of surgical repair, the arrest of wallerian degeneration, and the role of PEMF therapy in functional recovery. Phase 2 (90 rats, 6 groups) then studied the timing and duration of PEMF therapy as the only variable in larger groups of rats. Phase 1 showed that a vein-graft conduit did not improve functional recovery compared with standard epineurial repair. Also, delayed repair compared favorably with immediate repair. The use of chlorpromazine to inhibit the toxic effects of calcium influx seemed to enhance early functional recovery, and the combination of delayed nerve repair and PEMF therapy seemed to consistently improve function. Phase 2 gave the first published evidence for statistically improved ambulation in animals treated with delayed surgical repair and prolonged PEMF therapy. We postulate that future treatment of nerve transection injuries will involve a combined treatment regimen consisting of the immediate arrest of wallerian degeneration, delayed surgery, and PEMF therapy. PMID: 1984256, UI: 91074893
Barker AT (1991) An introduction to the basic principles of magnetic nerve stimulation. J Clin Neurophysiol Jan;8(1):26-37. Dept of Med Physics and Clinical Engineering, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK. Magnetic nerve stimulation is a new method for the noninvasive stimulation of neuromuscular tissue. The technique, developed at the Univ of Sheffield, UK, is being increasingly used for both clinical studies and basic research, with some 500 stimulators presently in use worldwide. This paper looks at the development of magnetic stimulation as a clinical tool. The basic physics principles of the technique are outlined, and the different magnetic field waveforms, coil geometrics, and orientations that can be used are discussed. The depth of penetration of magnetic stimulation is compared to that of conventional electrical stimulation using surface electrodes. The former generated lower electric fields at the surface of the body, resulting in greater penetration and the ability to stimulate deep nerves without pain. Magnetic stimulation has many other advantages over electrical stimulation, including being able to stimulate the human brain without discomfort due to the magnetic fields passing through the skull without attenuation. These advantages, along with the limitations of the technique, are discussed. Finally, data relating to the safety of brain stimulation are summarised in terms of the EM parameters used. The present generation of magnetic stimulators cause no acute hazards, provided their electrical and mechanical design meets the relevant electromedical safety standards. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 2019648, UI: 91210409
Del Seppia C, Ghione S, Luschi P, Papi F (1995) Exposure to oscillating magnetic fields influences sensitivity to electrical stimuli: 1: Experiments on pigeons. Bioelectromagnetics 16(5):290-294. Dipartimento di Scienze del Comportamento Animale e dell'Uomo Universita di Pisa, Italy. The comparison of two measurements of the pigeon threshold for electrical stimuli, performed 2 h apart, reveals stress-induced analgesia as a result of stressful manipulations between the two tests. When pigeons are exposed to a weak, oscillating magnetic field between the two measurements, the analgesic response is inhibited and a hyperalgesic effect is recorded. The present findings are in agreement with previous studies showing that magnetic treatments may alter pigeons' emotional state and some of their behavioral patterns. PMID: 8554629, UI: 96126586
Geddes LA (1991) History of magnetic stimulation of the nervous system. J Clin Neurophysiol Jan;8(1):3-9. William A. Hillenbrand Biomedical Engineering Ctr, Purdue Univ, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907. The use of a time-varying magnetic field to induce a sufficiently strong current to stimulate living tissue was first reported by d'Arsonval in 1896. Since then, there have been many studies in what is now called magnetic stimulation. This paper traces the history of this field from d'Arsonval to its present use in neurophysiology. Publication Types: Historical article PMID: 2019649, UI: 91210410
Halmo M, Rattaj J, Chochol D, Kalmancokova A, Juras L (1994) [The effect of electromagnetic stimulation on the depressive syndrome - Article in Slovak]. Bratisl Lek Listy Mar;95(3):117-121. INTERDAT v Pezinku, Slovakia. The antidepressive effect of stimulation by static 12.5 mT EMF of low induction is described. They report the occurrence of the antidepressive effect in 3 groups of depressive patients who were hospitalized in a mental hospital. 45 patients in group 1 were given a single stimulation of static 12.5 mT EMF, in the time schedule of 3x3 m with 1 m breaks between the periods of EM stimulation. In 55% of them, the antidepressive effect has been seen, although of short duration. The experiments in group 2 were arranged as being double blind. Patients in the stimulated group reacted by positive antidepressive effect more often than in the placebo group; the level of significance was 5%. In the third group of 19 patients, the stimulation was applied repeatedly. There was no evidence of confirmation of the assumption that repetition of stimulation could possibly stabilize and prolong its antidepressive effect, particularly by applying our used induction values. In spite of these facts it is possible to assume that in future the described antidepressive effect, after finding the appropriate manner, will be of therapeutic use. (Tab. 4, Fig. 1, Ref. 7.) PMID: 7922637, UI: 95006977
Jacobson JI (1994) Pineal-hypothalamic tract mediation of picotesla magnetic fields in the treatment of neurological disorders. Panminerva Med Dec;36(4):201-205. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, FL 334377-1418, USA. The objective of this study is analysis of the clinical efficacy of picotesla magnetic fields in the treatment of epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. The method utilized involved the exogenous application of physiologic, very weak magnetic fields to the brain by Sandyk, Anninos, Derpapas and Tsagas. The magnetic device produced a magnetic field ranging from about 5 x 10(-8) to about 2.5 x 10(-7) Gauss (G) at frequencies of 2-7 Hz. The wave form was sinusoidal and the device was positioned about the posterior portion of the corpus callosum most specifically to influence the pineal gland. Direct correlation of melatonin production with magnetic field stimulation was found. In most cases, the neurological conditions showed amelioration or palliation over an extended period of time. It seemed that resonance was established between the magnetic field and melatonin which could be explained with Jacobson Resonance. These studies begin to point to the explanation of the mechanism of interaction between non-ionizing EM radiation and biological systems. Also, evaluation of the pineal gland as an magneto-sensitive gland may help us understand fundamental conditions in magneto-receptors of biological systems in terms of their piezoelectric nature. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 7603740, UI: 95327372
Jacobson JI, Yamanashi WS (1994) A possible, physical mechanism in the treatment of neurologic disorders with externally applied pico Tesla magnetic fields. Physiol Chem Phys Med NMR 26(4):287-297. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biological Research, Jupiter, FL 33477. The clinical studies describing the treatment of some neurological disorders with an externally applied picoTesla (10(-12) Tesla, or 10(-8) Gauss) magnetic field are considered from a physical view point. An equation relating the intrinsic (or "rest") energy of a charted particle of mass m with its energy of interaction in an externally applied magnetic field B is presented. The equation is proposed to represent an initial basic physical interaction as a part of a more complex biological mechanism to explain the therapeutic effects of externally applied magnetic fields in these and other neurologic disorders. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 7700979, UI: 95215493
Kanje M, Rusovan A, Sisken B, Lundborg G (1993) Pretreatment of rats with pulsed EMFs enhances regeneration of the sciatic nerve. Bioelectromagnetics 14(4):353-359. Dept of Animal Physiology, Univ of Lund, Sweden. Regeneration of the sciatic nerve was studied in rats pretreated in a PEMF. The rats were exposed between a pair of Helmholtz coils at a pulse repetition rate of 2 pps at a field density of 60 or 300 uT. The PEMF treatment was then discontinued. After an interval of recovery, regeneration of the sciatic nerve was initiated by a crush lesion. Regeneration of sensory fibers was measured by the "pinch test" after an additional 3-6 d. A variety of PEMF pretreatments including 4 h/d for 1-4 d or exposure for 15 m/d during 2 d resulted in an increased regeneration distance, measured 3 d after the crush lesion. This effect was found even after a 14-d recovery period. In contrast, pretreatment for 4 h/d for 2 d at 60 uT did not affect the regeneration distance. PEMF pretreatment conditioned the rat sciatic nerve in a manner similar to that which occurs after a crush lesion, which shows that PEMF affects the neuronal cell body. However, the mechanism of this effect remains obscure. PMID: 8216387, UI: 94030101
Maccabee PJ, Amassian VE, Cracco RQ, Cracco JB, Eberle L, Rudell A (1991) Stimulation of the human nervous system using the magnetic coil. J Clin Neurophysiol Jan;8(1):38-55. Dept of Neurology, State Univ of New York, Brooklyn 11203. The magnetic coil (MC) is a unique probe that can be used to elucidate basic neurophysiological mechanisms in humans. Either by excitation or inhibition of responding neural elements, we have been able to investigate: (1) the distribution of the electric field induced within isotropic and anisotropic volume conductors by round and figure-8 MCs; (2) the theoretical relationship between electric field distribution and excitation of distal peripheral nerve, nerve root, cranial nerve, and motor cortex; (3) the effect of focal MC stimulation of motor and visual systems; (4) perturbation of sequential digit movements by MC stimulation of human premotor cortex; (5) activation of frontal motor areas related to speech; (6) elicitation of a sense of movement in an ischemic paralyzed limb by focal MC cortical stimulation; and (7) the effect of stimulation of the human visual system to (a) suppress and unmask visual perception using single MC stimuli and (b) prolong visual suppression using short trains of MC stimuli. In the future, prolongation of MC action by using repetitive stimuli should be useful in further investigating functions concerned with language, speech, and cognition. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 2019650, UI: 91210411
Meissl G (1979) [Nerve regeneration by means of the effect of an intermittent EMF: Experimental study on a rabbit - Article in German]. Handchirurgie 11(1):31-35. An experiment on healing of transected nerves of rabbits was carried out. Under microsurgical techniques continuity of the nerve was reestablished by end-to-end coaptation without creating a defect, so only the elasticity of the nerve tissue had to be overcome, and by nerve grafting. In both cases treatment with intermittent high frequency magnetic field was applied continuously. Histologic studies revealed that the scar at the suture site matured more quickly than usually and that distal to the site of transection the normal calibre of regenerated axons was reached within a shorter time than previously. PMID: 393577, UI: 80113931
Mix E, Jenssen HL, Lehmitz R, Lakner K, Hitzschke B, Richter M, Heydenreich A (1990) [Effect of pulsating EMF therapy on cell volume and phagocytosis activity in multiple sclerosis and migraine - Article in German]. Psychiatr Neurol Med Psychol (Leipz) Aug;42(8):457-466. Neurologische Abteilung, Universitat Rostock. PEMF treatment was studied in 10 patients with multiple sclerosis and 10 patients with migraine. In both patients' groups a single treatment induced a significant rise of yeast particle uptake by blood granulocytes. The % of phagocytizing cells was increased in migraine patients only. In both groups 20 PEMF treatments caused a reduction of particle uptake, whereas the % of phagocytizing cells remained unchanged. In migraine patients the opsonic capacity of serum and the mean cell volume of erythrocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes were initially reduced, but increased during the course of 20 PEMF treatments. The biphasic changes of cell volume and phagocytic activity are interpreted as a result of counter-regulation of the organism in response to the primary PEMF effect. PMID: 2247525, UI: 91062477
Nikulin MA, Gonchar NV, Klocheva EG (1989) [Reaction of the autonomic nervous system of children to a magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Pediatriia 9:59-62. Infrared thermography was used to study some reactions of the body to the action of magnetic field on parameters of the functions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and changes in the white blood cell counts in 20 normal children and 20 patients aged 6-15 yr suffering from chronic gastroduodenal diseases. Changes in infrared radiation on the surface of the anterior abdominal wall in the patients mirrored the adequacy of the compensatory reactions of the ANS to the action of the magnetic field. Parameters of ANS function, mainly sympathetic, indicate the effect of the magnetic field on the patient's body. PMID: 2587171, UI: 90067762
Orgel MG, O'Brien WJ, Murray HM (1984) Pulsing EMF therapy in nerve regeneration: an experimental study in the cat. Plast Reconstr Surg Feb;73(2):173-183. A multidisciplinary approach to the study of peripheral nerve regeneration in the cat has been presented. The purpose of this work has been to determine if PEMF therapy can enhance peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. In equal groups of animals, two types of PEMF treatment were compared with untreated controls. All animals underwent quantitative electrophysiologic and morphologic assessment at the area of injury. Also, muscle fiber sizing in the periphery and retrograde labeling of anterior horn motoneurons with horseradish peroxidase were studied. There were no statistical differences between the groups in electrophysiologic or morphologic parameters. However, in animals treated with a pulse-burst EMF there was a statistically significant improvement in the labeling and localization of anterior horn cells in the CNS. Pulse-burst EM radiation can increase the numbers of motor neurons that reestablish appropriate connections to the periphery after nerve injury. It remains to be seen if this improved spinal cord organization can translate to improved peripheral functional return. PMID: 6695016, UI: 84119896
Ossenkopp KP, Cain DP (1991) Inhibitory effects of powerline-frequency (60-Hz) magnetic fields on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures and mortality in rats. Behav Brain Res Aug 29;44(2):211-216. Dept of Psychology, Univ of Western Ontario, London, Canada. The possibility that exposure to powerline frequency (60-Hz) magnetic fields might affect the form or intensity of epileptic seizures, induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) in rats, was examined. Male adult rats were exposed to either 60-Hz magnetic fields with intensities of up to 1.85 Gauss (185 uT) or to a sham field condition, for 1 h before injections of PTZ (45-75 mg/kg). The subsequent seizures were monitored and recorded on videotape and any subsequent mortalities were noted. Exposure to 60-Hz magnetic fields before giving PTZ was found to significantly (p<.005) reduce the lethality of the drug-induced seizures. The LD50 for the sham-exposed group was 65.88 mg/kg, whereas for the 60-Hz magnetic field-exposed rats, the LD50 was 85.33 mg/kg. In some experiments exposure to the 1.0 and 1.5 Gauss magnetic fields also produced significant (p<.05) reductions in seizure durations. Acute exposure to low intensity 60-Hz magnetic fields had an inhibitory effect on the lethality and expression of PTZ-induced seizures in rats. Some possible mechanisms, which could account for these effects of magnetic field exposure on seizures, are discussed. PMID: 1751012, UI: 92088503
Raji AM (1984) An experimental study of the effects of pulsed EMF (Diapulse) on nerve repair. J Hand Surg [Br] Jun;9(2):105-112. This study investigates the effects of a PEMF (Diapulse) on experimentally divided and sutured common peroneal nerves in rats. Evidence is presented that PEMF accelerates recovery of use of the injured limb and enhances regeneration of damaged nerves. PMID: 6747406, UI: 84266450
Sandyk R (1995) Reversal of alexia in multiple sclerosis by weak EMFs. Int J Neurosci Nov;83(1-2):69-79. NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811, USA. The occurrence of cognitive deficits in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been known since 1877 when Charcot noted "enfeeblement of memory" in his patients. Cognitive deficits have been reported in almost 50% of patients with a relapsing-remitting course and in a significantly higher % of patients with a chronic progressive course leading to intellectual disability which is often severe enough to preclude employment. MS is considered a form of subcortical dementia and the occurrence of classical cortical disorders such as aphasia, agnosia and apraxia is reported to be rare in the disease. However, in my experience alexia, a reading impairment unrelated to visual acuity or visual field defects, is common in patients with MS. Recently, I reported that treatment with picotesla range EMFs is an efficacious modality in the management of both the motor and cognitive symptoms of MS. 3 patients with MS who developed alexia as a manifestation of the disease are presented. In all patients the alexia was reversed several months after they began treatment with EMFs. Since alexia usually reflects a disconnection syndrome whereby lesions involving the left visual cortex and the splenium of the corpus callosum disconnect language association areas from visual association areas, it is suggested that reversal of the alexia in these patients by EMFs was related to improved interhemispheric transcallosal transmission of visual information. Also, changes in the metabolism of monoamines, which are involved in visual information processing and reading comprehension, may have been important in causing reversal of the alexia. This report further supports the unique efficacy of this treatment modality in reversing specific cognitive deficits in MS. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8746750, UI: 96357640
Sandyk R (1996) Treatment with EMF alters the clinical course of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis: a case report. Int J Neurosci Nov;88(1-2):75-82. NeuroCommunication Research Laboratories, Danbury, CT 06811, USA. It is estimated that 10-20% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have a chronic progressive (CP) course characterized by an insidious of neurological deficits followed by steady progression of disability in the absence of symptomatic remission. No therapeutic modality has shown specific efficacy in the treatment of patients with CP MS and there are no data to show that any pharmacologic or other modality alters the clinical course of CP MS. Treatment with picotesla EMFs is a highly effective modality for the symptomatic management of MS including the chronic progressive form. Also, this treatment also seems to alter the natural course of the disease in CP patients. A 36 yr-old man experienced, at the age of 31, insidious weakness in the legs and several months later developed difficulties with balance with ataxia of gait. His gait abnormality progressed slowly over the following years and at the age of 35 he was severely disabled with spastic paraparesis and ataxia using a rolling walker for ambulation and a scooter for longer distances. In particular, his disability had progressed rapidly over the 6 mo preceding the initiation of treatment with EMFs. He as classified have CP MS and his prognosis was considered extremely unfavorable due to the degree of cerebellar and pyramidal tract involvement and the rapid course of deterioration. In July 1995 the patient began experimental treatment with EMFs. While receiving 3 treatment sessions/wk for 12 mo he experienced improvement in cerebellar functions such as gait, balance and tremor as well as bowel and bladder functions, mood, sleep and cognitive function and resolution of diplopia, blurring of vision, dysarthria, paresthesias in the hands, and fatigue. Most remarkably, there was no further progression of the disease during the course of magnetic therapy. This case showed that EMF-treatment reversed the clinical course of CP MS in addition to producing symptomatic improvement. PMID: 9003966, UI: 97157687
Sandyk R, Anninos PA (1992) Attenuation of epilepsy with application of external magnetic fields: a case report. Int J Neurosci Sep;66(1-2):75-85. Democrition Univ of Thrace, Dept of Med Physics, Alexandroupolis, Greece. We found earlier that magnetoencephalographic (MEG) brain measurements in patients with seizure disorders show significant MEG activity often in the absence of conventional EEG abnormalities. We localized foci of seizure activity using the mapping technique characterized by the ISO-Spectral Amplitude (ISO-SA) on the scalp distribution of specified spectral components or frequency bands of the emitted MEG Fourier power spectrum. Also, using an electronic device, we utilized the above recorded activity to emit back the same intensity and frequency of magnetic field to the presumed epileptic foci. Using this method we were able, over the past 2.5 yr, successfully to attenuate seizure activity in a cohort of over 150 patients with various forms of epilepsy. We present a patient with severe epilepsy and behavioral disturbances in whom application of an external artificial magnetic field of low intensity produced a substantial attenuation of seizure frequency which coincided with an improvement in the patient's behavior. Artificial magnetic treatment may be a valuable adjunctive procedure in the management of epilepsy. PMID: 1304572, UI: 93279926
Sandyk R, Anninos PA, Tsagas N (1991) Magnetic fields and seasonality of affective illness: implications for therapy. Int J Neurosci Jun;58(3-4):261-267. Dept of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Med/Montefiore Med Ctr, Bronx, NY 10461. Seasonal affective disorder is characterized by recurrent winter depression associated with hypersomnia, overeating, and carbohydrate craving. The severe form of winter depression affects about 5% of the general population and is believed to be caused by light deficiency. About 70%-80% of patients with winter depression experience attenuation of symptoms when exposed to bright light therapy. Hypotheses pertaining to the pathogenesis of winter depression implicate the effects of light on different characteristics of circadian rhythms. In addition to light, the geomagnetic field is an environmental factor which may be implicated in the pathophysiology of winter depression. There is strong indication that the pineal gland is a magnetosensitive system and that changes in the ambient magnetic field alter melatonin secretion and synchronize the circadian rhythms. In man, shielding of the ambient magnetic field significantly desynchronizes circadian rhythms which could be gradually resynchronized after application of magnetic fields. The strength of the environmental magnetic field diminishes during the winter months, leading to increased susceptibility for desynchronization of circadian rhythms. Thus, since the acute application of magnetic fields in experimental animals resembles that of acute exposure to light with respect to melatonin secretion (it suppresses melatonin secretion), magnetic treatment might be beneficial for patients with winter depression. Also, since the environmental light and magnetic fields, which undergo diurnal and seasonal variations, influence the activity of the pineal gland, we propose that a synergistic effect of light and magnetic therapy in patients with winter depression would be more physiological and, therefore, superior to phototherapy alone. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 1365047, UI: 95088073
Tkach EV, Abilova AN, Gazalieva ShM (1989) [Characteristics of the effect of a constant EMF on reparative processes in spinal cord injuries - Article in Russian]. Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr 89(5):41-44. In 171 white rats the spinal cord was completely sectioned in the upper thoracic region. In 46 control rats an early crude spinal cord scar was identified which precluded the growth of nerve fibers. On the contrary, in animals exposed to constant magnetic field a smooth spinal cord scar was found with collaterals of anterior spinal arteria, recrease of the destruction zone and nervous fiber growth across the scar, This resulted in restored hind paw motility by 56+4.8% as related to control rats in which motility did not restore. Magnet therapy applied as a part in combined restitutional therapy in 104 patients in early restitution period yielded a 46.15+4.89% to 76.32+4.87% increase in the rate of restoration of motor and sensory functions. With the therapy applied in late periods, the restitution was 48.1+5.6% and 78.1+3.9%, respectively. The magnetic field is considered as a reparation booster in spinal cord trauma applicable in any stage of the disease. PMID: 2781918, UI: 89389617
Wallace MC, Tator CH, Gentles WM (1987) Effect of alternating current stimulation of the spinal cord on recovery from acute spinal cord injury in rats. Surg Neurol Oct;28(4):269-276. The therapeutic value of electrical stimulation of the spinal cord was studied in rats injured by acute compression of the spinal cord. 20 adult Wistar rats underwent cord compression at T6-7 by the extradural clip compression technique at a force of 125 g for 1 m. After injury and group randomization, stimulating electrodes were placed extradurally, proximal and distal to the injury site, and attached to a small, implantable receiver-stimulator. The receiver was secured to the paraspinal muscles and implanted subcutaneously, overlying the thoracic spine. The animals were maintained in specially designed cages with encircling antennae attached to radio frequency transmitters. The 10 treatment animals were subjected to a 460-kHz PEMF, pulsed at a frequency of 10 Hz. The receivers converted the pulsed radio frequency into square-wave pulses at the cord electrodes (width 1 ms, frequency 10 Hz). The 10 control animals were exposed to a similar field but with a frequency below the range of the tuned receiver, and therefore they did not receive the square-wave pulse. Clinical recovery was assessed by the inclined plane technique which measures the maximum angle of inclination attained without falling. After 15 wk of continuous spinal cord stimulation, the inclined plane performance was not significantly different between the two groups (treatment group mean, 44.4+5.4; control group mean, 41.7+7.9). This is the first experimental study of the effect of long-term continuous electrical stimulation on spinal cord recovery in mammals. The methods required and the technical aspects involved in achieving continuous stimulation, and the guidelines for future study of this modality are discussed. PMID: 3498231, UI: 87320075
Wilson DH, Jagadeesh P (1976) Experimental regeneration in peripheral nerves and the spinal cord in lab animals exposed to a pulsed EMF. Paraplegia May;14(1):12-20. Peripheral nerve section and suture was performed in 132 rats. Postoperatively 50% of the rats were exposed to a PEMF daily and 50% were kept as controls. Nerve conduction studies, histology and nerve fibre counts all showed an increased rate of regeneration in EMF-treated rats. Preliminary results from a similar controlled study of spinal cord regeneration after hemicordotomy in cats show that PEMF therapy had induced nerve fibre regeneration across the region of the scar in cats killed 3 mo after the hemicordotomy. PMID: 180476, UI: 76221416
Zienowicz RJ, Thomas BA, Kurtz WH, Orgel MG (1991) A multivariate approach to the treatment of peripheral nerve transection injury: the role of EMF therapy. Plast Reconstr Surg Jan;87(1):122-129. Univ of Massachusetts Med School, Berkshire Med Ctr, Pittsfield. A multivariate approach to the treatment of peripheral nerve transection injury has been used in rats. Phase 1, a pilot study, (48 rats, 8 groups) examined variables associated with the method and timing of surgical repair, the arrest of wallerian degeneration, and the role of PEMF therapy in functional recovery. Phase 2 (90 rats, 6 groups) then studied the timing and duration of PEMF therapy as the only variable in larger groups of rats. Phase 1 showed that a vein-graft conduit did not improve functional recovery compared with standard epineurial repair. Also, delayed repair compared favorably with immediate repair. The use of chlorpromazine to inhibit the toxic effects of calcium influx seemed to enhance early functional recovery, and the combination of delayed nerve repair and PEMF therapy seemed to consistently improve function. Phase 2 gave the first published evidence for statistically improved ambulation in animals treated with delayed surgical repair and prolonged PEMF therapy. We postulate that future treatment of nerve transection injuries will involve a combined treatment regimen consisting of the immediate arrest of wallerian degeneration, delayed surgery, and PEMF therapy. PMID: 1984256, UI: 91074893
4. Skin, Ulcers, Wounds
4a. Skin
Aleksaniants GD (1987) [Use of an EMF and iodine-bromine baths in the complex treatment of patients with circumscribed scleroderma - Article in Russian]. Vestn Dermatol Venerol 3:56-58. PMID: 3604436, UI: 87266118
Badea MA, Vasilco R, Sandru D, Paslaru L, Jieanu V, Comorosan S (1993) The effect of pulsed EMF (Diapulse) on cellular systems. Rom J Physiol Jan;30(1-2):65-71. Interdisciplinary Research Group, Fundeni Hospital, Bucharest, Romania. This was a study of the effect of a 27.12 MHz PEMF (Diapulse) on microbial growth. A strain of K 12 E. coli grown in complete Pennassay medium was subjected to Diapulse action for 30 m, at 8 h and 12 h of growth. In this experiment, designed to be close to the physiological conditions of open wounds, the PEMF action promoted no increase of cell population, indicating the safety of this type of therapy for wound healing process. The same K 12 E. coli strain grown in Pennassay medium for 2 h was inoculated into a minimal growth medium and the lagless exponential growth thus obtained was followed spectrophotometrically. Diapulse PEMF was applied to this lagless phase of cellular cultures at 30, 60, and 90 m after inoculation. A slight increase in the number of cells occurred at 2 and 4 h after the Diapulse application, when the cultures were previously subjected to Diapulse action between the period of 60 and 90 m of their growth. A possible molecular mechanism for these PEMF effects is discussed. PMID: 7982019, UI: 95072991
Cheng K, Tarjan PP, Thio YC, Mertz PM (1996) In vivo 3-D distributions of electric fields in pig skin with rectangular pulse electrical current stimulation (RPECS). Bioelectromagnetics 17(4):253-262. Dept of Biomedical Engineering, Univ of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA. We developed stimulating and detecting electrodes. We examined 3-D distributions of electric fields experimentally in living pig skin under and around the stimulating electrodes with the detecting electrodes and rectangular pulsed electrical current stimulation (RPECS). We verified our previous physical assumption, E approximately I/(A sigma dz), in the skin under the electrode, where E, I, A and sigma dz respectively represent the electric field, the externally imposed peak current, the cross sectional area of the stimulating electrode and the perpendicular conductivity of the skin. Pulses were 30 mA, 140 us and 128 Hz. These parameters were previously used in our lab to enhance cutaneous regeneration, in vivo, with RPECS. PMID: 8891184, UI: 97046263
Dovzhanskii SI, Suvorov AP (1979) [Effect of a permanent EMF on experimental allergic skin reactions - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:63-64. PMID: 425362, UI: 79140328
Ring J (1993) [The skin and the environment - Article in German]. Hautarzt Oct;44(10):625-635. Hautklinik und Allergieabteilung, Universitats-Krankenhaus Eppendorf. The skin is in such continuous and intimate interaction with environmental influences as no other organ. Environment comes in contact with the organism in the form of substances or forces (physical, chemical, biological) and via different routes: irradiation (EM irradiation, often referred to in a simplified way as "light"), air, food, direct contact with the skin, injection, or psychosocial interactions. All these influences can lead to disease under certain conditions and in certain individuals, and especially to skin disease. The critical factors are the dose, the mode and time of contact; this is evident with regard to sunlight and its acute and chronic effects. Not only for noxious chemicals are the classification and differentiation of primary toxic reactions from hypersensitivity reactions of predisposed individuals crucial. Hypersensitivity reactions can either be immunologically mediated (allergic) or non-immunological (idiosyncrasy, pseudo-allergy). The existence of a genetic disposition does not exclude the importance of environmental factors. Atopic eczema is an example of a disease that can be influenced dramatically by a variety of environmental factors. Many toxic environmental factors are known to induce skin changes long before systemic or life-threatening diseases appear. The skin can be regarded as a "signal organ" for possible noxious environmental influences. Increased research efforts in this field are mandatory. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8225971, UI: 94042058
4b. Ulcers
Alekseenko AV, Gusak VV, Iftodii AG, Tarabanchuk VV, Shcherban NG, Stoliar VF (1992) [The efficacy of interstitial electrophoresis in treating trophic ulcers of the lower extremities - Article in Russian]. Lik Sprava Sep;9:96-99. A clinico-lab study revealed the efficiency of intratissue electrophoresis of drugs in the complex treatment of patients with trophic ulcer of the lower extremities. This is related to the favourable effect of the EMF on the lesion focus and possibility to increase the concentration of drugs in the inflammation focus. PMID: 1481521, UI: 93127644
Comorosan S, Vasilco R, Arghiropol M, Paslaru L, Jieanu V, Stelea S (1993) The effect of diapulse therapy on the healing of decubitus ulcer. Rom J Physiol Jan;30(1-2):41-45. Interdisciplinary Research Group, Fundeni Hospital, Bucharest, Romania. The effect of high peak power PEMF (Diapulse) on treatment of pressure ulcers is under investigation. 20 elderly patients, aged from 60 to 84, hospitalized with chronic conditions and bearing long-standing pressure ulcers, are subjected to Diapulse sessions (1-2 daily), parallel to conventional treatment. 5 patients undergo conventional therapy, serving as control and 5 others follow conventional+placebo Diapulse treatment. All patients were daily monitored, concerning their clinical status and ulcers' healing. After a maximum 2-wk treatment, bulge healing rate was: 85% excellent and 15% very good healing under Diapulse therapy; in the placebo group, 80% patients show no improvement and 20% poor improvement; in the control group, 60% patients show no improvement and 40% poor improvement of ulcers. This investigation strongly advises for Diapulse treatment as a modern, uninvasive therapy of great efficiency and low social costs in resolving a serious, widespread medical problem. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 7982015, UI: 95072987
Duran V, Zamurovic A, Stojanovic S, Poljacki M, Jovanovic M, Durisic S (1991) [Therapy of venous ulcers using pulsating EMFs: personal results - Article in Serbo-Croatian (Roman)]. Med Pregl 44(11-12):485-488. Klinika za infektivne i dermatoveneroloske bolesti, Medicinski fakultet, Novi Sad. The authors review the results of the treatment of venous varices by a PEMF, by the use of IVEMT-2 apparatus, treated at the Dept of Dermatovenereology in Novi Sad and the Institute of Med Rehabilitation. The treatment was carried out in 18 patients: 5 men and 13 women, mean age 56 yr, all with venous varices of post-thrombophlebitic origin. The number of sessions within the PEMF treatment was 10/patient, each session lasting 15 m. The results were followed by measuring the varix surface before and after the treatment. The number of varices before the therapy was 26 and after the treatment was 20. The total surface of the varices before the treatment was 55183.90 mm2, the mean surface being 2122.46 mm2. After the treatment 6 varices epithelialized, while the total surface was 36902.51 mm2. The mean surface of the varices after the treatment was 1845.13 mm2. The varix surface reduction rate after the treatment was 33.13%. Considering the number of patients, the obtained results are preliminary and they reflect the benefits of PEMF for epithelialization of venous varices. PMID: 1821449, UI: 92334277
Ieran M, Zaffuto S, Bagnacani M, Annovi M, Moratti A, Cadossi R (1990) Effect of low frequency pulsing EMFs on skin ulcers of venous origin in humans: a double-blind study. J Orthop Res Mar;8(2):276-282. Dept of Med Angiology, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy. The effect of an EMF on the healing of skin ulcers of venous origin in humans has been investigated in a double-blind study. 44 patients have been admitted to the study; one-half were exposed to active stimulators (experimental group) and the remaining to dummy stimulators (control group). The stimulation was scheduled to last a maximum of 90 d. The success rate was significantly higher in the experimental group both at d 90 (p<.02) and in the follow-up period (p<.005). The effect of the EMF may last even when the stimulation is over. No ulcers worsened in the experimental group, while 4 worsened in the control group. 25% of the patients in the experimental group and 50% in the control group experienced recurrence of the ulcer. Stimulation with an EMF is a useful adjunctive therapy in the management of these patients. Publication Types: Clinical trial Controlled clinical trial PMID: 2303961, UI: 90155636
Kirillov IB, Suchkova ZV, Lastushkin AV, Sigaev AA, Nekhaeva TI (1996) [Magentotherapy in the comprehensive treatment of vascular complications of diabetes mellitus - Article in Russian]. Klin Med (Mosk) 74(5):39-41. 320 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients were exposed to impulsed magnetic field, 100 control DM patients received conservative therapy alone. 270 patients had microangiopathy, macroangiopathy was diagnosed in 50 patients. Magnetotherapy in combination with conservative methods gave good and satisfactory results in 74% of patients versus 28% in control group. Metabolism stabilization resulted in some patients in reduced blood sugar. Use of magnetic field produced faster and longer response than conservative therapy. PMID: 8999182, UI: 97062022
Komissarova IV (1975) [Effect of ultra-high frequency EMF in continuous and pulse regimens on the indicators of serotonin metabolism in patients with ulcer disease - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Mar;2:170-174. PMID: 1229083, UI: 76226202
Stiller MJ, Pak GH, Shupack JL, Thaler S, Kenny C, Jondreau L (1992) A portable pulsed EMF (PEMF) device to enhance healing of recalcitrant venous ulcers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Br J Dermatol Aug;127(2):147-154. Ronald O. Perelman Dept of Dermatology, New York Univ Med Ctr, New York. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of pulsed EM limb ulcer therapy (PELUT) in the healing of recalcitrant, predominantly venous leg ulcers. The portable device was used at home for 3 h daily during this 8-wk clinical trial as an adjunct to a wound dressing. Wound surface area, ulcer depth and pain intensity were assessed at wk 0, 4 and 8. At wk 8 the active group had a 47.7% decrease in wound surface area vs. a 42.3% increase for placebo (p<.0002). 50% of the ulcers in the active group healed or markedly improved vs. 0% in the placebo group, and 0% of the active group worsened vs. 54% of the placebo group (p<.001). Significant decreases in wound depth (p<.04) and pain intensity (p<.04) favouring the active group were seen. Patients whose ulcers improved significantly after 8 wk were permitted to continue double-blind therapy for an additional 4 wk. 11 active and 1 placebo patient continued therapy until wk 12, with the active treatment group continuing to show improvement. There were no reports of adverse events attributable to this device. The PELUT device was a safe and effective adjunct to non-surgical therapy for recalcitrant venous leg ulcers. Publication Types: Clinical trial Multicenter study Randomized controlled trial PMID: 1390143, UI: 93002349
Todd DJ, Heylings DJ, Allen GE, McMillin WP (1991) Treatment of chronic varicose ulcers with pulsed EMFs: a controlled pilot study. Ir Med J Jun;84(2):54-55. Dept of Dermatology, Belfast City Hospital. To evaluate the efficacy of PEMFs in healing of chronic varicose ulcers, 19 patients with this condition were included in a double-blind controlled clinical trial. All patients received standard ulcer therapy throughout the duration of the study and were randomly divided into two groups to receive either active or inactive PEMF therapy. Active therapy was provided by the use of a pair of helmholtz coils twice/wk for 5 wk and inactive therapy was provided on an identical regimen with identical coils wound so that no magnetic field was produced when an electric current was passed through them. The clinician and patients were unable to distinguish the active or inactive coils. No statistically relevant difference was noted between the two groups in the healing rates of the ulcer, change in the lower leg girth, pain or infection rates. However there was a trend in favour of a decrease in ulcer size and lower leg girth in the group treated with active PEMF. As PEMF is a novel treatment for chronic varicose ulcers, more work needs to be done to establish treatment parameters and its usefulness in the treatment of this condition. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 1894496, UI: 91373144
Vesovic-Potic V, Conic S (1993) [Use of pulsating high-frequency EMFs in patients with diabetic neuropathies and angiopathies - Article in Serbo-Croatian (Cyrillic)]. Srp Arh Celok Lek Aug;121(8-12):124-126. Belgrade Institute of Rehabilitation. High-frequency PEMF therapy was carried out in 22 patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and angiopathy of the lower extremities (18 M, 4 F, aged 48.2+6.3 yr; 10 insulin-dependent persons, and 12 on oral antidiabetic treatment). The aim of the study was to verify the effect of this therapy on symptoms, neurophysiological findings and peripheral circulation. The diagnose of diabetic polyneuropathy was based on the electromyographic examination of foot and calf muscles, measurement of motor nerve conduction velocity of peroneal and tibial nerve, and sensory nerve conduction velocity of sural nerve. Diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy was based on EMG examination of the foot and calf muscles, measurement of the motor nerve conduction velocity of peroneal and tibial nerves, and the sensory nerve conduction velocity of the sural nerve. Diabetic angiopathy was diagnosed by oscillometric examination, measurement of skin temperature and claudication distance. The same methods were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of EMF. Therapy significantly improved the symptoms and all registered parameters of peripheral circulation, but neurophysiological parameters did not change significantly. Therefore, high-frequency PEMF is recommended for the treatment of diabetic angiopathy. It can be used as an initial therapy, or combined with physical agents which are commonly used in the treatment of patients with neuropathic changes in lesions of peripheral nerve. PMID: 7725151, UI: 95242150
4c. Wounds
Alekseenko AV, Gusak VV (1991) [Treatment of trophic ulcers of the lower extremities using a magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Klin Khir 7:60-63. The experience with treatment of 126 patients with ulcerous-necrotic lesion of the lower extremities of different genesis was summarized. A comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment depending on a type of the magnetic field: the constant, alternating, or travelling impulse one was carried out. The most effective was the use of a travelling impulse magnetic field. The data give grounds to recommend the wide use of magnetotherapy in the complex treatment of trophic ulcers of the lower extremities. PMID: 1942838, UI: 92047074
Dindar H, Zeybek N, Yucesan S, Barlas M, Yurtaslani Z, Yazgan E, Konkan R, Ozguner IF, Gokcora IH (1993) Augmentation of mucosal adaptation following small-bowel resection by EMF stimulation in rats. Tokai J Exp Clin Med Jun;18(1-2):39-47. Dept of Pediatric Surgery, School of Med, Ankara Univ, Turkiye. Survival after massive resection of the small intestine is often possible due to substantial hyperplasia of the mucosal surface in the remaining small intestine. While nutrients provide the major stimulus for hyperplasia in the clinical setting, the availability of drugs to augment this process would have obvious therapeutic implications. EMF stimulation of connective tissue and skin increased the DNA and messenger RNA and protein synthesis in experimental studies. We evaluated the ability of EMF stimulation to augment mucosal hyperplasia after massive small bowel resection in the rat. 2 groups of 10 Wistar rats (250 g), were subjected to 70% jejunoileal resection. Group 1 received EMF stimulation for 10 d at a dosage of 43.2 Gauss; group 2 received no stimulation. After 14 d, segmental evaluation of mucosal mass in the remaining small intestine was determined by measuring mucosal protein, and disaccharidase levels, as well as intestinal length and circumference. EMF stimulation seemed to augment mucosal adaptation after massive small bowel resection in the proximal and distal small intestine of rats. PMID: 7940605, UI: 95026918
Dindar H, Renda N, Barlas M, Akinay A, Yazgan E, Tincer T, Cakmak M, Konkan R, Gokcora IH, Yucesan S (1993) The effect of EMF stimulation on corticosteroids-inhibited intestinal wound healing. Tokai J Exp Clin Med Jun;18(1-2):49-55. Dept of Pediatric Surgery, School of Med, Ankara Univ, Turkiye. EMF stimulation has been used successfully in the clinical setting to promote healing of ununited fractures. In a few studies, EMF stimulation enhanced soft tissue healing. To investigate the effect of EMF stimulation on intestinal wound healing in normal rats and in those treated with corticosteroids, 80 Wistar rats received twice-daily injections of either saline dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg/d) for 2 wk. Animals then underwent creation of single-layer, inverting small intestine anastomoses. All injections were continued postoperatively. Animals were grouped as intestinal anastomoses; intestinal anastomoses plus EMF stimulation; intestinal anastomoses plus dexamethasone; and intestinal anastomoses plus dexamethasone plus EMF. On postoperative d 7 and 14, the anastomosed intestines were removed and the tensile strength (TS) and hydroxyproline (OH-P) contents measured. EMF stimulation significantly increased intestinal wound healing in normal animals by d 7 and 14. Corticosteroids significantly impaired the healing of the small intestine anastomoses, with decreased TS and OH-P contents after wk 1 and 2. However, EMF stimulation significantly reversed this inhibitory effect. PMID: 7940606, UI: 95026919
Kuliev RA, Babaev RF, Akhmedova LM, Ragimova AI (1992) [Treatment of suppurative wounds in patients with diabetes mellitus by magnetic field and laser irradiation - Article in Russian]. Khirurgiia (Mosk) Jul;7-8:30-33. The efficacy of including a magnetic field, low-intensity laser beam, and their combination in the complex of therapeutic measures was studied in 119 patients with suppurative wounds and diabetes mellitus. With the use of magnetic field or laser beam intoxication diminished, the organism's immunological status was stabilized within a shorter time, the wound process followed a quicker course, and treatment took less time. The magnetic-laser effect has advantages over separate use of these factors. PMID: 1469868, UI: 93108702
Nikolova L, Popov A, Klouchek E (1984) [Effect of interference current and low-frequency magnetic field on tissue regeneration - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult May;3:19-23. PMID: 6332416, UI: 84301978
Grechko BV, Teliushchenko DA, Kadyshev IuG, Litvinov PG, Marilova SB (1988) [Use of a UHF field to accelerate the epithelialization of donor wounds in burn patients - Article in Russian]. Klin Khir 3:75-76. PMID: 3043083, UI: 88301371
Szram S, Bielnik K, Sondej J (1987) [Morphological and morphometric studies of the healing of an experimental musculo-cutaneous wound after its exposure to a constant EMF - Article in Polish]. Chir Narzadow Ruchu Ortop Pol 52(6):463-468. PMID: 3452501, UI: 88254311
Vodovnik L, Karba R (1992) Treatment of chronic wounds by means of electric and EMFs: Part 1 - Literature review. Med Biol Eng Comput May;30(3):257-266. Faculty of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Univ of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The healing of a cutaneous wound is accompanied by endogeneous electrical phenomena. Not knowing whether they represent merely a side-effect of the physiological processes which take course during healing or whether they play a much more important role as mediators of healing, externally applied electricity was examined as a therapeutic tool for the enhancement of natural regenerative processes. In the present review a historical literature survey dealing with human applications of electric current for wound healing acceleration is given. It presents a complete palette of heterogeneous studies, differing in the parameters of applied electric current, in delivery modes as well as in the types of wounds being stimulated. Because of all these differences, comparing the efficacy of the described methods is difficult and could hardly be objective. Therefore greater stress was laid upon the discussion concerning the problems in designing clinical studies (size of the sample, control group, ethics of the procedures), rationales for the employment and possible underlying mechanisms of particular methods, and problems of evaluating their efficacy. In spite of the extensive work performed in the field of electrical wound healing we remain only part way towards explaining the mechanisms by which electricity reinforces the regenerative capabilities of injured tissue as well as only part way towards the selection of the optimal stimulation method from among the published reports. Publication Types: Review Review, academic PMID: 1453797, UI: 93086183
Aleksaniants GD (1987) [Use of an EMF and iodine-bromine baths in the complex treatment of patients with circumscribed scleroderma - Article in Russian]. Vestn Dermatol Venerol 3:56-58. PMID: 3604436, UI: 87266118
Badea MA, Vasilco R, Sandru D, Paslaru L, Jieanu V, Comorosan S (1993) The effect of pulsed EMF (Diapulse) on cellular systems. Rom J Physiol Jan;30(1-2):65-71. Interdisciplinary Research Group, Fundeni Hospital, Bucharest, Romania. This was a study of the effect of a 27.12 MHz PEMF (Diapulse) on microbial growth. A strain of K 12 E. coli grown in complete Pennassay medium was subjected to Diapulse action for 30 m, at 8 h and 12 h of growth. In this experiment, designed to be close to the physiological conditions of open wounds, the PEMF action promoted no increase of cell population, indicating the safety of this type of therapy for wound healing process. The same K 12 E. coli strain grown in Pennassay medium for 2 h was inoculated into a minimal growth medium and the lagless exponential growth thus obtained was followed spectrophotometrically. Diapulse PEMF was applied to this lagless phase of cellular cultures at 30, 60, and 90 m after inoculation. A slight increase in the number of cells occurred at 2 and 4 h after the Diapulse application, when the cultures were previously subjected to Diapulse action between the period of 60 and 90 m of their growth. A possible molecular mechanism for these PEMF effects is discussed. PMID: 7982019, UI: 95072991
Cheng K, Tarjan PP, Thio YC, Mertz PM (1996) In vivo 3-D distributions of electric fields in pig skin with rectangular pulse electrical current stimulation (RPECS). Bioelectromagnetics 17(4):253-262. Dept of Biomedical Engineering, Univ of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA. We developed stimulating and detecting electrodes. We examined 3-D distributions of electric fields experimentally in living pig skin under and around the stimulating electrodes with the detecting electrodes and rectangular pulsed electrical current stimulation (RPECS). We verified our previous physical assumption, E approximately I/(A sigma dz), in the skin under the electrode, where E, I, A and sigma dz respectively represent the electric field, the externally imposed peak current, the cross sectional area of the stimulating electrode and the perpendicular conductivity of the skin. Pulses were 30 mA, 140 us and 128 Hz. These parameters were previously used in our lab to enhance cutaneous regeneration, in vivo, with RPECS. PMID: 8891184, UI: 97046263
Dovzhanskii SI, Suvorov AP (1979) [Effect of a permanent EMF on experimental allergic skin reactions - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:63-64. PMID: 425362, UI: 79140328
Ring J (1993) [The skin and the environment - Article in German]. Hautarzt Oct;44(10):625-635. Hautklinik und Allergieabteilung, Universitats-Krankenhaus Eppendorf. The skin is in such continuous and intimate interaction with environmental influences as no other organ. Environment comes in contact with the organism in the form of substances or forces (physical, chemical, biological) and via different routes: irradiation (EM irradiation, often referred to in a simplified way as "light"), air, food, direct contact with the skin, injection, or psychosocial interactions. All these influences can lead to disease under certain conditions and in certain individuals, and especially to skin disease. The critical factors are the dose, the mode and time of contact; this is evident with regard to sunlight and its acute and chronic effects. Not only for noxious chemicals are the classification and differentiation of primary toxic reactions from hypersensitivity reactions of predisposed individuals crucial. Hypersensitivity reactions can either be immunologically mediated (allergic) or non-immunological (idiosyncrasy, pseudo-allergy). The existence of a genetic disposition does not exclude the importance of environmental factors. Atopic eczema is an example of a disease that can be influenced dramatically by a variety of environmental factors. Many toxic environmental factors are known to induce skin changes long before systemic or life-threatening diseases appear. The skin can be regarded as a "signal organ" for possible noxious environmental influences. Increased research efforts in this field are mandatory. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8225971, UI: 94042058
4b. Ulcers
Alekseenko AV, Gusak VV, Iftodii AG, Tarabanchuk VV, Shcherban NG, Stoliar VF (1992) [The efficacy of interstitial electrophoresis in treating trophic ulcers of the lower extremities - Article in Russian]. Lik Sprava Sep;9:96-99. A clinico-lab study revealed the efficiency of intratissue electrophoresis of drugs in the complex treatment of patients with trophic ulcer of the lower extremities. This is related to the favourable effect of the EMF on the lesion focus and possibility to increase the concentration of drugs in the inflammation focus. PMID: 1481521, UI: 93127644
Comorosan S, Vasilco R, Arghiropol M, Paslaru L, Jieanu V, Stelea S (1993) The effect of diapulse therapy on the healing of decubitus ulcer. Rom J Physiol Jan;30(1-2):41-45. Interdisciplinary Research Group, Fundeni Hospital, Bucharest, Romania. The effect of high peak power PEMF (Diapulse) on treatment of pressure ulcers is under investigation. 20 elderly patients, aged from 60 to 84, hospitalized with chronic conditions and bearing long-standing pressure ulcers, are subjected to Diapulse sessions (1-2 daily), parallel to conventional treatment. 5 patients undergo conventional therapy, serving as control and 5 others follow conventional+placebo Diapulse treatment. All patients were daily monitored, concerning their clinical status and ulcers' healing. After a maximum 2-wk treatment, bulge healing rate was: 85% excellent and 15% very good healing under Diapulse therapy; in the placebo group, 80% patients show no improvement and 20% poor improvement; in the control group, 60% patients show no improvement and 40% poor improvement of ulcers. This investigation strongly advises for Diapulse treatment as a modern, uninvasive therapy of great efficiency and low social costs in resolving a serious, widespread medical problem. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 7982015, UI: 95072987
Duran V, Zamurovic A, Stojanovic S, Poljacki M, Jovanovic M, Durisic S (1991) [Therapy of venous ulcers using pulsating EMFs: personal results - Article in Serbo-Croatian (Roman)]. Med Pregl 44(11-12):485-488. Klinika za infektivne i dermatoveneroloske bolesti, Medicinski fakultet, Novi Sad. The authors review the results of the treatment of venous varices by a PEMF, by the use of IVEMT-2 apparatus, treated at the Dept of Dermatovenereology in Novi Sad and the Institute of Med Rehabilitation. The treatment was carried out in 18 patients: 5 men and 13 women, mean age 56 yr, all with venous varices of post-thrombophlebitic origin. The number of sessions within the PEMF treatment was 10/patient, each session lasting 15 m. The results were followed by measuring the varix surface before and after the treatment. The number of varices before the therapy was 26 and after the treatment was 20. The total surface of the varices before the treatment was 55183.90 mm2, the mean surface being 2122.46 mm2. After the treatment 6 varices epithelialized, while the total surface was 36902.51 mm2. The mean surface of the varices after the treatment was 1845.13 mm2. The varix surface reduction rate after the treatment was 33.13%. Considering the number of patients, the obtained results are preliminary and they reflect the benefits of PEMF for epithelialization of venous varices. PMID: 1821449, UI: 92334277
Ieran M, Zaffuto S, Bagnacani M, Annovi M, Moratti A, Cadossi R (1990) Effect of low frequency pulsing EMFs on skin ulcers of venous origin in humans: a double-blind study. J Orthop Res Mar;8(2):276-282. Dept of Med Angiology, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy. The effect of an EMF on the healing of skin ulcers of venous origin in humans has been investigated in a double-blind study. 44 patients have been admitted to the study; one-half were exposed to active stimulators (experimental group) and the remaining to dummy stimulators (control group). The stimulation was scheduled to last a maximum of 90 d. The success rate was significantly higher in the experimental group both at d 90 (p<.02) and in the follow-up period (p<.005). The effect of the EMF may last even when the stimulation is over. No ulcers worsened in the experimental group, while 4 worsened in the control group. 25% of the patients in the experimental group and 50% in the control group experienced recurrence of the ulcer. Stimulation with an EMF is a useful adjunctive therapy in the management of these patients. Publication Types: Clinical trial Controlled clinical trial PMID: 2303961, UI: 90155636
Kirillov IB, Suchkova ZV, Lastushkin AV, Sigaev AA, Nekhaeva TI (1996) [Magentotherapy in the comprehensive treatment of vascular complications of diabetes mellitus - Article in Russian]. Klin Med (Mosk) 74(5):39-41. 320 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients were exposed to impulsed magnetic field, 100 control DM patients received conservative therapy alone. 270 patients had microangiopathy, macroangiopathy was diagnosed in 50 patients. Magnetotherapy in combination with conservative methods gave good and satisfactory results in 74% of patients versus 28% in control group. Metabolism stabilization resulted in some patients in reduced blood sugar. Use of magnetic field produced faster and longer response than conservative therapy. PMID: 8999182, UI: 97062022
Komissarova IV (1975) [Effect of ultra-high frequency EMF in continuous and pulse regimens on the indicators of serotonin metabolism in patients with ulcer disease - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Mar;2:170-174. PMID: 1229083, UI: 76226202
Stiller MJ, Pak GH, Shupack JL, Thaler S, Kenny C, Jondreau L (1992) A portable pulsed EMF (PEMF) device to enhance healing of recalcitrant venous ulcers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Br J Dermatol Aug;127(2):147-154. Ronald O. Perelman Dept of Dermatology, New York Univ Med Ctr, New York. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of pulsed EM limb ulcer therapy (PELUT) in the healing of recalcitrant, predominantly venous leg ulcers. The portable device was used at home for 3 h daily during this 8-wk clinical trial as an adjunct to a wound dressing. Wound surface area, ulcer depth and pain intensity were assessed at wk 0, 4 and 8. At wk 8 the active group had a 47.7% decrease in wound surface area vs. a 42.3% increase for placebo (p<.0002). 50% of the ulcers in the active group healed or markedly improved vs. 0% in the placebo group, and 0% of the active group worsened vs. 54% of the placebo group (p<.001). Significant decreases in wound depth (p<.04) and pain intensity (p<.04) favouring the active group were seen. Patients whose ulcers improved significantly after 8 wk were permitted to continue double-blind therapy for an additional 4 wk. 11 active and 1 placebo patient continued therapy until wk 12, with the active treatment group continuing to show improvement. There were no reports of adverse events attributable to this device. The PELUT device was a safe and effective adjunct to non-surgical therapy for recalcitrant venous leg ulcers. Publication Types: Clinical trial Multicenter study Randomized controlled trial PMID: 1390143, UI: 93002349
Todd DJ, Heylings DJ, Allen GE, McMillin WP (1991) Treatment of chronic varicose ulcers with pulsed EMFs: a controlled pilot study. Ir Med J Jun;84(2):54-55. Dept of Dermatology, Belfast City Hospital. To evaluate the efficacy of PEMFs in healing of chronic varicose ulcers, 19 patients with this condition were included in a double-blind controlled clinical trial. All patients received standard ulcer therapy throughout the duration of the study and were randomly divided into two groups to receive either active or inactive PEMF therapy. Active therapy was provided by the use of a pair of helmholtz coils twice/wk for 5 wk and inactive therapy was provided on an identical regimen with identical coils wound so that no magnetic field was produced when an electric current was passed through them. The clinician and patients were unable to distinguish the active or inactive coils. No statistically relevant difference was noted between the two groups in the healing rates of the ulcer, change in the lower leg girth, pain or infection rates. However there was a trend in favour of a decrease in ulcer size and lower leg girth in the group treated with active PEMF. As PEMF is a novel treatment for chronic varicose ulcers, more work needs to be done to establish treatment parameters and its usefulness in the treatment of this condition. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 1894496, UI: 91373144
Vesovic-Potic V, Conic S (1993) [Use of pulsating high-frequency EMFs in patients with diabetic neuropathies and angiopathies - Article in Serbo-Croatian (Cyrillic)]. Srp Arh Celok Lek Aug;121(8-12):124-126. Belgrade Institute of Rehabilitation. High-frequency PEMF therapy was carried out in 22 patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and angiopathy of the lower extremities (18 M, 4 F, aged 48.2+6.3 yr; 10 insulin-dependent persons, and 12 on oral antidiabetic treatment). The aim of the study was to verify the effect of this therapy on symptoms, neurophysiological findings and peripheral circulation. The diagnose of diabetic polyneuropathy was based on the electromyographic examination of foot and calf muscles, measurement of motor nerve conduction velocity of peroneal and tibial nerve, and sensory nerve conduction velocity of sural nerve. Diagnosis of diabetic polyneuropathy was based on EMG examination of the foot and calf muscles, measurement of the motor nerve conduction velocity of peroneal and tibial nerves, and the sensory nerve conduction velocity of the sural nerve. Diabetic angiopathy was diagnosed by oscillometric examination, measurement of skin temperature and claudication distance. The same methods were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of EMF. Therapy significantly improved the symptoms and all registered parameters of peripheral circulation, but neurophysiological parameters did not change significantly. Therefore, high-frequency PEMF is recommended for the treatment of diabetic angiopathy. It can be used as an initial therapy, or combined with physical agents which are commonly used in the treatment of patients with neuropathic changes in lesions of peripheral nerve. PMID: 7725151, UI: 95242150
4c. Wounds
Alekseenko AV, Gusak VV (1991) [Treatment of trophic ulcers of the lower extremities using a magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Klin Khir 7:60-63. The experience with treatment of 126 patients with ulcerous-necrotic lesion of the lower extremities of different genesis was summarized. A comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment depending on a type of the magnetic field: the constant, alternating, or travelling impulse one was carried out. The most effective was the use of a travelling impulse magnetic field. The data give grounds to recommend the wide use of magnetotherapy in the complex treatment of trophic ulcers of the lower extremities. PMID: 1942838, UI: 92047074
Dindar H, Zeybek N, Yucesan S, Barlas M, Yurtaslani Z, Yazgan E, Konkan R, Ozguner IF, Gokcora IH (1993) Augmentation of mucosal adaptation following small-bowel resection by EMF stimulation in rats. Tokai J Exp Clin Med Jun;18(1-2):39-47. Dept of Pediatric Surgery, School of Med, Ankara Univ, Turkiye. Survival after massive resection of the small intestine is often possible due to substantial hyperplasia of the mucosal surface in the remaining small intestine. While nutrients provide the major stimulus for hyperplasia in the clinical setting, the availability of drugs to augment this process would have obvious therapeutic implications. EMF stimulation of connective tissue and skin increased the DNA and messenger RNA and protein synthesis in experimental studies. We evaluated the ability of EMF stimulation to augment mucosal hyperplasia after massive small bowel resection in the rat. 2 groups of 10 Wistar rats (250 g), were subjected to 70% jejunoileal resection. Group 1 received EMF stimulation for 10 d at a dosage of 43.2 Gauss; group 2 received no stimulation. After 14 d, segmental evaluation of mucosal mass in the remaining small intestine was determined by measuring mucosal protein, and disaccharidase levels, as well as intestinal length and circumference. EMF stimulation seemed to augment mucosal adaptation after massive small bowel resection in the proximal and distal small intestine of rats. PMID: 7940605, UI: 95026918
Dindar H, Renda N, Barlas M, Akinay A, Yazgan E, Tincer T, Cakmak M, Konkan R, Gokcora IH, Yucesan S (1993) The effect of EMF stimulation on corticosteroids-inhibited intestinal wound healing. Tokai J Exp Clin Med Jun;18(1-2):49-55. Dept of Pediatric Surgery, School of Med, Ankara Univ, Turkiye. EMF stimulation has been used successfully in the clinical setting to promote healing of ununited fractures. In a few studies, EMF stimulation enhanced soft tissue healing. To investigate the effect of EMF stimulation on intestinal wound healing in normal rats and in those treated with corticosteroids, 80 Wistar rats received twice-daily injections of either saline dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg/d) for 2 wk. Animals then underwent creation of single-layer, inverting small intestine anastomoses. All injections were continued postoperatively. Animals were grouped as intestinal anastomoses; intestinal anastomoses plus EMF stimulation; intestinal anastomoses plus dexamethasone; and intestinal anastomoses plus dexamethasone plus EMF. On postoperative d 7 and 14, the anastomosed intestines were removed and the tensile strength (TS) and hydroxyproline (OH-P) contents measured. EMF stimulation significantly increased intestinal wound healing in normal animals by d 7 and 14. Corticosteroids significantly impaired the healing of the small intestine anastomoses, with decreased TS and OH-P contents after wk 1 and 2. However, EMF stimulation significantly reversed this inhibitory effect. PMID: 7940606, UI: 95026919
Kuliev RA, Babaev RF, Akhmedova LM, Ragimova AI (1992) [Treatment of suppurative wounds in patients with diabetes mellitus by magnetic field and laser irradiation - Article in Russian]. Khirurgiia (Mosk) Jul;7-8:30-33. The efficacy of including a magnetic field, low-intensity laser beam, and their combination in the complex of therapeutic measures was studied in 119 patients with suppurative wounds and diabetes mellitus. With the use of magnetic field or laser beam intoxication diminished, the organism's immunological status was stabilized within a shorter time, the wound process followed a quicker course, and treatment took less time. The magnetic-laser effect has advantages over separate use of these factors. PMID: 1469868, UI: 93108702
Nikolova L, Popov A, Klouchek E (1984) [Effect of interference current and low-frequency magnetic field on tissue regeneration - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult May;3:19-23. PMID: 6332416, UI: 84301978
Grechko BV, Teliushchenko DA, Kadyshev IuG, Litvinov PG, Marilova SB (1988) [Use of a UHF field to accelerate the epithelialization of donor wounds in burn patients - Article in Russian]. Klin Khir 3:75-76. PMID: 3043083, UI: 88301371
Szram S, Bielnik K, Sondej J (1987) [Morphological and morphometric studies of the healing of an experimental musculo-cutaneous wound after its exposure to a constant EMF - Article in Polish]. Chir Narzadow Ruchu Ortop Pol 52(6):463-468. PMID: 3452501, UI: 88254311
Vodovnik L, Karba R (1992) Treatment of chronic wounds by means of electric and EMFs: Part 1 - Literature review. Med Biol Eng Comput May;30(3):257-266. Faculty of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Univ of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The healing of a cutaneous wound is accompanied by endogeneous electrical phenomena. Not knowing whether they represent merely a side-effect of the physiological processes which take course during healing or whether they play a much more important role as mediators of healing, externally applied electricity was examined as a therapeutic tool for the enhancement of natural regenerative processes. In the present review a historical literature survey dealing with human applications of electric current for wound healing acceleration is given. It presents a complete palette of heterogeneous studies, differing in the parameters of applied electric current, in delivery modes as well as in the types of wounds being stimulated. Because of all these differences, comparing the efficacy of the described methods is difficult and could hardly be objective. Therefore greater stress was laid upon the discussion concerning the problems in designing clinical studies (size of the sample, control group, ethics of the procedures), rationales for the employment and possible underlying mechanisms of particular methods, and problems of evaluating their efficacy. In spite of the extensive work performed in the field of electrical wound healing we remain only part way towards explaining the mechanisms by which electricity reinforces the regenerative capabilities of injured tissue as well as only part way towards the selection of the optimal stimulation method from among the published reports. Publication Types: Review Review, academic PMID: 1453797, UI: 93086183
5. Disorders of the Digestive, Genitourinary and Lung / Respiratory tract
5a. Digestive disorders
Filimonov RM, Lukich VL, Negrebova ZE, Denisova NA (1988) [The microwave EMF (2450 c) in the complex treatment of erosive gastroduodenitis in adolescents - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Mar;2:14-17. PMID: 3400160, UI: 88291245
Filimonov RM, Korolev IuN, Konicheva ER (1998) [An SHF EMF (460 MHz) combined with the preparation Tribimol in treating duodenal peptic ulcer associated with Helicobacter pylori - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:23-25. 103 patients with uncomplicated duodenal ulcer were treated by a combination of epigastric exposure to EHF (460 MHz) EMF and administration of Tribimol. Clinical, endoscopic and morphological examinations, biochemical and imprint tests for Helicobacter pylori and intragastric pH-metry showed the method to be effective. It is recommended for combined treatment and rehabilitation of patients with duodenal ulcer associated with Helicobacter pylori. PMID: 9560998, UI: 98221769
Petrukhina LM, Iurchenko LG, Dedikova LG, Afanas'eva AA (1987) [Effect of a decimeter-wave EMF on the motor function of the stomach in gastroduodenitis in children - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:54-56. PMID: 3577040, UI: 87207768
Shishkina TI, Ivanova NV, Ivanova VV (1994) [The efficacy of electromagnetic radiation in the millimeter range and of a low-frequency alternating magnetic field in combination with hyperbaric oxygenation in the treatment of peptic ulcer - Article in Russian]. Lik Sprava Sep;9-12:93-95. PMID: 7604598, UI: 95328314
5b. Genitourinary disorders
Gorpinchenko II (1995) [The use of magnetic devices in treating sexual disorders in men - Article in Russian]. Lik Sprava Mar;3-4:95-97. An effect was studied of appliances for magnetotherapy, such as <<Biopotenzor>>, <<Eros>>, <<Bioskan-1>>, on sexual function of 105 men presenting with sexual problems. A total of 96 sexological patients were examined according to a general programme, to study placebo-effect. The magnetic field beneficial effect was recordable in 70-80% of the men, that of placebo in 33%. Augmentation of sexual activity may be associated with an increase in cavernous bloodflow. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 8819933, UI: 96417142
Grachev IuI, Voskresenskaia GA (1975) [Effect of a UHF electrical field on spermatogenesis in the treatment of epididymitis - Article in Russian]. Vestn Dermatol Venerol Feb;2:75-79. PMID: 1080314, UI: 75221008
Jorgensen WA, Frome BM, Wallach C (1994) Electrochemical therapy of pelvic pain: effects of pulsed EMFs (PEMF) on tissue trauma. Eur J Surg Suppl 574:83-86. International Pain Research Institute, Los Angeles, California. Unusually effective and long-lasting relief of pelvic pain of gynaecological origin has been obtained consistently by short exposures of affected areas to the application of a magnetic induction device producing short, sharp, magnetic-field pulses of a minimal amplitude to initiate the electrochemical phenomenon of electroporation within a 25 cm2 focal area. Treatments are short, fasting-acting, economical and in many instances have obviated surgery. This report describes typical cases such as dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, ruptured ovarian cyst, acute lower urinary tract infection, post-operative haematoma, and persistent dyspareunia in which pulsed magnetic field treatment has not, in most cases, been supplemented by analgesic medication. Of 17 female patients presenting with a total of 20 episodes of pelvic pain, of which 11 episodes were acute, 7 chronic and 2 acute as well as chronic, 16 patients representing 18 episodes (90%) experienced marked, even dramatic relief, while 2 patients representing 2 episodes reported less than complete pain relief. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 7531030, UI: 95143572
Larina VN, Korzhova VV, Prilepskaia VN (1991) [Hemodynamics in the organs of small pelvis during complex treatment using EMFs in patients with tubal infertility of inflammatory etiology - Article in Russian]. Akush Ginekol (Mosk) Jul;7:69-71. Hydrotubation treatment of uterine tube impotency of inflammatory origin causes stubborn hemodynamic disorders in the small pelvis organs in many cases. These may be normalized after exposure to a permanent magnetic field (magnetophores). Multiple-modality treatment gave recovery of uterine tube patency in 50% of cases and pregnancy within 1 yr in 22.6% of cases. PMID: 1951978, UI: 92059806
Mel'nikova MM, Kunitsyna GA, Toroptsev ND (1983) [Use of a weak acoustic-frequency magnetic field in the complex treatment of diseases of the internal genital organs of women - Article in Russian]. Akush Ginekol (Mosk) Sep;9:55-57. Publication Types: Review PMID: 6359931, UI: 84077586
Suvorova NM (1977) [Treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases of the female genital system by means of direct magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Akush Ginekol (Mosk) Sep;9:62-63. PMID: 596569, UI: 78078626
Varcaccio-Garofalo G, Carriero C, Loizzo MR, Amoruso S, Loizzi P (1995) Analgesic properties of EMF therapy in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 22(4):350-354. Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology II Clinic, Univ of Bari, Italy. In a prospective uncontrolled trial, 64 women with chronic refractory pelvic pain of at least 6 mo duration, resistant to standard therapies, had EMF therapy on both iliac regions by Thelf Systems apparatus. Therapy was twice/d for 2 h each for 20-40 d. Cases were reassessed after 3 mo. 39 cases (61%) had complete subsidence of pain; 15 patients (23%) had relief during treatment, then mild endopelvic tension at 3-mo; in 10 cases (16%) symptoms eased only during application hours, and were unchanged at follow-up. Treatment outcome was independent of pre-existent psychosocial variables. Magnetic therapy had a real analgesic effect on pelvic pain, and seemed to contribute to resolution of complex interactions between somatic nociceptive stimuli and psychosocial implications affecting pain perception in these patients. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 8777794, UI: 96114165
Yang X, Jiang S, Kovacs A, Foote RH (1992) Nuclear totipotency of cultured rabbit morulae to support full-term development following nuclear transfer. Biol Reprod Oct;47(4):636-643. Dept of Animal Science, Cornell Univ, Ithaca, New York 14853-4801. The rabbit was used as a model for nuclear transfer. A critical step in nuclear transfer is oocyte activation, which was evaluated in this research. Optimal field strength of an electric stimulus for activation was examined. A significantly higher activation rate in all criteria tested was achieved when oocytes were activated electrically with a field strength of 2.4 kV/cm versus 1.2 or 1.8 kV/cm. Also, electrical stimulation with combined alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) was superior to DC stimulation alone for activation. In another study of 586 oocytes, exposure of oocytes to cytochalasin B for 1 h followed by activation with electrical stimulation significantly improved development of the oocytes to blastocyst stage compared to oocytes without cytochalasin B pre-exposure (38% vs 26%, p<.05). Cytochalasin B exposure alone (control), however, had no effect on activation. Exposing oocytes to activation medium without electrical stimulation also activated some oocytes. In the nuclear transfer experiment, blastomeres from 8-cell embryos cultured for 20-24 h to the 32-64-cell stage were used as nuclear donor cells. Of 491 oocytes used, 459 (93%) survived the enucleation and fusion procedure, 370 (81%) fused, and 284 (77%) developed into 2-4-cell embryos. A total of 243 of these 2-4-cell embryos were transferred to 15 pseudopregnant recipients and produced 8 young (3%). Although the efficiency was low, rabbit morulae cultured for 20-24 h to the 32-64-cell stage as nuclear donors for transfer remained totipotent. PMID: 1391351, UI: 93003925
Zaslavskii AOi, Markarov GS, Gelis IuS (1997) [Electromagnetic urological stimulator - Article in Russian]. Med Tekh May;3:42-43. The paper deals with an EM urological stimulator which generates a modulated low-frequency EMF of nonthermal intensity and its brief technical data. It presents a treatment regimen for urolithiasis and recommendations how to use the above therapeutic agent to stimulate urinary function in patients with urolithiasis in order to inoperatively eliminate urinary calculi and sand which form after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. PMID: 9312646, UI: 97397893
5c. Lung and Respiratory Function disorders
Alymkulov DA, Belov GV, Akhmetova MI (1996) [The correction of hypoxic damage to the pulmonary surfactant system of rats with extremely high-frequency EMFs - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:9-11. 54 white rats were studied physically, histochemically and morphometrically for the effect of EHF EMF on repair of the lung surfactant system. The damage was inflicted by acute hypoxia existing at the altitude of 9000 m above the sea level simulated in a chamber. During this study, natural repair did not restore normal structure and function of the surfactant system, whereas daily 20-m exposures to millimetric waves on the chest stimulated repair on post-exposure day 1-5 and normalised all the physical and morphometric parameters. PMID: 8686231, UI: 96250978
Alymkulov DA, Toichieva FM, Saralinova GM, Leikina LF (1996) [The rehabilitative treatment of children with bronchial asthma - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Mar;2:13-15. Staged regimen of decimetric wave EM therapy and microclimate of high altitude salt mines were used in sanatorium treatment of children with bronchial asthma. Pretreatment with the above magnetic field induced positive changes in the reflex-segmental zone which reflected in better adaptation to the high altitude climate. The latter promoted beneficial rearrangement of respiratory function and cardiovascular system. PMID: 8928433, UI: 96376303
Danilenko SR (1997) [The efficacy in using an extremely high-frequency EMF in the combined treatment of chronic bronchitis patients - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Nov;6:16-18. Principles of using physiotherapeutic methods in patients with chronic bronchitis are outlined. Combined treatment including EMF of extremely high frequency (millimetric waves) was beneficial. PMID: 9484023, UI: 98145017
Danilenko SR, Shatrov AA, Gerasimovich OI (1995) [The efficacy of using an EMF of extremely high frequency (54-78 GHz) in treating patients with chronic nonspecific lung disease - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Nov;6:16-18. As part of a complex treatment of 154 patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma, extra high frequency EMF-therapy was said to be very effective. PMID: 8713300, UI: 96308703
Demchenko EV (1988) [Use of a low-frequency alternating magnetic field in the complex treatment of patients with functional diseases of the larynx - Article in Russian]. Vestn Otorinolaringol May;3:42-47. PMID: 3212866, UI: 89101402
Matveeva LA, Tiuteva EIu (1993) [The differentiated treatment of obstructive bronchitis in children - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jul;4:12-14. Infants with bronchial obstruction (BO) received differentiated regimens of physiotherapy. Spastic BO was managed most successfully by a complex involving ultrasonic inhalation of broncholytics and sinusoidal modulated currents. In BO with a hypersecretory component the best results were achieved with combination of UHF EMF plus ultrasonic saline-alkaline inhalations given in 2 steps. PMID: 8236916, UI: 94055184
Pavliunina LD, Lomachenkov VD, Makeenkova LI (1990) [Use of UHF electrical field in combination with antitubercular agents in the treatment of patients with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis - Article in Russian]. Probl Tuberk 2:29-32. The application of 40 and 60 W UHF electrical fields in a complex treatment of infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis with a predominantly exudative type of inflammation at early stages makes it possible to achieve higher rates of infiltration resolution; to promote, according to 6-mo cavity closure criterion, the increase of the treatment efficacy for 45.6 and 68.3%; to decrease the hospital period of treatment for 55+10 bed days; and to form minimum residual changes. With this physical factor the external respiration function improves. In infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis with a predominantly productive type of inflammation, the UHF therapy can exert a minor positive influence. PMID: 2345740, UI: 90265777
Sheina AN, Grigor'eva VD, Mitrofanova GF, Shishlo MA (1984) [Treatment of patients with chronic nonspecific respiratory diseases with decimeter-range EMF and pyrogenal - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult May;3:31-34. PMID: 6474921, UI: 84301982
Solov'eva AS, Samtsov VS, Gorbach IN (1987) [Use of a constant magnetic field for increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis - Article in Russian]. Probl Tuberk 8:53-56. PMID: 3684991, UI: 88068448
Filimonov RM, Lukich VL, Negrebova ZE, Denisova NA (1988) [The microwave EMF (2450 c) in the complex treatment of erosive gastroduodenitis in adolescents - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Mar;2:14-17. PMID: 3400160, UI: 88291245
Filimonov RM, Korolev IuN, Konicheva ER (1998) [An SHF EMF (460 MHz) combined with the preparation Tribimol in treating duodenal peptic ulcer associated with Helicobacter pylori - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:23-25. 103 patients with uncomplicated duodenal ulcer were treated by a combination of epigastric exposure to EHF (460 MHz) EMF and administration of Tribimol. Clinical, endoscopic and morphological examinations, biochemical and imprint tests for Helicobacter pylori and intragastric pH-metry showed the method to be effective. It is recommended for combined treatment and rehabilitation of patients with duodenal ulcer associated with Helicobacter pylori. PMID: 9560998, UI: 98221769
Petrukhina LM, Iurchenko LG, Dedikova LG, Afanas'eva AA (1987) [Effect of a decimeter-wave EMF on the motor function of the stomach in gastroduodenitis in children - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:54-56. PMID: 3577040, UI: 87207768
Shishkina TI, Ivanova NV, Ivanova VV (1994) [The efficacy of electromagnetic radiation in the millimeter range and of a low-frequency alternating magnetic field in combination with hyperbaric oxygenation in the treatment of peptic ulcer - Article in Russian]. Lik Sprava Sep;9-12:93-95. PMID: 7604598, UI: 95328314
5b. Genitourinary disorders
Gorpinchenko II (1995) [The use of magnetic devices in treating sexual disorders in men - Article in Russian]. Lik Sprava Mar;3-4:95-97. An effect was studied of appliances for magnetotherapy, such as <<Biopotenzor>>, <<Eros>>, <<Bioskan-1>>, on sexual function of 105 men presenting with sexual problems. A total of 96 sexological patients were examined according to a general programme, to study placebo-effect. The magnetic field beneficial effect was recordable in 70-80% of the men, that of placebo in 33%. Augmentation of sexual activity may be associated with an increase in cavernous bloodflow. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 8819933, UI: 96417142
Grachev IuI, Voskresenskaia GA (1975) [Effect of a UHF electrical field on spermatogenesis in the treatment of epididymitis - Article in Russian]. Vestn Dermatol Venerol Feb;2:75-79. PMID: 1080314, UI: 75221008
Jorgensen WA, Frome BM, Wallach C (1994) Electrochemical therapy of pelvic pain: effects of pulsed EMFs (PEMF) on tissue trauma. Eur J Surg Suppl 574:83-86. International Pain Research Institute, Los Angeles, California. Unusually effective and long-lasting relief of pelvic pain of gynaecological origin has been obtained consistently by short exposures of affected areas to the application of a magnetic induction device producing short, sharp, magnetic-field pulses of a minimal amplitude to initiate the electrochemical phenomenon of electroporation within a 25 cm2 focal area. Treatments are short, fasting-acting, economical and in many instances have obviated surgery. This report describes typical cases such as dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, ruptured ovarian cyst, acute lower urinary tract infection, post-operative haematoma, and persistent dyspareunia in which pulsed magnetic field treatment has not, in most cases, been supplemented by analgesic medication. Of 17 female patients presenting with a total of 20 episodes of pelvic pain, of which 11 episodes were acute, 7 chronic and 2 acute as well as chronic, 16 patients representing 18 episodes (90%) experienced marked, even dramatic relief, while 2 patients representing 2 episodes reported less than complete pain relief. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 7531030, UI: 95143572
Larina VN, Korzhova VV, Prilepskaia VN (1991) [Hemodynamics in the organs of small pelvis during complex treatment using EMFs in patients with tubal infertility of inflammatory etiology - Article in Russian]. Akush Ginekol (Mosk) Jul;7:69-71. Hydrotubation treatment of uterine tube impotency of inflammatory origin causes stubborn hemodynamic disorders in the small pelvis organs in many cases. These may be normalized after exposure to a permanent magnetic field (magnetophores). Multiple-modality treatment gave recovery of uterine tube patency in 50% of cases and pregnancy within 1 yr in 22.6% of cases. PMID: 1951978, UI: 92059806
Mel'nikova MM, Kunitsyna GA, Toroptsev ND (1983) [Use of a weak acoustic-frequency magnetic field in the complex treatment of diseases of the internal genital organs of women - Article in Russian]. Akush Ginekol (Mosk) Sep;9:55-57. Publication Types: Review PMID: 6359931, UI: 84077586
Suvorova NM (1977) [Treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases of the female genital system by means of direct magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Akush Ginekol (Mosk) Sep;9:62-63. PMID: 596569, UI: 78078626
Varcaccio-Garofalo G, Carriero C, Loizzo MR, Amoruso S, Loizzi P (1995) Analgesic properties of EMF therapy in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 22(4):350-354. Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology II Clinic, Univ of Bari, Italy. In a prospective uncontrolled trial, 64 women with chronic refractory pelvic pain of at least 6 mo duration, resistant to standard therapies, had EMF therapy on both iliac regions by Thelf Systems apparatus. Therapy was twice/d for 2 h each for 20-40 d. Cases were reassessed after 3 mo. 39 cases (61%) had complete subsidence of pain; 15 patients (23%) had relief during treatment, then mild endopelvic tension at 3-mo; in 10 cases (16%) symptoms eased only during application hours, and were unchanged at follow-up. Treatment outcome was independent of pre-existent psychosocial variables. Magnetic therapy had a real analgesic effect on pelvic pain, and seemed to contribute to resolution of complex interactions between somatic nociceptive stimuli and psychosocial implications affecting pain perception in these patients. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 8777794, UI: 96114165
Yang X, Jiang S, Kovacs A, Foote RH (1992) Nuclear totipotency of cultured rabbit morulae to support full-term development following nuclear transfer. Biol Reprod Oct;47(4):636-643. Dept of Animal Science, Cornell Univ, Ithaca, New York 14853-4801. The rabbit was used as a model for nuclear transfer. A critical step in nuclear transfer is oocyte activation, which was evaluated in this research. Optimal field strength of an electric stimulus for activation was examined. A significantly higher activation rate in all criteria tested was achieved when oocytes were activated electrically with a field strength of 2.4 kV/cm versus 1.2 or 1.8 kV/cm. Also, electrical stimulation with combined alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) was superior to DC stimulation alone for activation. In another study of 586 oocytes, exposure of oocytes to cytochalasin B for 1 h followed by activation with electrical stimulation significantly improved development of the oocytes to blastocyst stage compared to oocytes without cytochalasin B pre-exposure (38% vs 26%, p<.05). Cytochalasin B exposure alone (control), however, had no effect on activation. Exposing oocytes to activation medium without electrical stimulation also activated some oocytes. In the nuclear transfer experiment, blastomeres from 8-cell embryos cultured for 20-24 h to the 32-64-cell stage were used as nuclear donor cells. Of 491 oocytes used, 459 (93%) survived the enucleation and fusion procedure, 370 (81%) fused, and 284 (77%) developed into 2-4-cell embryos. A total of 243 of these 2-4-cell embryos were transferred to 15 pseudopregnant recipients and produced 8 young (3%). Although the efficiency was low, rabbit morulae cultured for 20-24 h to the 32-64-cell stage as nuclear donors for transfer remained totipotent. PMID: 1391351, UI: 93003925
Zaslavskii AOi, Markarov GS, Gelis IuS (1997) [Electromagnetic urological stimulator - Article in Russian]. Med Tekh May;3:42-43. The paper deals with an EM urological stimulator which generates a modulated low-frequency EMF of nonthermal intensity and its brief technical data. It presents a treatment regimen for urolithiasis and recommendations how to use the above therapeutic agent to stimulate urinary function in patients with urolithiasis in order to inoperatively eliminate urinary calculi and sand which form after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. PMID: 9312646, UI: 97397893
5c. Lung and Respiratory Function disorders
Alymkulov DA, Belov GV, Akhmetova MI (1996) [The correction of hypoxic damage to the pulmonary surfactant system of rats with extremely high-frequency EMFs - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jan;1:9-11. 54 white rats were studied physically, histochemically and morphometrically for the effect of EHF EMF on repair of the lung surfactant system. The damage was inflicted by acute hypoxia existing at the altitude of 9000 m above the sea level simulated in a chamber. During this study, natural repair did not restore normal structure and function of the surfactant system, whereas daily 20-m exposures to millimetric waves on the chest stimulated repair on post-exposure day 1-5 and normalised all the physical and morphometric parameters. PMID: 8686231, UI: 96250978
Alymkulov DA, Toichieva FM, Saralinova GM, Leikina LF (1996) [The rehabilitative treatment of children with bronchial asthma - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Mar;2:13-15. Staged regimen of decimetric wave EM therapy and microclimate of high altitude salt mines were used in sanatorium treatment of children with bronchial asthma. Pretreatment with the above magnetic field induced positive changes in the reflex-segmental zone which reflected in better adaptation to the high altitude climate. The latter promoted beneficial rearrangement of respiratory function and cardiovascular system. PMID: 8928433, UI: 96376303
Danilenko SR (1997) [The efficacy in using an extremely high-frequency EMF in the combined treatment of chronic bronchitis patients - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Nov;6:16-18. Principles of using physiotherapeutic methods in patients with chronic bronchitis are outlined. Combined treatment including EMF of extremely high frequency (millimetric waves) was beneficial. PMID: 9484023, UI: 98145017
Danilenko SR, Shatrov AA, Gerasimovich OI (1995) [The efficacy of using an EMF of extremely high frequency (54-78 GHz) in treating patients with chronic nonspecific lung disease - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Nov;6:16-18. As part of a complex treatment of 154 patients with chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma, extra high frequency EMF-therapy was said to be very effective. PMID: 8713300, UI: 96308703
Demchenko EV (1988) [Use of a low-frequency alternating magnetic field in the complex treatment of patients with functional diseases of the larynx - Article in Russian]. Vestn Otorinolaringol May;3:42-47. PMID: 3212866, UI: 89101402
Matveeva LA, Tiuteva EIu (1993) [The differentiated treatment of obstructive bronchitis in children - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Jul;4:12-14. Infants with bronchial obstruction (BO) received differentiated regimens of physiotherapy. Spastic BO was managed most successfully by a complex involving ultrasonic inhalation of broncholytics and sinusoidal modulated currents. In BO with a hypersecretory component the best results were achieved with combination of UHF EMF plus ultrasonic saline-alkaline inhalations given in 2 steps. PMID: 8236916, UI: 94055184
Pavliunina LD, Lomachenkov VD, Makeenkova LI (1990) [Use of UHF electrical field in combination with antitubercular agents in the treatment of patients with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis - Article in Russian]. Probl Tuberk 2:29-32. The application of 40 and 60 W UHF electrical fields in a complex treatment of infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis with a predominantly exudative type of inflammation at early stages makes it possible to achieve higher rates of infiltration resolution; to promote, according to 6-mo cavity closure criterion, the increase of the treatment efficacy for 45.6 and 68.3%; to decrease the hospital period of treatment for 55+10 bed days; and to form minimum residual changes. With this physical factor the external respiration function improves. In infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis with a predominantly productive type of inflammation, the UHF therapy can exert a minor positive influence. PMID: 2345740, UI: 90265777
Sheina AN, Grigor'eva VD, Mitrofanova GF, Shishlo MA (1984) [Treatment of patients with chronic nonspecific respiratory diseases with decimeter-range EMF and pyrogenal - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult May;3:31-34. PMID: 6474921, UI: 84301982
Solov'eva AS, Samtsov VS, Gorbach IN (1987) [Use of a constant magnetic field for increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis - Article in Russian]. Probl Tuberk 8:53-56. PMID: 3684991, UI: 88068448
6. Soft tissues
(Limbs; Head; Gums; Ear, Nose, Throat, Eye; Ligaments, Tendons)
(Limbs; Head; Gums; Ear, Nose, Throat, Eye; Ligaments, Tendons)
6a. Limbs; Head; Gums; Ear, Nose, Throat, Eye
Chelidze LN, Zhgenti TG, Devdariani ES, Nishnianidze KA, Khomeriki RV (1980) [Use of an EMF for treating parodontosis - Article in Russian]. Stomatologiia (Mosk) Mar;59(2):91-92. PMID: 6929615, UI: 80192688
Fischer G, Sametz W, Juan H (1987) [Effect of an alternating magnetic field on the development of carrageenan paw edema in the rat - Article in German]. Med Klin Aug 21;82(17):566-570. PMID: 3657730, UI: 88013665
Kal'met'ev GG, Ivanova TS, Kiiko IuI (1978) [Experimental corneal wound healing under the effect of continuous magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Vestn Oftalmol May;3:34-37. PMID: 685020, UI: 78251781
Mix E, Jenssen HL, Lehmitz R, Lakner K, Hitzschke B, Richter M, Heydenreich A (1990) [Effect of pulsating EMF therapy on cell volume and phagocytosis activity in multiple sclerosis and migraine - Article in German]. Psychiatr Neurol Med Psychol (Leipz) Aug;42(8):457-466. Neurologische Abteilung, Universitat Rostock. PEMF treatment was studied in 10 patients with multiple sclerosis and 10 patients with migraine. In both patients' groups a single treatment induced a significant rise of yeast particle uptake by blood granulocytes. The % of phagocytizing cells was increased in migraine patients only. In both groups 20 PEMF treatments caused a reduction of particle uptake, whereas the % of phagocytizing cells remained unchanged. In migraine patients the opsonic capacity of serum and the mean cell volume of erythrocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes were initially reduced, but increased during the course of 20 PEMF treatments. The biphasic changes of cell volume and phagocytic activity are interpreted as a result of counter-regulation of the organism in response to the primary PEMF effect. PMID: 2247525, UI: 91062477
Mizushima Y, Akaoka I, Nishida Y (1975) Effects of magnetic field on inflammation. Experientia Dec 15;31(12):1411-1412. The effects of a 50 Hz magnetic field on experimentally-induced inflammation in rats were studied. Carrageenan edema was inhibited significantly by exposure to magnetic field for 3 h. Adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats was also suppressed by the magnetic field. PMID: 1213056, UI: 76118038
Ozinkovskii VV (1980) [Use of a low-frequency pulsing EMF in treating inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs - Article in Russian]. Zh Ushn Nos Gorl Bolezn May;3:51-53. PMID: 7385978, UI: 80216160
Sherman RA, Robson L, Marden LA (1998) Initial exploration of pulsing EMFs for treatment of migraine. Headache Mar;38(3):208-213. Service of Orthopedic Surgery, Madigan Army Med Ctr, Tacoma, Wash. 98431, USA. In 2 studies, 23 patients with chronic migraine were exposed to PEMFs over the inner thigh. In an open study, 11 subjects kept a 2-wk headache log before and after 2-3 wk of exposure to PEMFs for 1 h/d, 5 d/wk. The number of headaches/wk decreased from 4.03 during the baseline period to 0.43 during the initial 2-wk follow-up period and to 0.14 during the extended follow-up which averaged 8.1 mo. In a double-blind study, 9 subjects kept a 3-wk log of headache activity and were randomly assigned to receive 2 wk of real or placebo PEMF exposures as described above. They were subsequently switched to 2 wk of the other mode, after which they kept a final 3-wk log. 3 additional subjects in the blind study inadvertently received half-power PEMF exposures. The 6 subjects exposed to the actual device first showed a change in headache activity from 3.32/wk to 0.58/wk. The 3 subjects exposed to only half the dose showed no change in headache activity. Large controlled studies should be performed to determine whether this intervention is actually effective. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 9563212, UI: 98224316
Shlygin VV, Arnautov LN, Maksimov GV (1993) [A possible mechanism for treating retinal dystrophy with an EMF - Article in Russian]. Biofizika May;38(3):507-510. A mathematical model is proposed to explain how electromagnetic treatment can restore vision in retinal dystrophy induced by pathology of receptive cells. Possible relationship between the treatment efficiency and dystrophy localization is shown. PMID: 8512960, UI: 93291210
Skripka VK (1981) [Results of the use of magnetic field in ophthalmology - Article in Russian]. Oftalmol Zh 36(6):321-325. PMID: 7312260, UI: 82081265
Steffensen B, Caffesse RG, Hanks CT, Avery JK, Wright N (1988) Clinical effects of electromagnetic stimulation as an adjunct to periodontal therapy. J Periodontol Jan;59(1):46-52. Dept of Periodontics, Univ of Michigan, School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor 49109. The clinical effects of EM stimulation (EMS) on periodontal soft tissues and alveolar bone level were studied among 23 patients. The sides of the arch to receive EMS were randomly selected and exposed for a period of 8 wk after periodontal surgery. The contralateral control sides received surgery only. The EM signal was a multiple pulse signal with 21 asymmetrical quasirectangular pulses/burst and a burst frequency of 16.9 Hz. The peak magnetic field strength reached 0.46 Gauss. Changes from baseline in clinical attachment level, probing depth, and radiographic alveolar bone level were assessed at 6, 12, and 18 mo postsurgically. A greater gain of clinical attachment level after EMS was seen only for pockets with initial depth of 1 to 3 mm. There were no consistent differences between test (EMS) and control sides in the change of clinical attachment level or probing depth for pockets deeper than 4 mm. Radiographically, the test sides showed statistically significant gain of alveolar bone level compared with the control sides at 6 mo after surgery. Hereafter, the rates of change were similar in the stimulated and unstimulated sides, and the total gain of alveolar bone level remained greater in the test side throughout the observation period. Within the limitations of this study, EM stimulation did not promote gains in clinical attachment or alveolar bone level to the extent that it can be recommended as an adjunct to conventional periodontal therapy. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 3422292, UI: 88118199
Sultanov MIu, Iskenderov GF, Tagi-zade NS, Seidbekov OS (1992) [Our experience with the complex treatment of phlegmon of the lacrimal sac - Article in Russian]. Vestn Oftalmol May;108(3):16-18. 89 patients with lacrimal sac phlegmons, 76 women and 13 men, aged 16 to 78, were given multiple-modality treatment, consisting in Group 1 (43 patients) of traditional methods, such as UHF therapy, antibiotics, sulfonamides, symptomatic therapy, dacryocystorhinostomy after complete cessation of inflammation, and in group 2 (46 patients) including sessions of intermittent magnetic field (IMF) exposure, antibiotics, and early dacryocystorhinostomy. Sparing technique was used in all operations, carried out under local anesthesia with 2% procaine or trimecaine. IMF exposure was an effective therapeutic means characterized by antiinflammatory, resolving, and analgesic effects. IMF sessions and early dacryocystorhinostomy enhance cessation of inflammation and improve the treatment efficacy: remote results of surgery were excellent in 80% of Group 1 patients and in 90.9% of Group 2 patients. IMF exposure halved the terms of medical and social rehabilitation of patients with lacrimal sac phlegmons. PMID: 1481321, UI: 93127383
Todorov N, Ignatova B, Stojanova O (1983) [Application of low-frequency impulse magnetic field and Phytodont in the treatment of patients with hemorrhagic periodontosis - Article in Bulgarian]. Stomatologiia (Sofiia) Nov;65(6):20-24. PMID: 6334380, UI: 85066632
Tsisel'skii IuV (1990) [The effect of a pulsed EMF on ocular hydrodynamics in open-angle glaucoma - Article in Russian]. Oftalmol Zh 2:89-92. The influence of PEMF on ocular hydrodynamics in open-angle glaucoma was studied in 150 patients (283 eyes) with latent, initial and advanced glaucoma using the method and the device of the Filatov Institute. Impulse frequency was 50 Hz, duration 0.02 s, pulse form rectangular, rate of pulse rise 4/10(-4) s, rate of magnetic induction rise 2/10(-4) mT/s, amplitude value of magnetic induction at the pulse level 8.0-8.5 mT. The procedure was for 7 m, for 10 sessions. PEMF improved ocular hydrodynamics in open-angle glaucoma. It raised aqueous outflow and production, and reduced the Becker's coefficient. Outflow was normalized in 25, 18 and 17% of cases at the latent stage, initial stage and advanced stage, respectively. PEMF is recommended as part of complex treatment of open-angle glaucoma. PMID: 2280950, UI: 91125806
Tsisel'skii IuV, Kashintseva LT, Skrinnik AV (1990) [The effect of a pulsed EMF on the hemodynamics of eyes with glaucoma - Article in Russian]. Oftalmol Zh 3:154-157. The influence of PEMF on ocular hydrodynamics in open-angle glaucoma was studied in 150 patients (283 eyes) with latent, initial and advanced glaucoma using the method and the device of the Filatov Institute. Impulse frequency was 50 Hz, duration 0.02 s, pulse form rectangular, rate of pulse rise 4/10(-4) s, rate of magnetic induction rise 2/10(-4) mT/s, amplitude value of magnetic induction at the pulse level 8.0-8.5 mT. The procedure was for 7 m, for 10 sessions. PEMF improved ocular hydrodynamics in open-angle glaucoma. Rheographic coefficient and relative volume pulse rose in 88 and 82%, respectively. The degree of the rise and restoration frequency of rheographic values of the glaucomatous eye under the influence of PEMF to the age norm was more obvious in latent and initial glaucoma. PMID: 2255478, UI: 91074480
Vainshtein ES, Zobina LV, Gurtovaia EE (1981) [Alternating magnetic field in the treatment of various eye diseases of vascular etiology - Article in Russian]. Oftalmol Zh 36(6):325-328. PMID: 7312261, UI: 82081266
Verzin AA, Kolesnikova LN (1981) [Changes in ocular hydrodynamic indices in exposure to a permanent magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Vestn Oftalmol Jan;1:13-15. PMID: 7222343, UI: 81178476
Zaikova MV, Gorkunov ES, Koshevoi VP, Perevoznikova PP, Venevtseva EN (1981) [Use of continuous magnetic field of magnetoelasts in ophthalmological practice - Article in Russian]. Oftalmol Zh 36(6):328-331. PMID: 7312262, UI: 82081267
Zaslavskii AIu, Markarov GS, Markarova IS, Loskutov IA, Gelis IuS, Tarutin NP (1996) [Ophthalmologic electromagnetic stimulator OFTEMAGS - Article in Russian]. Med Tekh Sep;5:43-45. They describe the design and specifications of an OFTEMAGS ophthalmological EM stimulator, its new therapeutic factor (the pulse low-frequency field combined with a static magnetic field). A procedure for treating eye diseases and recommendations how to use the therapeutic factor in ophthalmology are given. PMID: 8992189, UI: 97098985
6b. Ligaments, tendons
Binder A, Parr G, Hazleman B, Fitton-Jackson S (1984) Pulsed EMF therapy of persistent rotator cuff tendinitis: A double-blind controlled assessment. Lancet Mar 31;1(8379):695-698. The value of PEMF for the treatment of persistent rotator cuff tendinitis was tested in a double-blind controlled study in 29 patients whose symptoms were refractory to steroid injection and other conventional conservative measures. The treated group (15 patients) had a significant benefit compared with the control group (14 patients) during the first 4 wk of the study, when the control group received a placebo. In the second 4 wk, when all patients were on active coils, no significant differences were noted between the groups. This lack of difference persisted over the third phase, when neither group received any treatment for 8 wk. At the end of the study 19 (65%) of the 29 patients were symptomless and 5 others much improved. PEMF therapy may thus be useful in the treatment of severe and persistent rotator cuff and possibly other chronic tendon lesions. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 6143039, UI: 84166793
Chard MD, Hazleman BL (1988) Pulsed EMF treatment of chronic lateral humeral epicondylitis. Clin Exp Rheumatol Jul;6(3):330-332. Publication Types: Letter PMID: 3180555, UI: 89029346
Currier DP, Ray JM, Nyland J, Rooney JG, Noteboom JT, Kellogg R (1993) Effects of electrical and electromagnetic stimulation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther Apr;17(4):177-184. Division of Physical Therapy, Univ of Kentucky Med Ctr, Lexington 40536-0079. A need exists to develop new methods of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) that are both effective and relatively pain-free. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effects of both NMES and a new method of EM (NMES/PEMF) stimulation for reducing girth loss and for reducing pain and muscle weakness of the knee extensor muscles in patients during the first 6 wk after reconstructive surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). 17 patients receiving ACL reconstructive surgery participated as a control group (N=3), as an NMES group (N=7), and with combined NMES and magnetic field stimulation (NMES/PEMF) (N=7). Patients receiving NMES/PEMF rated each type of stimulation for perceived pain and were measured for their torque. Torque results revealed a mean decrease of 13.1% for NMES/PEMF patients. The mean% of thigh girth decreased 8.3% for controls, 0.5% for NMES, and 2.3% for NMES/PEMF patients. The NMES/PEMF patients rated NMES as causing about twice the pain intensity as NMES/PEMF during treatments. Both NMES and NMES/PEMF were effective in reducing girth loss and that NMES/PEMF was less painful than NMES alone in treating patients after ACL reconstruction. PMID: 8467342, UI: 93222888
Devereaux MD, Hazleman BL, Thomas PP (1985) Chronic lateral humeral epicondylitis: a double-blind controlled assessment of pulsed EMF therapy. Clin Exp Rheumatol Oct;3(4):333-336. PEMFs are beneficial in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinitis. As lateral humeral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a similar chronic tendon lesion, 30 patients with both clinical and thermographic evidence of tennis elbow were randomly allocated to receive either active or inactive PEMF therapy. Treatment was continued for a minimum period of 8 wk. At this time there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 4085165, UI: 86106969
Lin Y, Nishimura R, Nozaki K, Sasaki N, Kadosawa T, Goto N, Date M, Takeuchi A (1992) Effects of pulsing EMFs on the ligament healing in rabbits. J Vet Med Sci Oct;54(5):1017-1022. Dept of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Agriculture, Univ of Tokyo, Japan. Effects of PEMFs on ligament healing were investigated using 80 rabbits. All animals received square resection (4 x 4 mm) of both patellar ligaments in full thickness at their center. They were divided into 4 groups of 20 rabbits each and stimulated with different EM intensity of 0 (control), 2, 10, and 50 Gauss (G) for 6 hr daily. Pulse frequency and pulse width were 10 Hz and 25 us, respectively. After PEMF stimulations for 1, 2, 3 and 4 wk, 5 animals of each group were euthanized. The regenerated tissue at the lesion was studied histologically and biomechanically. PEMF-stimulated tissue showed an earlier increase in capillaries and fibroblasts and more matured, prominent longitudinal orientation of collagen fibers than those of control groups. Among the rabbits given EM stimulation, those stimulated at 50 G revealed the earliest ligament healing. Tensile strength of regenerated ligament tissues of any PEMFs groups increased significantly at 1 and 2 wk after operation, however, at 3 and 4 wk after operation, there were no significant differences between groups. Among these values, those of 50 G group were the highest consistently during most of the experimental period. PEMFs enhanced the earlier stage of ligament healings and 50 G seemed to be the most effective among the 3 field intensities used. This promoting effect may potentiate the earlier recovery of the function after the ligament injury. PMID: 1420550, UI: 93042251
Watkins JP, Auer JA, Morgan SJ, Gay S (1985) Healing of surgically created defects in the equine superficial digital flexor tendon: effects of pulsing EMF therapy on collagen-type transformation and tissue morphologic reorganization. Am J Vet Res Oct;46(10):2097-2103. The effect of PEMF therapy on the healing of surgically created defects in equine superficial digital flexor tendons was evaluated. Defects were created in both front superficial digital flexor tendons of 20 horses. The defect in 1 limb was exposed to a PEMF for 2 h daily. The other limb served as a control. Histologic and immunofluorescent evaluations were done in horse killed at postsurgical wk 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24. Therapy with the PEMF significantly (p<.05) delayed the maturation of the tissue formed within the defect at postsurgical wk 8 and 12, as determined by histologic examination. The collagen-type transformation was also delayed by the PEMF therapy, but to a degree that was not significant. PMID: 4062013, UI: 86048823
Chelidze LN, Zhgenti TG, Devdariani ES, Nishnianidze KA, Khomeriki RV (1980) [Use of an EMF for treating parodontosis - Article in Russian]. Stomatologiia (Mosk) Mar;59(2):91-92. PMID: 6929615, UI: 80192688
Fischer G, Sametz W, Juan H (1987) [Effect of an alternating magnetic field on the development of carrageenan paw edema in the rat - Article in German]. Med Klin Aug 21;82(17):566-570. PMID: 3657730, UI: 88013665
Kal'met'ev GG, Ivanova TS, Kiiko IuI (1978) [Experimental corneal wound healing under the effect of continuous magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Vestn Oftalmol May;3:34-37. PMID: 685020, UI: 78251781
Mix E, Jenssen HL, Lehmitz R, Lakner K, Hitzschke B, Richter M, Heydenreich A (1990) [Effect of pulsating EMF therapy on cell volume and phagocytosis activity in multiple sclerosis and migraine - Article in German]. Psychiatr Neurol Med Psychol (Leipz) Aug;42(8):457-466. Neurologische Abteilung, Universitat Rostock. PEMF treatment was studied in 10 patients with multiple sclerosis and 10 patients with migraine. In both patients' groups a single treatment induced a significant rise of yeast particle uptake by blood granulocytes. The % of phagocytizing cells was increased in migraine patients only. In both groups 20 PEMF treatments caused a reduction of particle uptake, whereas the % of phagocytizing cells remained unchanged. In migraine patients the opsonic capacity of serum and the mean cell volume of erythrocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes were initially reduced, but increased during the course of 20 PEMF treatments. The biphasic changes of cell volume and phagocytic activity are interpreted as a result of counter-regulation of the organism in response to the primary PEMF effect. PMID: 2247525, UI: 91062477
Mizushima Y, Akaoka I, Nishida Y (1975) Effects of magnetic field on inflammation. Experientia Dec 15;31(12):1411-1412. The effects of a 50 Hz magnetic field on experimentally-induced inflammation in rats were studied. Carrageenan edema was inhibited significantly by exposure to magnetic field for 3 h. Adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats was also suppressed by the magnetic field. PMID: 1213056, UI: 76118038
Ozinkovskii VV (1980) [Use of a low-frequency pulsing EMF in treating inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs - Article in Russian]. Zh Ushn Nos Gorl Bolezn May;3:51-53. PMID: 7385978, UI: 80216160
Sherman RA, Robson L, Marden LA (1998) Initial exploration of pulsing EMFs for treatment of migraine. Headache Mar;38(3):208-213. Service of Orthopedic Surgery, Madigan Army Med Ctr, Tacoma, Wash. 98431, USA. In 2 studies, 23 patients with chronic migraine were exposed to PEMFs over the inner thigh. In an open study, 11 subjects kept a 2-wk headache log before and after 2-3 wk of exposure to PEMFs for 1 h/d, 5 d/wk. The number of headaches/wk decreased from 4.03 during the baseline period to 0.43 during the initial 2-wk follow-up period and to 0.14 during the extended follow-up which averaged 8.1 mo. In a double-blind study, 9 subjects kept a 3-wk log of headache activity and were randomly assigned to receive 2 wk of real or placebo PEMF exposures as described above. They were subsequently switched to 2 wk of the other mode, after which they kept a final 3-wk log. 3 additional subjects in the blind study inadvertently received half-power PEMF exposures. The 6 subjects exposed to the actual device first showed a change in headache activity from 3.32/wk to 0.58/wk. The 3 subjects exposed to only half the dose showed no change in headache activity. Large controlled studies should be performed to determine whether this intervention is actually effective. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 9563212, UI: 98224316
Shlygin VV, Arnautov LN, Maksimov GV (1993) [A possible mechanism for treating retinal dystrophy with an EMF - Article in Russian]. Biofizika May;38(3):507-510. A mathematical model is proposed to explain how electromagnetic treatment can restore vision in retinal dystrophy induced by pathology of receptive cells. Possible relationship between the treatment efficiency and dystrophy localization is shown. PMID: 8512960, UI: 93291210
Skripka VK (1981) [Results of the use of magnetic field in ophthalmology - Article in Russian]. Oftalmol Zh 36(6):321-325. PMID: 7312260, UI: 82081265
Steffensen B, Caffesse RG, Hanks CT, Avery JK, Wright N (1988) Clinical effects of electromagnetic stimulation as an adjunct to periodontal therapy. J Periodontol Jan;59(1):46-52. Dept of Periodontics, Univ of Michigan, School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor 49109. The clinical effects of EM stimulation (EMS) on periodontal soft tissues and alveolar bone level were studied among 23 patients. The sides of the arch to receive EMS were randomly selected and exposed for a period of 8 wk after periodontal surgery. The contralateral control sides received surgery only. The EM signal was a multiple pulse signal with 21 asymmetrical quasirectangular pulses/burst and a burst frequency of 16.9 Hz. The peak magnetic field strength reached 0.46 Gauss. Changes from baseline in clinical attachment level, probing depth, and radiographic alveolar bone level were assessed at 6, 12, and 18 mo postsurgically. A greater gain of clinical attachment level after EMS was seen only for pockets with initial depth of 1 to 3 mm. There were no consistent differences between test (EMS) and control sides in the change of clinical attachment level or probing depth for pockets deeper than 4 mm. Radiographically, the test sides showed statistically significant gain of alveolar bone level compared with the control sides at 6 mo after surgery. Hereafter, the rates of change were similar in the stimulated and unstimulated sides, and the total gain of alveolar bone level remained greater in the test side throughout the observation period. Within the limitations of this study, EM stimulation did not promote gains in clinical attachment or alveolar bone level to the extent that it can be recommended as an adjunct to conventional periodontal therapy. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 3422292, UI: 88118199
Sultanov MIu, Iskenderov GF, Tagi-zade NS, Seidbekov OS (1992) [Our experience with the complex treatment of phlegmon of the lacrimal sac - Article in Russian]. Vestn Oftalmol May;108(3):16-18. 89 patients with lacrimal sac phlegmons, 76 women and 13 men, aged 16 to 78, were given multiple-modality treatment, consisting in Group 1 (43 patients) of traditional methods, such as UHF therapy, antibiotics, sulfonamides, symptomatic therapy, dacryocystorhinostomy after complete cessation of inflammation, and in group 2 (46 patients) including sessions of intermittent magnetic field (IMF) exposure, antibiotics, and early dacryocystorhinostomy. Sparing technique was used in all operations, carried out under local anesthesia with 2% procaine or trimecaine. IMF exposure was an effective therapeutic means characterized by antiinflammatory, resolving, and analgesic effects. IMF sessions and early dacryocystorhinostomy enhance cessation of inflammation and improve the treatment efficacy: remote results of surgery were excellent in 80% of Group 1 patients and in 90.9% of Group 2 patients. IMF exposure halved the terms of medical and social rehabilitation of patients with lacrimal sac phlegmons. PMID: 1481321, UI: 93127383
Todorov N, Ignatova B, Stojanova O (1983) [Application of low-frequency impulse magnetic field and Phytodont in the treatment of patients with hemorrhagic periodontosis - Article in Bulgarian]. Stomatologiia (Sofiia) Nov;65(6):20-24. PMID: 6334380, UI: 85066632
Tsisel'skii IuV (1990) [The effect of a pulsed EMF on ocular hydrodynamics in open-angle glaucoma - Article in Russian]. Oftalmol Zh 2:89-92. The influence of PEMF on ocular hydrodynamics in open-angle glaucoma was studied in 150 patients (283 eyes) with latent, initial and advanced glaucoma using the method and the device of the Filatov Institute. Impulse frequency was 50 Hz, duration 0.02 s, pulse form rectangular, rate of pulse rise 4/10(-4) s, rate of magnetic induction rise 2/10(-4) mT/s, amplitude value of magnetic induction at the pulse level 8.0-8.5 mT. The procedure was for 7 m, for 10 sessions. PEMF improved ocular hydrodynamics in open-angle glaucoma. It raised aqueous outflow and production, and reduced the Becker's coefficient. Outflow was normalized in 25, 18 and 17% of cases at the latent stage, initial stage and advanced stage, respectively. PEMF is recommended as part of complex treatment of open-angle glaucoma. PMID: 2280950, UI: 91125806
Tsisel'skii IuV, Kashintseva LT, Skrinnik AV (1990) [The effect of a pulsed EMF on the hemodynamics of eyes with glaucoma - Article in Russian]. Oftalmol Zh 3:154-157. The influence of PEMF on ocular hydrodynamics in open-angle glaucoma was studied in 150 patients (283 eyes) with latent, initial and advanced glaucoma using the method and the device of the Filatov Institute. Impulse frequency was 50 Hz, duration 0.02 s, pulse form rectangular, rate of pulse rise 4/10(-4) s, rate of magnetic induction rise 2/10(-4) mT/s, amplitude value of magnetic induction at the pulse level 8.0-8.5 mT. The procedure was for 7 m, for 10 sessions. PEMF improved ocular hydrodynamics in open-angle glaucoma. Rheographic coefficient and relative volume pulse rose in 88 and 82%, respectively. The degree of the rise and restoration frequency of rheographic values of the glaucomatous eye under the influence of PEMF to the age norm was more obvious in latent and initial glaucoma. PMID: 2255478, UI: 91074480
Vainshtein ES, Zobina LV, Gurtovaia EE (1981) [Alternating magnetic field in the treatment of various eye diseases of vascular etiology - Article in Russian]. Oftalmol Zh 36(6):325-328. PMID: 7312261, UI: 82081266
Verzin AA, Kolesnikova LN (1981) [Changes in ocular hydrodynamic indices in exposure to a permanent magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Vestn Oftalmol Jan;1:13-15. PMID: 7222343, UI: 81178476
Zaikova MV, Gorkunov ES, Koshevoi VP, Perevoznikova PP, Venevtseva EN (1981) [Use of continuous magnetic field of magnetoelasts in ophthalmological practice - Article in Russian]. Oftalmol Zh 36(6):328-331. PMID: 7312262, UI: 82081267
Zaslavskii AIu, Markarov GS, Markarova IS, Loskutov IA, Gelis IuS, Tarutin NP (1996) [Ophthalmologic electromagnetic stimulator OFTEMAGS - Article in Russian]. Med Tekh Sep;5:43-45. They describe the design and specifications of an OFTEMAGS ophthalmological EM stimulator, its new therapeutic factor (the pulse low-frequency field combined with a static magnetic field). A procedure for treating eye diseases and recommendations how to use the therapeutic factor in ophthalmology are given. PMID: 8992189, UI: 97098985
6b. Ligaments, tendons
Binder A, Parr G, Hazleman B, Fitton-Jackson S (1984) Pulsed EMF therapy of persistent rotator cuff tendinitis: A double-blind controlled assessment. Lancet Mar 31;1(8379):695-698. The value of PEMF for the treatment of persistent rotator cuff tendinitis was tested in a double-blind controlled study in 29 patients whose symptoms were refractory to steroid injection and other conventional conservative measures. The treated group (15 patients) had a significant benefit compared with the control group (14 patients) during the first 4 wk of the study, when the control group received a placebo. In the second 4 wk, when all patients were on active coils, no significant differences were noted between the groups. This lack of difference persisted over the third phase, when neither group received any treatment for 8 wk. At the end of the study 19 (65%) of the 29 patients were symptomless and 5 others much improved. PEMF therapy may thus be useful in the treatment of severe and persistent rotator cuff and possibly other chronic tendon lesions. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 6143039, UI: 84166793
Chard MD, Hazleman BL (1988) Pulsed EMF treatment of chronic lateral humeral epicondylitis. Clin Exp Rheumatol Jul;6(3):330-332. Publication Types: Letter PMID: 3180555, UI: 89029346
Currier DP, Ray JM, Nyland J, Rooney JG, Noteboom JT, Kellogg R (1993) Effects of electrical and electromagnetic stimulation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther Apr;17(4):177-184. Division of Physical Therapy, Univ of Kentucky Med Ctr, Lexington 40536-0079. A need exists to develop new methods of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) that are both effective and relatively pain-free. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effects of both NMES and a new method of EM (NMES/PEMF) stimulation for reducing girth loss and for reducing pain and muscle weakness of the knee extensor muscles in patients during the first 6 wk after reconstructive surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). 17 patients receiving ACL reconstructive surgery participated as a control group (N=3), as an NMES group (N=7), and with combined NMES and magnetic field stimulation (NMES/PEMF) (N=7). Patients receiving NMES/PEMF rated each type of stimulation for perceived pain and were measured for their torque. Torque results revealed a mean decrease of 13.1% for NMES/PEMF patients. The mean% of thigh girth decreased 8.3% for controls, 0.5% for NMES, and 2.3% for NMES/PEMF patients. The NMES/PEMF patients rated NMES as causing about twice the pain intensity as NMES/PEMF during treatments. Both NMES and NMES/PEMF were effective in reducing girth loss and that NMES/PEMF was less painful than NMES alone in treating patients after ACL reconstruction. PMID: 8467342, UI: 93222888
Devereaux MD, Hazleman BL, Thomas PP (1985) Chronic lateral humeral epicondylitis: a double-blind controlled assessment of pulsed EMF therapy. Clin Exp Rheumatol Oct;3(4):333-336. PEMFs are beneficial in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinitis. As lateral humeral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a similar chronic tendon lesion, 30 patients with both clinical and thermographic evidence of tennis elbow were randomly allocated to receive either active or inactive PEMF therapy. Treatment was continued for a minimum period of 8 wk. At this time there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Publication Types: Clinical trial Randomized controlled trial PMID: 4085165, UI: 86106969
Lin Y, Nishimura R, Nozaki K, Sasaki N, Kadosawa T, Goto N, Date M, Takeuchi A (1992) Effects of pulsing EMFs on the ligament healing in rabbits. J Vet Med Sci Oct;54(5):1017-1022. Dept of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Agriculture, Univ of Tokyo, Japan. Effects of PEMFs on ligament healing were investigated using 80 rabbits. All animals received square resection (4 x 4 mm) of both patellar ligaments in full thickness at their center. They were divided into 4 groups of 20 rabbits each and stimulated with different EM intensity of 0 (control), 2, 10, and 50 Gauss (G) for 6 hr daily. Pulse frequency and pulse width were 10 Hz and 25 us, respectively. After PEMF stimulations for 1, 2, 3 and 4 wk, 5 animals of each group were euthanized. The regenerated tissue at the lesion was studied histologically and biomechanically. PEMF-stimulated tissue showed an earlier increase in capillaries and fibroblasts and more matured, prominent longitudinal orientation of collagen fibers than those of control groups. Among the rabbits given EM stimulation, those stimulated at 50 G revealed the earliest ligament healing. Tensile strength of regenerated ligament tissues of any PEMFs groups increased significantly at 1 and 2 wk after operation, however, at 3 and 4 wk after operation, there were no significant differences between groups. Among these values, those of 50 G group were the highest consistently during most of the experimental period. PEMFs enhanced the earlier stage of ligament healings and 50 G seemed to be the most effective among the 3 field intensities used. This promoting effect may potentiate the earlier recovery of the function after the ligament injury. PMID: 1420550, UI: 93042251
Watkins JP, Auer JA, Morgan SJ, Gay S (1985) Healing of surgically created defects in the equine superficial digital flexor tendon: effects of pulsing EMF therapy on collagen-type transformation and tissue morphologic reorganization. Am J Vet Res Oct;46(10):2097-2103. The effect of PEMF therapy on the healing of surgically created defects in equine superficial digital flexor tendons was evaluated. Defects were created in both front superficial digital flexor tendons of 20 horses. The defect in 1 limb was exposed to a PEMF for 2 h daily. The other limb served as a control. Histologic and immunofluorescent evaluations were done in horse killed at postsurgical wk 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24. Therapy with the PEMF significantly (p<.05) delayed the maturation of the tissue formed within the defect at postsurgical wk 8 and 12, as determined by histologic examination. The collagen-type transformation was also delayed by the PEMF therapy, but to a degree that was not significant. PMID: 4062013, UI: 86048823
7. Cancer, oncology; Immunity and Protection against Radioactivity; Liver, Gallbladder
7a. Cancer, oncology
Bakhmutskii NG, Golubtsov VI, Pyleva TA, Sinitskii DA, Frolov VE (1991) [A case of successful treatment of a patient with breast cancer using rotational EMF - Article in Russian]. Sov Med 8:86-87. PMID: 1763376, UI: 92108485
Bellossi A (1986) The effect of a static non-uniform magnetic field on mice: A study of Lewis tumour graft. Radiat Environ Biophys 25(3):231-234. PMID: 3797631, UI: 87092947
Bellossi A, Desplaces A (1991) Effect of a 9 mT pulsed magnetic field on C3H/Bi female mice with mammary carcinoma: A comparison between the 12 Hz and the 460 Hz frequencies. In Vivo Jan;5(1):39-40. Laboratoire de Biophysique, Faculte de Medecine, Rennes, France. In a previous experiment, the exposure of tumoral C3H/Bi female mice to a 9 mT, 460 Hz pulsed magnetic field led to an increase in the length of survival in the late period of the disease; this might be due to a hampered metastatic process. In the present study 27 controls and 52 exposed mice were treated with the same protocol (a 10-m exposure, 3 non-consecutive d/wk, from 2-3 wk after the tumors appeared until death) but with a 12 Hz PMF. In this experiment the 12 Hz PMF seemed to increase length of survival times in the early period of the disease. PMID: 1932623, UI: 92032693
Heller R, Jaroszeski M, Perrott R, Messina J, Gilbert R (1997) Effective treatment of B16 melanoma by direct delivery of bleomycin using electrochemotherapy. Melanoma Res Feb;7(1):10-18. Dept of Pathology, Univ of South Florida, Tampa 33612-4799, USA. [email protected] Electrochemotherapy (ECT), chemotherapy given in combination with electric fields, has the potential to be an effective localized treatment for cutaneous malignancies. Bleomycin's cytotoxicity was enhanced by exposing tumour cells to electrical fields after iv injection of the chemotherapeutic agent. Two issues associated with this procedure are the existence of a narrow but optimal time-window for effective treatment and the fact that a systemic drug dose is given for a localized therapy. In order to address these issues, a study was initiated to examine the effectiveness of bleomycin by intratumoural injection. A dose-response relationship for intratumoural injection was determined. Also, the minimal effective field strength necessary for ECT was established. ECT-treatment drastically reduced tumour volume. Also, ECT-treated groups had increased survival over control groups. The minimum effective dose for the ECT intratumour bleomycin group was 0.025 units. The minimum effective field strength was found to be 1250 V/cm. Intratumoural injection of bleomycin in combination with electric pulses was effective, and this information will be used to initiate clinical trials. PMID: 9067960, UI: 97220798
Iur'ev VN, Krasnogorskaia NV (1980) [Effect of fluctuating EMFs on the processes of growth and blastomogenesis - Article in Russian]. Biull Eksp Biol Med Nov;90(11):602-605. Rats were exposed to low-frequency EMF, adequate to the natural background, with Gaussian energy distribution, spectrum width 15 kHz, and field intensity 5 V/cm. Electric fluctuations had an inhibitory action on the normal growth of the animals and on blastoma development. This action reached maximum with the greatest build-up gradient. As the frequency band of the field of action increased, the inhibitory effect declined. PMID: 7004528, UI: 81087329
Lopatin VF, Dedenkov AN (1979) [Effect of UHF frequency on the growth of sarcoma 180 - Article in Russian]. Vopr Onkol 25(8):75-77. Studies on mice sarcoma 180 transplanted sc showed that the UHF-field of non-thermogenic intensity in multiple (5-10 fold) total irradiation inhibits the tumor growth (T=60%) and produces a 1.5 times increase of an average survival in tumor-bearing animals. There may be a direct relationship between the increased antiblastic function of the body and a stimulating effect of the UHF-field on the immune response in animals. PMID: 483705, UI: 80015878
Nordenstrom BE (1994) Electrostatic field interference with cellular and tissue function, leading to dissolution of metastases that enhances the effect of chemotherapy. Eur J Surg Suppl 574:121-135. Dept of Diagnostic Radiology, Karolinska Institute and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 7531014, UI: 95143556
Pasquinelli P, Petrini M, Mattii L, Galimberti S, Saviozzi M, Malvaldi G (1993) Biological effects of PEMF (pulsing EMF): an attempt to modify cell resistance to anticancer agents. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol Oct;12(4):193-197. CRESAM, Pisa, Italy. PEMF effects modify the multidrug resistance (MDR) of cells in vitro and in vivo. The murine leukemic doxorubicin-resistant cell line, P388/Dx, subjected to PEMF irradiation in vitro, showed a significant difference in thymidine incorporation when the concentration of doxorubicin reached a level of 1 ug/mL, which corresponds to the inhibition dose 50 (ID50). The human lymphoblastic leukemia vinblastine-resistant cell line, CEM/VLB100, also showed a significant modification under the same experimental conditions at the in vitro ID50 corresponding to a vinblastine concentration of 100 ng/mL. BDF1 mice transplanted with P388/Dx cells also lived longer when doxorubicin was injected ip in fractionated doses, while being subjected to PEMF irradiation. PMID: 8189374, UI: 94246562
Salvatore JR, Blackinton D, Polk C, Mehta S (1994) Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation: a study of carcinogenic and cancer treatment potential. Rev Environ Health Jul;10(3-4):197-207. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Roger Williams Cancer Ctr, Providence, RI, USA. Non-ionizing EM radiation (NIEMR), particularly the magnetic field component, has been implicated in the development of human neoplasia. Research suggests that if these fields are part of the carcinogenic pathway, they may act to promote or progress established cancer. Active progression of cancer cells by NIEMR negate the possible early detection of clinically silent neoplasms. A low-frequency non-ionizing magnetic field did not stimulate growth of an established breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7. The same magnetic field has been used as an adjuvant to anti-neoplastic chemotherapeutic agents. A low frequency magnetic field increased neoplastic cell kill by antineoplastic chemotherapy. Non-ionizing EM radiation may be involved in carcinogenesis but the answer to this question awaits further studies. We are exploring new methods of cancer treatment using non-ionizing EM radiation. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 7724878, UI: 95241838
Xin YL, Liu D (1994) Electrostatic therapy (EST) of lung cancer and pulmonary metastasis: report of 15 cases. Eur J Surg Suppl 574:91-92. Dept of Thoracic Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing. 15 patients with primary lung cancer or pulmonary metastases were treated with electrostatic therapy (EST). The patients were treated with either low voltage (200-1200 V), high voltage (500-2500 V), or high voltage together with high magnetic field. At 6 mo after EST, tumour regression occurred in 2 cases, relief of symptoms, but no change in tumour size, in 5 cases, and no effect of EST in 9 patients. No marked effect of EST for treatment of cancer was seen. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 7531032, UI: 95143574
7b. Immunity; Protection against Radioactivity
Prokopenko LG, Siplivaia LE (1992) [The immunomodulating properties of erythrocytes induced by physical factors - Article in Russian]. Nauchnye Doki Vyss Shkoly Biol Nauki 9:70-78. The action of ultraviolet rays (UVR) or magnetic field (MF) on the erythrocytes of intact Wistar rats by weight 140-170 g stimulated an immune response in sheep's T-dependent antigen-erythrocytes and on bull serum albumin in allogenic transference. The most expressed immune stimulated effect was induced by the heavy erythrocytes, which were effected by magnetic field. Warming and vibration did not induce the immunomodulating characteristics in erythrocytes. By spleen cells sticking to glass, the modified UVR and MF, the heavy erythrocytes induced factors (differentiated in mass), which stimulated the development of immune response to T-dependent antigens of sheep's erythrocytes and of bull serum albumin. These factors depress the function of antigen-specific T-suppressors and induce the immune-suppressive characteristics in light erythrocytes. PMID: 1302530, UI: 93257535
Shishlo MA, Nikulina LA, Kirichenko NB (1984) [Effect of a low-frequency alternating magnetic field on the course of pyrogenal-induced fever - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Sep;5:54-55. PMID: 6506567, UI: 85067550
Stashkov AM (1998) [Radioprotective effect of weak ultra-low frequency alternating magnetic field in adrenalectomized mice - Article in Russian]. Radiats Biol Radioecol Jan;38(1):110-115. Simferopol State Univ, Krym, Ukraine. PMID: 9606412, UI: 98269257
Stashkov AM, Gorokhov IE (1998) [Modification of radiosensitivity of mice by combination of alternating magnetic field and fractionated irradiation with small daily doses over many days - Article in Russian]. Radiats Biol Radioecol Jan;38(1):116-120. Simferopol State Univ, Krym, Ukraine. Everyday before radiation combination of weak magnetic field and fractioned radioactive irradiation in dose of 0.5 Gy up to total doses of 6.0-8.0 Gy increased surviving of mice by 34-53% and prolonged the life-time by 50%. It also decreased the rate of accumulation of damaged systems, extended average time of death and the value of dose changing factor, and reduced the gradient of damaged systems. PMID: 9606413, UI: 98269258
7c. Liver and gallbladder
Grigorian EG, Asatrian AB, Martirosian ES, Sarkisian RA, Voskanian MR, Malerian DS, Kazarian NK (1990) [Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of alternating low-frequency magnetic field in chronic cholecystitis - Article in Russian]. Sov Med 7:72-74. PMID: 2251570, UI: 91068093
Filimonov RM, Spakhov KV, Ruzova TK, Kontareva MI, Olenev NV, Zaniko OO (1996) [The action of an ultrahigh-frequency EMF (460 MHz) in patients with a history of viral hepatitis in the early convalescence period - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Sep;5:18-19. PMID: 9036658, UI: 97141053
Filimonov RM, Spakhov KV, Ruzova TK (1997) [The rehabilitation of patients with a history of viral hepatitis using UHF therapy (460 MHz) - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Nov;6:26-28. In early convalescence after viral hepatitis C the liver region of the patients was exposed to the decimetric waves to prevent transformation of the acute disease into a chronic one. A total of 45 relevant patients were exposed to EMF of ultrahigh frequency (460 MHz). A positive effect on the disease course and liver function was noted. PMID: 9484027, UI: 98145021
Kents VV, Mavrodii VM (1995) [Decimeter-wave physiotherapy in viral hepatitis - Article in Russian]. Lik Sprava Sep;9-12:140-144. Effectiveness was evaluated of magnetotherapy, inductothermy, UNF electric field and EM waves of decimetric wave band (460 MHz) on the projection of the liver, adrenals and thyroid gland in controlled trials enrolling a total of 835 patients with viral hepatitis (type A, B, associated forms). Optimum effectiveness of decimetric field on the projection of the adrenals and thyroid gland can be achieved through the application of minimum power and everyday alternation of exposures. As many as 69% of the patients derive benefit from the above treatment. PMID: 8983757, UI: 96378155
Mikaelian NP, Stupin IV, Il'ina EI (1990) [Correction of metabolic disorders by magnetic-laser irradiation - Article in Russian]. Khirurgiia (Mosk) Oct;10:86-89. Effects of magnetic-laser irradiation on some metabolic changes was studied in a model of hepatic insufficiency caused by obstructive jaundice in a series of 5 trials in Wistar rats (200-250 g). The laser used semiconductors, emitting in the infrared range at 800-900 nm; it also had with a static magnetic field. The region of the liver was irradiated through an intact epilated skin. Intensification of LPO processes and diminution of antioxidant defence which leads, in turn, to reduction of the insulin-receptor interrelations and sharp decrease of hepatic cell metabolism, play a definite role in the pathogenesis of hepatic insufficiency. PMID: 2283760, UI: 91132850
Shimanko II, Limarev VM (1993) [The magneto-laser effect on liver functions in the complex treatment of hepatorenal failure - Article in Russian]. Anesteziol Reanimatol Sep;5:49-51. Complex therapy of acute hepatorenal failure included magnetic field and laser applied to hepatic area and blood extracorporeally. In 26 patients magnetic field and laser were applied to the hepatic area. When compared to a control group of 30 patients a more prompt decrease in blood bilirubin was noted, alongside with a drop in blood fibrinogen, which enhanced a threat of profuse bleeding. There was no decrease in blood fibrinogen or an accelerated drop in bilirubin during extracorporeal application of the technique in 23 patients, as compared to a control group of 20 patients. As the technique has different effects on the liver it should be used with care and only when clinically indicated in patients with acute hepatorenal failure. PMID: 8116903, UI: 94161314
Temur'iants NA, Evstaf'eva EV, Makeev VB (1985) [Correction of lipid metabolism in rats with limited mobility by an alternating magnetic field of infra-low frequency - Article in Russian]. Biofizika Mar;30(2):313-316. The effect of changing magnetic field at the frequency of 8 Hz and intensity at 4.1 A/M on rats lipid metabolism state in the exposition of continuous hypokinesia was investigated. It was found that changing magnetic field of such parameters greatly restricted the development of hyperlipidemia of rats with a low level of mobile activity. PMID: 3986233, UI: 85175202
Bakhmutskii NG, Golubtsov VI, Pyleva TA, Sinitskii DA, Frolov VE (1991) [A case of successful treatment of a patient with breast cancer using rotational EMF - Article in Russian]. Sov Med 8:86-87. PMID: 1763376, UI: 92108485
Bellossi A (1986) The effect of a static non-uniform magnetic field on mice: A study of Lewis tumour graft. Radiat Environ Biophys 25(3):231-234. PMID: 3797631, UI: 87092947
Bellossi A, Desplaces A (1991) Effect of a 9 mT pulsed magnetic field on C3H/Bi female mice with mammary carcinoma: A comparison between the 12 Hz and the 460 Hz frequencies. In Vivo Jan;5(1):39-40. Laboratoire de Biophysique, Faculte de Medecine, Rennes, France. In a previous experiment, the exposure of tumoral C3H/Bi female mice to a 9 mT, 460 Hz pulsed magnetic field led to an increase in the length of survival in the late period of the disease; this might be due to a hampered metastatic process. In the present study 27 controls and 52 exposed mice were treated with the same protocol (a 10-m exposure, 3 non-consecutive d/wk, from 2-3 wk after the tumors appeared until death) but with a 12 Hz PMF. In this experiment the 12 Hz PMF seemed to increase length of survival times in the early period of the disease. PMID: 1932623, UI: 92032693
Heller R, Jaroszeski M, Perrott R, Messina J, Gilbert R (1997) Effective treatment of B16 melanoma by direct delivery of bleomycin using electrochemotherapy. Melanoma Res Feb;7(1):10-18. Dept of Pathology, Univ of South Florida, Tampa 33612-4799, USA. [email protected] Electrochemotherapy (ECT), chemotherapy given in combination with electric fields, has the potential to be an effective localized treatment for cutaneous malignancies. Bleomycin's cytotoxicity was enhanced by exposing tumour cells to electrical fields after iv injection of the chemotherapeutic agent. Two issues associated with this procedure are the existence of a narrow but optimal time-window for effective treatment and the fact that a systemic drug dose is given for a localized therapy. In order to address these issues, a study was initiated to examine the effectiveness of bleomycin by intratumoural injection. A dose-response relationship for intratumoural injection was determined. Also, the minimal effective field strength necessary for ECT was established. ECT-treatment drastically reduced tumour volume. Also, ECT-treated groups had increased survival over control groups. The minimum effective dose for the ECT intratumour bleomycin group was 0.025 units. The minimum effective field strength was found to be 1250 V/cm. Intratumoural injection of bleomycin in combination with electric pulses was effective, and this information will be used to initiate clinical trials. PMID: 9067960, UI: 97220798
Iur'ev VN, Krasnogorskaia NV (1980) [Effect of fluctuating EMFs on the processes of growth and blastomogenesis - Article in Russian]. Biull Eksp Biol Med Nov;90(11):602-605. Rats were exposed to low-frequency EMF, adequate to the natural background, with Gaussian energy distribution, spectrum width 15 kHz, and field intensity 5 V/cm. Electric fluctuations had an inhibitory action on the normal growth of the animals and on blastoma development. This action reached maximum with the greatest build-up gradient. As the frequency band of the field of action increased, the inhibitory effect declined. PMID: 7004528, UI: 81087329
Lopatin VF, Dedenkov AN (1979) [Effect of UHF frequency on the growth of sarcoma 180 - Article in Russian]. Vopr Onkol 25(8):75-77. Studies on mice sarcoma 180 transplanted sc showed that the UHF-field of non-thermogenic intensity in multiple (5-10 fold) total irradiation inhibits the tumor growth (T=60%) and produces a 1.5 times increase of an average survival in tumor-bearing animals. There may be a direct relationship between the increased antiblastic function of the body and a stimulating effect of the UHF-field on the immune response in animals. PMID: 483705, UI: 80015878
Nordenstrom BE (1994) Electrostatic field interference with cellular and tissue function, leading to dissolution of metastases that enhances the effect of chemotherapy. Eur J Surg Suppl 574:121-135. Dept of Diagnostic Radiology, Karolinska Institute and Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 7531014, UI: 95143556
Pasquinelli P, Petrini M, Mattii L, Galimberti S, Saviozzi M, Malvaldi G (1993) Biological effects of PEMF (pulsing EMF): an attempt to modify cell resistance to anticancer agents. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol Oct;12(4):193-197. CRESAM, Pisa, Italy. PEMF effects modify the multidrug resistance (MDR) of cells in vitro and in vivo. The murine leukemic doxorubicin-resistant cell line, P388/Dx, subjected to PEMF irradiation in vitro, showed a significant difference in thymidine incorporation when the concentration of doxorubicin reached a level of 1 ug/mL, which corresponds to the inhibition dose 50 (ID50). The human lymphoblastic leukemia vinblastine-resistant cell line, CEM/VLB100, also showed a significant modification under the same experimental conditions at the in vitro ID50 corresponding to a vinblastine concentration of 100 ng/mL. BDF1 mice transplanted with P388/Dx cells also lived longer when doxorubicin was injected ip in fractionated doses, while being subjected to PEMF irradiation. PMID: 8189374, UI: 94246562
Salvatore JR, Blackinton D, Polk C, Mehta S (1994) Non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation: a study of carcinogenic and cancer treatment potential. Rev Environ Health Jul;10(3-4):197-207. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Roger Williams Cancer Ctr, Providence, RI, USA. Non-ionizing EM radiation (NIEMR), particularly the magnetic field component, has been implicated in the development of human neoplasia. Research suggests that if these fields are part of the carcinogenic pathway, they may act to promote or progress established cancer. Active progression of cancer cells by NIEMR negate the possible early detection of clinically silent neoplasms. A low-frequency non-ionizing magnetic field did not stimulate growth of an established breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7. The same magnetic field has been used as an adjuvant to anti-neoplastic chemotherapeutic agents. A low frequency magnetic field increased neoplastic cell kill by antineoplastic chemotherapy. Non-ionizing EM radiation may be involved in carcinogenesis but the answer to this question awaits further studies. We are exploring new methods of cancer treatment using non-ionizing EM radiation. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 7724878, UI: 95241838
Xin YL, Liu D (1994) Electrostatic therapy (EST) of lung cancer and pulmonary metastasis: report of 15 cases. Eur J Surg Suppl 574:91-92. Dept of Thoracic Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing. 15 patients with primary lung cancer or pulmonary metastases were treated with electrostatic therapy (EST). The patients were treated with either low voltage (200-1200 V), high voltage (500-2500 V), or high voltage together with high magnetic field. At 6 mo after EST, tumour regression occurred in 2 cases, relief of symptoms, but no change in tumour size, in 5 cases, and no effect of EST in 9 patients. No marked effect of EST for treatment of cancer was seen. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 7531032, UI: 95143574
7b. Immunity; Protection against Radioactivity
Prokopenko LG, Siplivaia LE (1992) [The immunomodulating properties of erythrocytes induced by physical factors - Article in Russian]. Nauchnye Doki Vyss Shkoly Biol Nauki 9:70-78. The action of ultraviolet rays (UVR) or magnetic field (MF) on the erythrocytes of intact Wistar rats by weight 140-170 g stimulated an immune response in sheep's T-dependent antigen-erythrocytes and on bull serum albumin in allogenic transference. The most expressed immune stimulated effect was induced by the heavy erythrocytes, which were effected by magnetic field. Warming and vibration did not induce the immunomodulating characteristics in erythrocytes. By spleen cells sticking to glass, the modified UVR and MF, the heavy erythrocytes induced factors (differentiated in mass), which stimulated the development of immune response to T-dependent antigens of sheep's erythrocytes and of bull serum albumin. These factors depress the function of antigen-specific T-suppressors and induce the immune-suppressive characteristics in light erythrocytes. PMID: 1302530, UI: 93257535
Shishlo MA, Nikulina LA, Kirichenko NB (1984) [Effect of a low-frequency alternating magnetic field on the course of pyrogenal-induced fever - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Sep;5:54-55. PMID: 6506567, UI: 85067550
Stashkov AM (1998) [Radioprotective effect of weak ultra-low frequency alternating magnetic field in adrenalectomized mice - Article in Russian]. Radiats Biol Radioecol Jan;38(1):110-115. Simferopol State Univ, Krym, Ukraine. PMID: 9606412, UI: 98269257
Stashkov AM, Gorokhov IE (1998) [Modification of radiosensitivity of mice by combination of alternating magnetic field and fractionated irradiation with small daily doses over many days - Article in Russian]. Radiats Biol Radioecol Jan;38(1):116-120. Simferopol State Univ, Krym, Ukraine. Everyday before radiation combination of weak magnetic field and fractioned radioactive irradiation in dose of 0.5 Gy up to total doses of 6.0-8.0 Gy increased surviving of mice by 34-53% and prolonged the life-time by 50%. It also decreased the rate of accumulation of damaged systems, extended average time of death and the value of dose changing factor, and reduced the gradient of damaged systems. PMID: 9606413, UI: 98269258
7c. Liver and gallbladder
Grigorian EG, Asatrian AB, Martirosian ES, Sarkisian RA, Voskanian MR, Malerian DS, Kazarian NK (1990) [Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of alternating low-frequency magnetic field in chronic cholecystitis - Article in Russian]. Sov Med 7:72-74. PMID: 2251570, UI: 91068093
Filimonov RM, Spakhov KV, Ruzova TK, Kontareva MI, Olenev NV, Zaniko OO (1996) [The action of an ultrahigh-frequency EMF (460 MHz) in patients with a history of viral hepatitis in the early convalescence period - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Sep;5:18-19. PMID: 9036658, UI: 97141053
Filimonov RM, Spakhov KV, Ruzova TK (1997) [The rehabilitation of patients with a history of viral hepatitis using UHF therapy (460 MHz) - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Nov;6:26-28. In early convalescence after viral hepatitis C the liver region of the patients was exposed to the decimetric waves to prevent transformation of the acute disease into a chronic one. A total of 45 relevant patients were exposed to EMF of ultrahigh frequency (460 MHz). A positive effect on the disease course and liver function was noted. PMID: 9484027, UI: 98145021
Kents VV, Mavrodii VM (1995) [Decimeter-wave physiotherapy in viral hepatitis - Article in Russian]. Lik Sprava Sep;9-12:140-144. Effectiveness was evaluated of magnetotherapy, inductothermy, UNF electric field and EM waves of decimetric wave band (460 MHz) on the projection of the liver, adrenals and thyroid gland in controlled trials enrolling a total of 835 patients with viral hepatitis (type A, B, associated forms). Optimum effectiveness of decimetric field on the projection of the adrenals and thyroid gland can be achieved through the application of minimum power and everyday alternation of exposures. As many as 69% of the patients derive benefit from the above treatment. PMID: 8983757, UI: 96378155
Mikaelian NP, Stupin IV, Il'ina EI (1990) [Correction of metabolic disorders by magnetic-laser irradiation - Article in Russian]. Khirurgiia (Mosk) Oct;10:86-89. Effects of magnetic-laser irradiation on some metabolic changes was studied in a model of hepatic insufficiency caused by obstructive jaundice in a series of 5 trials in Wistar rats (200-250 g). The laser used semiconductors, emitting in the infrared range at 800-900 nm; it also had with a static magnetic field. The region of the liver was irradiated through an intact epilated skin. Intensification of LPO processes and diminution of antioxidant defence which leads, in turn, to reduction of the insulin-receptor interrelations and sharp decrease of hepatic cell metabolism, play a definite role in the pathogenesis of hepatic insufficiency. PMID: 2283760, UI: 91132850
Shimanko II, Limarev VM (1993) [The magneto-laser effect on liver functions in the complex treatment of hepatorenal failure - Article in Russian]. Anesteziol Reanimatol Sep;5:49-51. Complex therapy of acute hepatorenal failure included magnetic field and laser applied to hepatic area and blood extracorporeally. In 26 patients magnetic field and laser were applied to the hepatic area. When compared to a control group of 30 patients a more prompt decrease in blood bilirubin was noted, alongside with a drop in blood fibrinogen, which enhanced a threat of profuse bleeding. There was no decrease in blood fibrinogen or an accelerated drop in bilirubin during extracorporeal application of the technique in 23 patients, as compared to a control group of 20 patients. As the technique has different effects on the liver it should be used with care and only when clinically indicated in patients with acute hepatorenal failure. PMID: 8116903, UI: 94161314
Temur'iants NA, Evstaf'eva EV, Makeev VB (1985) [Correction of lipid metabolism in rats with limited mobility by an alternating magnetic field of infra-low frequency - Article in Russian]. Biofizika Mar;30(2):313-316. The effect of changing magnetic field at the frequency of 8 Hz and intensity at 4.1 A/M on rats lipid metabolism state in the exposition of continuous hypokinesia was investigated. It was found that changing magnetic field of such parameters greatly restricted the development of hyperlipidemia of rats with a low level of mobile activity. PMID: 3986233, UI: 85175202
8. General information on EMF Therapy
Anand S (1982) Some aspects of biomedical engineering research in New Delhi. J Med Eng Technol Nov;6(6):236-241. Biomedical engineering has been recognized in India for the last decade. Technological developments have been in areas of importance to the country, with several groups actively involved in the promotion of bioengineering, particularly in New Delhi. A group at the National Physical Lab has contributed significantly to the field of ultrasonics as well as to the development of piezoelectric transducers for other biomedical uses. The Ctr for Biomedical Engineering of the Indian Institute of Technology and the All India Institute of Med Sciences is one of the country's leading centres producing outstanding work in areas like instrumentation, rehabilitation, biomaterials, modelling and analysis. Research in technology applied to reproductive physiology (an area especially relevant to India's needs) was initiated at this centre. Research at the School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Univ has elucidated the effects and mechanisms of the action of low-energy EM radiation and ultrasound on biological systems: one of the school's projects successfully showed the use of bone material for ultrasonic transducers and optical detectors. A selected list of publications shows the wide spectrum of research carried out at these institutions. PMID: 7154053, UI: 83111864
Barker AT (1994) Electricity, magnetism and the body: some uses and abuses. J R Soc Health Apr;114(2):91-97. Dept of Med Physics and Clinical Engineering, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield. The human body is an extraordinarily complex electrical machine. It responds to externally applied EM stimuli and aspects of its functionality can be interrogated electromagnetically to aid in diagnosis. The paper describes examples of interactions between electromagnetism and the body. EM therapies are discussed in the light of the disappointing lack of objective evidence to support claims for their effectiveness. PMID: 8021899, UI: 94293268
Bassett CA (1989) Fundamental and practical aspects of therapeutic uses of pulsed EMFs (PEMFs). Crit Rev Biomed Eng 17(5):451-529. Dept of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia Univ, New York, New York. The beneficial therapeutic effects of selected low-energy, time-varying magnetic fields, called PEMFs, have been documented with increasing frequency since 1973. Initially, this form of athermal energy was used mainly as a salvage for patients with long-standing juvenile and adult non-unions. Many of these individuals were candidates for amputation. Their clearly documented resistance to the usual forms of surgical treatment, including bone grafting, served as a reasonable control in judging the efficacy of this new therapeutic method, particularly when PEMFs were the sole change in patient management. More recently, the biological effectiveness of this approach in augmenting bone healing has been confirmed by several highly significant double-blind and controlled prospective studies in less challenging clinical circumstances. There is also double-blind evidence of therapeutic effects in other clinical disorders. These data, coupled with well-controlled lab findings on pertinent mechanisms of action, have begun to place PEMFs on a therapeutic par with surgically invasive methods but at considerably less risk and cost. As a result of these clinical observations and concerns about EM "pollution", interactions of nonionizing EMFs with biological processes have been the subject of increasing investigational activity. Over the past decade, the number of publications on these topics has risen exponentially. They now include textbooks, speciality journals, regular reviews by government agencies, and articles in a wide spectrum of peer-reviewed, scientific sources. In a recent editorial in Current Contents, the editor reviews the frontiers of biomedical engineering focusing on Science Citation Index methods for identifying core research endeavors. Dr Garfield chose PEMFs from among other biomedical engineering efforts as an example of a rapidly emerging discipline. Three new societies in bioelectromagnetics, bioelectrochemistry, and bioelectrical growth and repair have been organized during this time, along with a number of national and international committees and conferences. These activities augment a continuing interest by the IEEE in the USA and the IEE in the UK. This review focuses on the principles and practice behind the therapeutic use of "PEMFs". This term is restricted to time-varying magnetic field characteristics that induce voltage waveform patterns in bone similar to those resulting from mechanical deformation. These asymmetric, broad-band pulses affect a number of biologic processes athermally. Many of these processes seem to have the ability to modify selected pathologic states in the musculoskeletal and other systems. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 2686932, UI: 90075745
Battocletti JH, Salles-Cunha S, Halbach RE, Nelson J, Sances A Jr, Antonich FJ (1981) Exposure of rhesus monkeys to 20000 G steady magnetic field: effect on blood parameters. Med Phys Jan;8(1):115-118. 16 monkeys were used to study the effects, or noneffects, of exposure to a steady magnetic field of 2 T (20000 G). Arterial and venous blood samples were taken before, immediately after, and several weeks after the test. Blood gas analyses were made of arterial samples, and hemotologic cell data and Technicon SMAC analyses were made of venous samples. Differential and absolute white blood cell counts of segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes were considerably changed during the test, even for monkeys which were not exposed to the magnetic field. These changes have been seen also in monkeys whose environment and daily routine are modified appreciably. 8/16 monkeys were tested twice, (1) in the magnet with the magnet turned on, and (2) 2 mo later, in the magnet, but with the magnet turned off. A large superconducting magnet (0.63 m i.d. and 1.85 m long warm-air bore) was used, which accommodated 2 monkeys at a time. Paired-t tests of 45 blood parameters showed no significant differences between the two tests. Exposure to a gradient field compared with exposure to a uniform magnetic field showed no significant differences. PMID: 7207419, UI: 81148391
Belehradek J Jr, Orlowski S, Ramirez LH, Pron G, Poddevin B, Mir LM (1994) Electropermeabilization of cells in tissues assessed by the qualitative and quantitative electroloading of bleomycin. Biochim Biophys Acta Feb 23;1190(1):155-163. Laboratoire de Pharmacologie Moleculaire URA 147 CNRS-U 140 INSERM, Institute Gustave-Roussy, PRII, Villejuif, France. Using cells in suspension, electropermeabilization is a technique extensively used to transfect living cells or to introduce a variety of compounds inside the cells. Here we show the reality of tissue electropermeabilization using qualitative and quantitative determinations of the electroloading of bleomycin considered as an nonpermeant molecule that serves as an indicator of the permeabilization. In tissues, cell electropermeabilization is achieved for electric field intensities lower than those necessary to permeabilize the same cells in suspension. We also emphasize the importance of the geometry of the electric field lines defined by the electrodes for permeabilizing a whole tissue, for example a tumor. PMID: 7509192, UI: 94153968
Bogoliubov VM, Kniazeva TA, Mokina MN, Orlovskaia TE, Ponomarev IuT (1985) [Effect of an EMF of decimetric wave range on carbohydrate metabolism in patients with diabetes mellitus - Article in Russian]. Sov Med 11:16-18. PMID: 4089635, UI: 86123126
Danz J (1979) [Thermography indices in virtually healthy persons exposed to a high-frequency electrical and magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Sep;5:57-59. PMID: 538904, UI: 80149143
Fisher JC (1983) The medical laser: an indispensable tool of the physician and surgeon. Med Instrum Nov;17(6):398-400. The enormous proliferation of developments in the field of lasers has brought many changes and improvements to medicine. Lasers generate EM radiation unique in nature: Their light is coherent, collimated, and monochromatic. Because of these qualities, laser rays can be focused to very small spots of enormous power density. The wavelengths produced by a particular type of laser are determined by the characteristic energy levels of the emitting elements in the laser medium. The wavelengths of lasers currently used in therapy and surgery range from about 400 nm to 10,600 nm; at surgical power densities and at these wavelengths, because photonic ionization of atoms does not take place, laser rays are not oncogenic. Lasers can be used for converting radiant energy into heat in living tissues, for stimulating or moderating chemical reactions, or for mechanically disrupting histologic structure. Argon-ion, carbon dioxide, helium-neon, neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet, ruby, organic-dye, and krypton-ion lasers are frequently used in medicine for therapeutic, analytical, or surgical applications. Laser use in medicine will increase as new developments bring forth new applications. PMID: 6669100, UI: 84141419
Hiss E (1984) [Technical observations on magnetic field therapy - Article in German]. Orthopade Apr;13(2):93-96. PMID: 6610158, UI: 84220957
Irvine RD (1982) Pulsing EMF treatment. JAMA Aug 27;248(8):921. Publication Types: Letter PMID: 7097952, UI: 82242486
Jacobson JI (1996) Therapeutic radiology: a potential unfolding through bioelectromagnetic sciences. Altern Ther Health Med Sep;2(5):49-55. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, Fla., USA. Clinical and experimental research in the area of bioelectromagnetics is reviewed and considered from a physical standpoint. An equation relating the intrinsic or "rest" energy of a charged particle with its energy of interaction in an externally applied magnetic field is proposed. This equation is intended to represent an initial basic physical interaction that may be part of a more complex biological mechanism that may explain the potential effects of externally applied magnetic fields. Speculations are presented on the potential use of magnetic fields for the noninvasive treatment of such diverse conditions as cancer, AIDS, and neurological disorders. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8795936, UI: 96388536
Jacobson JI (1992) Exploring the potential of magneto-recrystallization of genes and associated structures with respect to nerve regeneration and cancer. Int J Neurosci May;64(1-4):153-165. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, Florida 33458. Very weak magnetic fields are associated with the human brain and heart. These fields, seemingly physiologic, are about 1,000,000 times weaker than the steady geomagnetic field, which measures about 0.5 Gauss. Fields of about 10(-8) Gauss are perhaps correlable to genomic masses and associated structures like peptide hormone trophic factors. The connection between genes and magnetic fields is made from a new form of resonance called Jacobson Resonance. Jacobson Resonance, represented by the equation mc2=Bvl coulomb, is explained. Indeed, we may view the possibility of linking human EM interactions with mechanical vibrations of the crystalline lattices of genes and associated critical molecules like growth factors. As these fields are applied to the equations for solenoidal models, currents of about 1 uA are derived; in perfect accord with recent clinical data indicating the therapeutic efficacy of weak currents in repair and growth of soft tissue, bone and nerve. The mechanism of reorientation of spin angular momentum of electrons and protons influencing molecular magnetic domains to bring about 'particle jumps' is presented so that a clinical picture results. The clinical picture is that of an organism placed at right angles to flux lines in the midst of a solenoid immersed in water exposed then to exogenously applied resonant physiologic magnetic fields. They may convert malalligned atomic lattices of oncogenes and associated particles to homologous normal structures which may promulgate an adjustment to physiological homeostasis. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 1342035, UI: 94095350
Jacobson JI (1996) Speculations on the influence of electromagnetism on genomic and associated structures. J Int Med Res Jan;24(1):1-11. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, Florida, USA. Recent clinical and experimental works in the area of bioelectromagnetics are reviewed and considered from a physical viewpoint. An equation relating the intrinsic (or 'rest') energy of a charged particle with its energy of interaction in an externally applied magnetic field is proposed. This equation is intended to represent an initial basic physical interaction which may be part of a more complex biological mechanism that may explain the potential effects of externally applied magnetic fields. The potential use of magnetic fields for the non-invasive treatment of such diverse conditions such as cancer, AIDS and neurological disorders are proposed. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8674786, UI: 96231147
Jacobson JI (1994) Jacobson resonance: the coupling mechanism for weak EMF bioeffects, and a new way to approach magneto therapy. Panminerva Med Mar;36(1):34-41. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, Florida 334377-1418. Jacobson Resonance is explained in fundamental terms. The essential predictions are stated and supported clinically, experimentally and epidemiologically. Weak magnetic fields influence biological systems in ways previously not known. The potential is scrutinized. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8090541, UI: 94377236
Ketchen EE, Porter WE, Bolton NE (1978) The biological effects of magnetic fields on man. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J Jan;39(1):1-11. The biological effects of the interaction of stationary magnetic fields (SMF) with man and other animals were reviewed. 80-100 G is the lowest detectable limit of interaction between higher animals and SMFs. 200 G is the recommended limit for whole-body or head exposure over an extended period. Higher limits of magnetic-field exposure for limited periods of time are contained within this report. PMID: 415587, UI: 78121024
Kucherenko AE, Shevchuk VI (1976) [Treatment of various diseases of the limb stumps by alternating magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Klin Khir Jul;7:47-49. PMID: 1018446, UI: 77122057
Lightwood R (1989) The remedial EMF. J Biomed Eng Sep;11(5):429-436. Dept of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham. This paper reviews the history and development of electric and EMFs used in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. An account is given of their clinical use and some suggestions are advanced for an explanation of a possible physiological mechanism. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 2677524, UI: 90013291
Lobchenko AI, Starozhinskaia TA, Zosimov AN, Semenenko NM (1981) [Effect of a magnetic field on the course of an experimental tubercular infection - Article in Russian]. Probl Tuberk May;5:63-66. PMID: 7255393, UI: 81247307
Ovcharova VF (1978) [Current status and the prospects for the development of research in the field of medical climatology, climatotherapy and climatopathology - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Nov;6:7-13. Publication Types: Review PMID: 364830, UI: 79078585
Pafkova H, Jerabek J, Tejnorova I, Bednar V (1996) Developmental effects of magnetic field (50 Hz) in combination with ionizing radiation and chemical teratogens. Toxicol Lett Nov;88(1-3):313-316. National Institute of Public Health, Praha, Czech Republic. The influence of a 50 Hz magnetic field (MF) on avian and mammalian embryogenesis, the MF level and vector, as well as the effect of exposure to MF (50 Hz, 10 mT) in combination with X-rays has been recently reported [2,3]. No significant alterations of chick or rat embryogenesis were found after repeated exposures to 50 Hz MF at 10 mT or 6 uT or with different vectors. However, X-ray chick embryotoxicity was significantly affected by repeated exposures of developing organisms to MF. A strong dependence of effect on the type of interaction was revealed. A decrease of X-ray induced teratogenicity was seen when MF preceded X-ray exposure (indirect interaction), while MF exposure applied immediately after X-ray radiation (direct interaction) non-significantly potentiated adverse developmental effects of ionizing radiation. This study deals with the effects of MF in combination with insulin or tetracycline. Exposure of chick embryos to MF influenced the sensitivity of embryonic morphogenetic systems to the subsequently administered chemical teratogens, insulin and/or tetracycline. A protective effect of MF was detected similarly as in the case of indirect interaction with ionizing radiation. PMID: 8920754, UI: 97079022
Pilla AA, Markov MS (1994) Bioeffects of weak EMFs. Rev Environ Health Jul;10(3-4):155-169. Dept of Orthopedics, Mount Sinai School of Med, New York, NY 10029, USA. Time varying magnetic fields are most often employed for therapeutic purposes and are present in environmental sources. In order for an EMF bioeffect to be possible, the signal parameters should not only satisfy the dielectric properties of the target, but also induce sufficient voltage to be detectable above thermal noise. The problem of the sensitivity of living cells and tissues is discussed in relation to signal/noise ratio at the target site. Some biophysical models for interactions of weak EMFs with biological systems are summarized. Cell studies and therapeutic application of electric and magnetic fields show that weak EMFs can have a profound effect on a large variety of biological systems. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 7724875, UI: 95241835
Rutsai SV, Surkova IS (1983) [Effect of an EMF on conditioned reflex maintenance and the nucleic acid content of brain tissues during carotid artery constriction - Article in Russian]. Biull Eksp Biol Med May;95(5):62-64. In chronic experiments on 54 rats, during ligation of the carotid artery, the action of the decimetric EMF (DMB-irradiation) sometimes caused paroxysms leading to death but sometimes caused the conditioned reflexes to normalise, accompanied by an increase in RNA content in the cortex of the large hemispheres. Mechanisms of an inconclusive action of DMB-irradiation are discussed, as are the importance of changes in RNA content in the cortex for the mechanisms of a favourable action of irradiation on the recovery of brain function in circulatory disorders. Possibilities of using DMB-irradiation in clinical conditions are also discussed. PMID: 6189533, UI: 83205257
Schwing C (1988) [Magnetic field therapy: legal tricks instead of effectiveness: Controversial tactics of the federal health society: current availability blocks decision: financial stress for health insurance - Article in German]. Fortschr Med Apr 20;106(12):76-77. PMID: 3135257, UI: 88284630
Solov'eva GR (1982) [Current sources of a magnetic field usable for treatment - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult May;3:62-65. PMID: 7113046, UI: 82279121
Subrahmanyam S, Satyanarayana M, Rajeswari KR (1986) Alcoholism: newer methods of management. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol Jan;30(1):43-54. Chronic alcoholics were selected from hospitals and AA Centres and subjected to different methods of treatment namely, psychotherapy, stereotaxic surgery, nonvolitional biofeedback, Yoga and meditation and extremely low frequency Pulsed Magnetic Field. Each group comprised at least 20 subjects. All were males, aged 20-45 yr. Investigations done were clinical, psychological, biochemical, neurochemical and electrophysiological. Improvement was noticed in all the patients, the degree varying with the different methods of treatment. The patients were followed up at least for a period of 1 yr. PMID: 3818032, UI: 87136087
Viktorov VA, Malkov IuV (1994) [Equipment design for magnetic therapy and "Polus" devices - Article in Russian]. Med Tekh May;3:26-32. Low-frequency magnetotherapy is among the most original therapies since it is effective in treating most diseases and has practically no contraindications. Due to atraumaticity of a low-frequency EMF, the application of magnetotherapy is indicated in geriatric care, in particular. The VNIIMP-VITA Joint-Stock Company has developed a family of the Polyus system equipment for magnetotherapy, whereby all the well-known therapeutic procedures of low-frequency magnetotherapy can be performed. The magnetotherapeutic room equipped with Polyus-2D, Polyus-3, and Polyus-4 ensures a complete set of magneto-therapeutic exposure. The rooms are supplied by the VNIIMP-VITA Joint-Stock Company. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 7934729, UI: 95020431
Weissel M, Kolarz G (1982) [Plasma cortisol levels and magnetic field therapy: Initial orientational study - Article in German]. Med Welt Jul 30;33(29-30):1059-1061. Publication Types: Clinical trial Controlled clinical trial PMID: 7121239, UI: 83012102
Barker AT (1994) Electricity, magnetism and the body: some uses and abuses. J R Soc Health Apr;114(2):91-97. Dept of Med Physics and Clinical Engineering, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield. The human body is an extraordinarily complex electrical machine. It responds to externally applied EM stimuli and aspects of its functionality can be interrogated electromagnetically to aid in diagnosis. The paper describes examples of interactions between electromagnetism and the body. EM therapies are discussed in the light of the disappointing lack of objective evidence to support claims for their effectiveness. PMID: 8021899, UI: 94293268
Bassett CA (1989) Fundamental and practical aspects of therapeutic uses of pulsed EMFs (PEMFs). Crit Rev Biomed Eng 17(5):451-529. Dept of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia Univ, New York, New York. The beneficial therapeutic effects of selected low-energy, time-varying magnetic fields, called PEMFs, have been documented with increasing frequency since 1973. Initially, this form of athermal energy was used mainly as a salvage for patients with long-standing juvenile and adult non-unions. Many of these individuals were candidates for amputation. Their clearly documented resistance to the usual forms of surgical treatment, including bone grafting, served as a reasonable control in judging the efficacy of this new therapeutic method, particularly when PEMFs were the sole change in patient management. More recently, the biological effectiveness of this approach in augmenting bone healing has been confirmed by several highly significant double-blind and controlled prospective studies in less challenging clinical circumstances. There is also double-blind evidence of therapeutic effects in other clinical disorders. These data, coupled with well-controlled lab findings on pertinent mechanisms of action, have begun to place PEMFs on a therapeutic par with surgically invasive methods but at considerably less risk and cost. As a result of these clinical observations and concerns about EM "pollution", interactions of nonionizing EMFs with biological processes have been the subject of increasing investigational activity. Over the past decade, the number of publications on these topics has risen exponentially. They now include textbooks, speciality journals, regular reviews by government agencies, and articles in a wide spectrum of peer-reviewed, scientific sources. In a recent editorial in Current Contents, the editor reviews the frontiers of biomedical engineering focusing on Science Citation Index methods for identifying core research endeavors. Dr Garfield chose PEMFs from among other biomedical engineering efforts as an example of a rapidly emerging discipline. Three new societies in bioelectromagnetics, bioelectrochemistry, and bioelectrical growth and repair have been organized during this time, along with a number of national and international committees and conferences. These activities augment a continuing interest by the IEEE in the USA and the IEE in the UK. This review focuses on the principles and practice behind the therapeutic use of "PEMFs". This term is restricted to time-varying magnetic field characteristics that induce voltage waveform patterns in bone similar to those resulting from mechanical deformation. These asymmetric, broad-band pulses affect a number of biologic processes athermally. Many of these processes seem to have the ability to modify selected pathologic states in the musculoskeletal and other systems. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 2686932, UI: 90075745
Battocletti JH, Salles-Cunha S, Halbach RE, Nelson J, Sances A Jr, Antonich FJ (1981) Exposure of rhesus monkeys to 20000 G steady magnetic field: effect on blood parameters. Med Phys Jan;8(1):115-118. 16 monkeys were used to study the effects, or noneffects, of exposure to a steady magnetic field of 2 T (20000 G). Arterial and venous blood samples were taken before, immediately after, and several weeks after the test. Blood gas analyses were made of arterial samples, and hemotologic cell data and Technicon SMAC analyses were made of venous samples. Differential and absolute white blood cell counts of segmented neutrophils and lymphocytes were considerably changed during the test, even for monkeys which were not exposed to the magnetic field. These changes have been seen also in monkeys whose environment and daily routine are modified appreciably. 8/16 monkeys were tested twice, (1) in the magnet with the magnet turned on, and (2) 2 mo later, in the magnet, but with the magnet turned off. A large superconducting magnet (0.63 m i.d. and 1.85 m long warm-air bore) was used, which accommodated 2 monkeys at a time. Paired-t tests of 45 blood parameters showed no significant differences between the two tests. Exposure to a gradient field compared with exposure to a uniform magnetic field showed no significant differences. PMID: 7207419, UI: 81148391
Belehradek J Jr, Orlowski S, Ramirez LH, Pron G, Poddevin B, Mir LM (1994) Electropermeabilization of cells in tissues assessed by the qualitative and quantitative electroloading of bleomycin. Biochim Biophys Acta Feb 23;1190(1):155-163. Laboratoire de Pharmacologie Moleculaire URA 147 CNRS-U 140 INSERM, Institute Gustave-Roussy, PRII, Villejuif, France. Using cells in suspension, electropermeabilization is a technique extensively used to transfect living cells or to introduce a variety of compounds inside the cells. Here we show the reality of tissue electropermeabilization using qualitative and quantitative determinations of the electroloading of bleomycin considered as an nonpermeant molecule that serves as an indicator of the permeabilization. In tissues, cell electropermeabilization is achieved for electric field intensities lower than those necessary to permeabilize the same cells in suspension. We also emphasize the importance of the geometry of the electric field lines defined by the electrodes for permeabilizing a whole tissue, for example a tumor. PMID: 7509192, UI: 94153968
Bogoliubov VM, Kniazeva TA, Mokina MN, Orlovskaia TE, Ponomarev IuT (1985) [Effect of an EMF of decimetric wave range on carbohydrate metabolism in patients with diabetes mellitus - Article in Russian]. Sov Med 11:16-18. PMID: 4089635, UI: 86123126
Danz J (1979) [Thermography indices in virtually healthy persons exposed to a high-frequency electrical and magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Sep;5:57-59. PMID: 538904, UI: 80149143
Fisher JC (1983) The medical laser: an indispensable tool of the physician and surgeon. Med Instrum Nov;17(6):398-400. The enormous proliferation of developments in the field of lasers has brought many changes and improvements to medicine. Lasers generate EM radiation unique in nature: Their light is coherent, collimated, and monochromatic. Because of these qualities, laser rays can be focused to very small spots of enormous power density. The wavelengths produced by a particular type of laser are determined by the characteristic energy levels of the emitting elements in the laser medium. The wavelengths of lasers currently used in therapy and surgery range from about 400 nm to 10,600 nm; at surgical power densities and at these wavelengths, because photonic ionization of atoms does not take place, laser rays are not oncogenic. Lasers can be used for converting radiant energy into heat in living tissues, for stimulating or moderating chemical reactions, or for mechanically disrupting histologic structure. Argon-ion, carbon dioxide, helium-neon, neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet, ruby, organic-dye, and krypton-ion lasers are frequently used in medicine for therapeutic, analytical, or surgical applications. Laser use in medicine will increase as new developments bring forth new applications. PMID: 6669100, UI: 84141419
Hiss E (1984) [Technical observations on magnetic field therapy - Article in German]. Orthopade Apr;13(2):93-96. PMID: 6610158, UI: 84220957
Irvine RD (1982) Pulsing EMF treatment. JAMA Aug 27;248(8):921. Publication Types: Letter PMID: 7097952, UI: 82242486
Jacobson JI (1996) Therapeutic radiology: a potential unfolding through bioelectromagnetic sciences. Altern Ther Health Med Sep;2(5):49-55. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, Fla., USA. Clinical and experimental research in the area of bioelectromagnetics is reviewed and considered from a physical standpoint. An equation relating the intrinsic or "rest" energy of a charged particle with its energy of interaction in an externally applied magnetic field is proposed. This equation is intended to represent an initial basic physical interaction that may be part of a more complex biological mechanism that may explain the potential effects of externally applied magnetic fields. Speculations are presented on the potential use of magnetic fields for the noninvasive treatment of such diverse conditions as cancer, AIDS, and neurological disorders. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8795936, UI: 96388536
Jacobson JI (1992) Exploring the potential of magneto-recrystallization of genes and associated structures with respect to nerve regeneration and cancer. Int J Neurosci May;64(1-4):153-165. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, Florida 33458. Very weak magnetic fields are associated with the human brain and heart. These fields, seemingly physiologic, are about 1,000,000 times weaker than the steady geomagnetic field, which measures about 0.5 Gauss. Fields of about 10(-8) Gauss are perhaps correlable to genomic masses and associated structures like peptide hormone trophic factors. The connection between genes and magnetic fields is made from a new form of resonance called Jacobson Resonance. Jacobson Resonance, represented by the equation mc2=Bvl coulomb, is explained. Indeed, we may view the possibility of linking human EM interactions with mechanical vibrations of the crystalline lattices of genes and associated critical molecules like growth factors. As these fields are applied to the equations for solenoidal models, currents of about 1 uA are derived; in perfect accord with recent clinical data indicating the therapeutic efficacy of weak currents in repair and growth of soft tissue, bone and nerve. The mechanism of reorientation of spin angular momentum of electrons and protons influencing molecular magnetic domains to bring about 'particle jumps' is presented so that a clinical picture results. The clinical picture is that of an organism placed at right angles to flux lines in the midst of a solenoid immersed in water exposed then to exogenously applied resonant physiologic magnetic fields. They may convert malalligned atomic lattices of oncogenes and associated particles to homologous normal structures which may promulgate an adjustment to physiological homeostasis. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 1342035, UI: 94095350
Jacobson JI (1996) Speculations on the influence of electromagnetism on genomic and associated structures. J Int Med Res Jan;24(1):1-11. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, Florida, USA. Recent clinical and experimental works in the area of bioelectromagnetics are reviewed and considered from a physical viewpoint. An equation relating the intrinsic (or 'rest') energy of a charged particle with its energy of interaction in an externally applied magnetic field is proposed. This equation is intended to represent an initial basic physical interaction which may be part of a more complex biological mechanism that may explain the potential effects of externally applied magnetic fields. The potential use of magnetic fields for the non-invasive treatment of such diverse conditions such as cancer, AIDS and neurological disorders are proposed. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8674786, UI: 96231147
Jacobson JI (1994) Jacobson resonance: the coupling mechanism for weak EMF bioeffects, and a new way to approach magneto therapy. Panminerva Med Mar;36(1):34-41. Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, Florida 334377-1418. Jacobson Resonance is explained in fundamental terms. The essential predictions are stated and supported clinically, experimentally and epidemiologically. Weak magnetic fields influence biological systems in ways previously not known. The potential is scrutinized. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 8090541, UI: 94377236
Ketchen EE, Porter WE, Bolton NE (1978) The biological effects of magnetic fields on man. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J Jan;39(1):1-11. The biological effects of the interaction of stationary magnetic fields (SMF) with man and other animals were reviewed. 80-100 G is the lowest detectable limit of interaction between higher animals and SMFs. 200 G is the recommended limit for whole-body or head exposure over an extended period. Higher limits of magnetic-field exposure for limited periods of time are contained within this report. PMID: 415587, UI: 78121024
Kucherenko AE, Shevchuk VI (1976) [Treatment of various diseases of the limb stumps by alternating magnetic field - Article in Russian]. Klin Khir Jul;7:47-49. PMID: 1018446, UI: 77122057
Lightwood R (1989) The remedial EMF. J Biomed Eng Sep;11(5):429-436. Dept of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham. This paper reviews the history and development of electric and EMFs used in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. An account is given of their clinical use and some suggestions are advanced for an explanation of a possible physiological mechanism. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 2677524, UI: 90013291
Lobchenko AI, Starozhinskaia TA, Zosimov AN, Semenenko NM (1981) [Effect of a magnetic field on the course of an experimental tubercular infection - Article in Russian]. Probl Tuberk May;5:63-66. PMID: 7255393, UI: 81247307
Ovcharova VF (1978) [Current status and the prospects for the development of research in the field of medical climatology, climatotherapy and climatopathology - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult Nov;6:7-13. Publication Types: Review PMID: 364830, UI: 79078585
Pafkova H, Jerabek J, Tejnorova I, Bednar V (1996) Developmental effects of magnetic field (50 Hz) in combination with ionizing radiation and chemical teratogens. Toxicol Lett Nov;88(1-3):313-316. National Institute of Public Health, Praha, Czech Republic. The influence of a 50 Hz magnetic field (MF) on avian and mammalian embryogenesis, the MF level and vector, as well as the effect of exposure to MF (50 Hz, 10 mT) in combination with X-rays has been recently reported [2,3]. No significant alterations of chick or rat embryogenesis were found after repeated exposures to 50 Hz MF at 10 mT or 6 uT or with different vectors. However, X-ray chick embryotoxicity was significantly affected by repeated exposures of developing organisms to MF. A strong dependence of effect on the type of interaction was revealed. A decrease of X-ray induced teratogenicity was seen when MF preceded X-ray exposure (indirect interaction), while MF exposure applied immediately after X-ray radiation (direct interaction) non-significantly potentiated adverse developmental effects of ionizing radiation. This study deals with the effects of MF in combination with insulin or tetracycline. Exposure of chick embryos to MF influenced the sensitivity of embryonic morphogenetic systems to the subsequently administered chemical teratogens, insulin and/or tetracycline. A protective effect of MF was detected similarly as in the case of indirect interaction with ionizing radiation. PMID: 8920754, UI: 97079022
Pilla AA, Markov MS (1994) Bioeffects of weak EMFs. Rev Environ Health Jul;10(3-4):155-169. Dept of Orthopedics, Mount Sinai School of Med, New York, NY 10029, USA. Time varying magnetic fields are most often employed for therapeutic purposes and are present in environmental sources. In order for an EMF bioeffect to be possible, the signal parameters should not only satisfy the dielectric properties of the target, but also induce sufficient voltage to be detectable above thermal noise. The problem of the sensitivity of living cells and tissues is discussed in relation to signal/noise ratio at the target site. Some biophysical models for interactions of weak EMFs with biological systems are summarized. Cell studies and therapeutic application of electric and magnetic fields show that weak EMFs can have a profound effect on a large variety of biological systems. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 7724875, UI: 95241835
Rutsai SV, Surkova IS (1983) [Effect of an EMF on conditioned reflex maintenance and the nucleic acid content of brain tissues during carotid artery constriction - Article in Russian]. Biull Eksp Biol Med May;95(5):62-64. In chronic experiments on 54 rats, during ligation of the carotid artery, the action of the decimetric EMF (DMB-irradiation) sometimes caused paroxysms leading to death but sometimes caused the conditioned reflexes to normalise, accompanied by an increase in RNA content in the cortex of the large hemispheres. Mechanisms of an inconclusive action of DMB-irradiation are discussed, as are the importance of changes in RNA content in the cortex for the mechanisms of a favourable action of irradiation on the recovery of brain function in circulatory disorders. Possibilities of using DMB-irradiation in clinical conditions are also discussed. PMID: 6189533, UI: 83205257
Schwing C (1988) [Magnetic field therapy: legal tricks instead of effectiveness: Controversial tactics of the federal health society: current availability blocks decision: financial stress for health insurance - Article in German]. Fortschr Med Apr 20;106(12):76-77. PMID: 3135257, UI: 88284630
Solov'eva GR (1982) [Current sources of a magnetic field usable for treatment - Article in Russian]. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult May;3:62-65. PMID: 7113046, UI: 82279121
Subrahmanyam S, Satyanarayana M, Rajeswari KR (1986) Alcoholism: newer methods of management. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol Jan;30(1):43-54. Chronic alcoholics were selected from hospitals and AA Centres and subjected to different methods of treatment namely, psychotherapy, stereotaxic surgery, nonvolitional biofeedback, Yoga and meditation and extremely low frequency Pulsed Magnetic Field. Each group comprised at least 20 subjects. All were males, aged 20-45 yr. Investigations done were clinical, psychological, biochemical, neurochemical and electrophysiological. Improvement was noticed in all the patients, the degree varying with the different methods of treatment. The patients were followed up at least for a period of 1 yr. PMID: 3818032, UI: 87136087
Viktorov VA, Malkov IuV (1994) [Equipment design for magnetic therapy and "Polus" devices - Article in Russian]. Med Tekh May;3:26-32. Low-frequency magnetotherapy is among the most original therapies since it is effective in treating most diseases and has practically no contraindications. Due to atraumaticity of a low-frequency EMF, the application of magnetotherapy is indicated in geriatric care, in particular. The VNIIMP-VITA Joint-Stock Company has developed a family of the Polyus system equipment for magnetotherapy, whereby all the well-known therapeutic procedures of low-frequency magnetotherapy can be performed. The magnetotherapeutic room equipped with Polyus-2D, Polyus-3, and Polyus-4 ensures a complete set of magneto-therapeutic exposure. The rooms are supplied by the VNIIMP-VITA Joint-Stock Company. Publication Types: Review Review, tutorial PMID: 7934729, UI: 95020431
Weissel M, Kolarz G (1982) [Plasma cortisol levels and magnetic field therapy: Initial orientational study - Article in German]. Med Welt Jul 30;33(29-30):1059-1061. Publication Types: Clinical trial Controlled clinical trial PMID: 7121239, UI: 83012102
9. Adverse effects of EMFs
This bibliography was aimed at finding therapeutic uses of EMF, but it returned some titles which discussed adverse effects also. Adverse effects of EMFs on pacemakers were specifically excluded. Note that EMFs can have many adverse effects. These include carcinogenesis, vaporisation, shock and death. A specific search for adverse effects of EMFs would return many more titles than are listed here:
Beniashvili DS, Bulanishvili VG, Menabde MZ, Gupta D, Anisimov VN (1993) [Modifying effect of light and EMF on development of mammary tumors induced by N-nitrosomethyl urea in female rats - Article in Russian]. Vopr Onkol 39(1-3):52-60. Ctr for Oncology Research of the Ministry of Health, Tubingen Univ, Germany. Female rats aged 1 mo and older were kept indoors in darkness, under lighting for 24 h or exposed to ordinary lighting (12 h light; 12 h darkness). 3 wk after the beginning of the experiment, they received N-nitrosomethyl urea (NMU) treatment iv at 50 mg/kg at weekly intervals, and were exposed to alternating 50 Hz (AMF) or static 0.2 oersted, (DMF) EMF radiation for 3 h, daily. Under usual lighting conditions, NMU treatment was followed by the development of mammary gland adenocarcinoma (MGA) in 31% of the animals. However, AMF or DMF treatment was followed by a shorter period of latency, without affecting MGA frequency. Constant lighting was found to stimulate a sharp increase in carcinogenesis: MGA frequency in groups receiving NMU, NMU+AMF or NMU+DMF was 57, 81 and 61%, respectively; latency period dropped by half as compared with usual lighting conditions. Conversely, the rats constantly kept in darkness revealed significant inhibition of mammary gland carcinogenesis, MGA frequency in NMU, NMU+AMF or NMU+DMF groups being 3, 4 and 2%, respectively. A blood serum: hormone assay showed constant lighting to decrease melatonin level and to increase prolactin concentration for all the modalities of carcinogenic treatment used. Constant lighting significantly promoted the effect of NMU on mammary gland carcinogenesis in rats. This effect was potentiated by additional AMF or DMF treatment. Conversely, constant darkness inhibited mammary gland carcinogenesis and mitigated the pernicious effect of low-frequency EM radiation. PMID: 8073677, UI: 94353684
Ciano M, Burlin JR, Pardoe R, Mills RL, Hentz VR (1981) High-frequency electromagnetic radiation injury to the upper extremity: local and systemic effects. Ann Plast Surg Aug;7(2):128-135. Industrial use of radiofrequency and microwave energy sources (nonionizing, high-frequency EM radiation) is a growing and widespread phenomenon, with projected risks of exposure to >20,000,000 workers in the USA. A description of the nature of this form of EM energy is given, with emphasis on the variability of energy absorption by humans. The current state of biological research is reviewed, and a summary of the known effects of radiofrequency and microwave radiation exposure on animals and humans provided. These known effects seem to be principally thermal, similar to conventional electrical burn injuries, but with some unique systemic expression. Derangements of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, hematological, ophthalmological, and behavioral functions are well described in animal experiments. 2 patients are presented: one a young woman exposed to a high-density radiofrequency field in an industrial setting, leading to necrosis of the entire hand and wrist as well as to a constellation of systemic effects, and one an older woman exposed to excessive microwave radiation from a malfunctioning microwave oven, leading to chronic hand pain and paresthesias resembling median nerve entrapment at the carpus. The prevalence of potential exposure in certain industries is noted and recommendations for follow-up care of workers exposed to this form of trauma are delineated. PMID: 7294659, UI: 82044434
Fedorowski A, Steciwko A (1997) [Electrosmog as a health risk factor: sources of artificial EMFs, evaluation of health risk, prevention methods - Article in Polish]. Med Pr 48(5):507-519. Zakladu Medycyny Rodzinnej, Akademii Medycznej we Wroclawiu. In recent years we have seen how EM radiation enters our daily life. The strength of man-made EMF is often far above the natural level and this finding has encouraged a large group of researchers to investigate its possible health effect. Non-ionizing radiation and extremely low-frequency electric and magnetic fields have been the subject of intensive theoretical and experimental works since Adey published his observations concerning non-linear and non-thermal biological effects. At the same time, epidemiology suggested that EMF generates various diseases including leukemia and brain tumors. Possible mechanisms of EMF interactions with living matter remain unknown although theoretical models have been proposed by many authors. In vitro and in vivo studies as well as epidemiological data have not provided ground for decisive conclusions. Nevertheless, the relationship between EMFs and biological effects seems to be most likely. Any international standards for safety limits have not as yet been established and regulations in this regard vary in different countries. However, occupational and residential exposure to EMF can be efficiently measured using an appropriate equipment and such measurements should become a standard procedure wherever electrosmog is suspected to be a pathogenic factor. PMID: 9501333, UI: 98161953
Gorbunova AV, Petrova NV, Portugalov VV, Sudakov SK (1981) [Acute experimental emotional stress in rabbits in a modulated EMF - Article in Russian]. Izv Akad Nauk SSSR [Biol] Sep;5:774-780. PMID: 7197697, UI: 82053833
Harland JD, Liburdy RP (1997) Environmental magnetic fields inhibit the antiproliferative action of tamoxifen and melatonin in a human breast cancer cell line. Bioelectromagnetics 18(8):555-562. Life Science Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Univ of California at Berkeley 94720, USA. We reported earlier that environmental-level magnetic fields (1.2 uT [12 mGauss], 60 Hz) block the growth inhibition of the hormone melatonin (10(-9) M) on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in vitro. We now report that the same 1.2 uT, 60 Hz magnetic fields significantly block the growth inhibitory action of pharmacological levels of tamoxifen (10(-7) M). In biophysical studies we have taken advantage of Faraday's Law of Current Induction and tested whether the 1.2 uT magnetic field or the associated induced electric field is responsible for this field effect on melatonin and tamoxifen. We see that the magnetic field component is associated with the field blocking effect on melatonin and tamoxifen function. To our knowledge the tamoxifen studies represent the first experimental evidence for an environmental-level magnetic field modification of drug interaction with human breast cancer cells. Together, these findings provide support to the theory that environmental-level magnetic fields can act to modify the action of a drug or hormone on regulation of cell proliferation. Melatonin and tamoxifen may act through different biological pathways to down-regulate cell growth, and further studies are required to identify a specific biological site of interaction for the 1.2 uT magnetic field. PMID: 9383244, UI: 98043592
Iasnetsov VV, Krylova IN, Popov VM (1996) [The nootropic correction of disorders in learning and memory processes induced by extreme exposures - Article in Russian]. Eksp Klin Farmakol May;59(3):20-23. Rat experiments showed that low-intensity EMF (12.6 cm, 2375 MHz, power density 1 mW/cm2), motion sickness, and electroconvulsive shock provoked retrograde amnesia in passive avoidance test. Oxyracetam (100 mg/kg, ip), aniracetam (50 mg/kg, ip), nooglutil (50 mg/kg, ip), meclofenoxate (50 mg/kg, ip), pyracetam (200 mg/kg, ip), and GABA (200 mg/kg, ip) prevented the memory-impairing effect of all these extreme factors. In contrast, N-acetylglycinamide, semax, and other nootropic drugs were effective only under one or two extreme conditions. PMID: 8974577, UI: 97006758
Liburdy RP, Sloma TR, Sokolic R, Yaswen P (1993) ELF magnetic fields, breast cancer, and melatonin: 60 Hz fields block melatonin's oncostatic action on ER+ breast cancer cell proliferation. J Pineal Res Mar;14(2):89-97. Dept of Cell and Molecular Biology, Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, UC Berkeley, CA 94720. In this study we investigated whether a 60 Hz magnetic field can act at the cellular level to influence the growth of human estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells. Our experimental design assessed cell proliferation of a human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, in the absence or the presence of melatonin which inhibits growth at a physiological concentration of 10(-9) M. In 3 experiments, continuous exposure to average sinusoidal 60 Hz magnetic fields of 1.90+0.01, 2.40+0.70, and 2.53+0.50 mG, or simultaneous exposure in matched incubators to average 60 Hz magnetic fields of 10.4+2.12, 11.95+2.73, and 11.95+3.28 mG, respectively, had no effect on cell proliferation in the absence of melatonin. When MCF-7 cells were cultured in the presence of 10(-9) M melatonin, an 18% inhibition of growth was seen for cells in a 2.40+0.70 mG field. This effect was blocked by a 60 Hz magnetic field of 11.95+2.75 mG. In a second experiment, a 27% inhibition of MCF-7 cell growth was seen for cells in a 2.53+0.50 mG magnetic field, and this was blocked by a 60 Hz magnetic field of 11.95+3.28 mG. This is the first evidence that ELF frequency magnetic fields can act at the cellular levels to enhance breast cancer cell proliferation by blocking melatonin's natural oncostatic action. There also seems to be a dose threshold between 2 and 12 mG. The mechanism(s) of action is unknown and may involve modulation of signal transduction events associated with melatonin's regulation of cell growth. PMID: 8320637, UI: 93308620
Otto W, Hempel WE, Wagner CU, Best A (1982) [Various periodical and aperiodical variations of heart infarct mortality in the DRG - Article in German]. Z Gesamte Inn Med Nov 15;37(22):756-763. In a survey of 66900 cases of death from ischaemic heart disease increased geomagnetic field, and increased geomagnetic storms were positively and significantly related to death from ischaemic heart disease. PMID: 6892183, UI: 83251281
Pautrizel R, Mattern P, Priore A, Pautrizel AN, Capbern A, Baltz T (1978) [Importance of immunological mechanism in the curing of experimental trypanosomiasis by physical stimulation - Article in French]. C R Acad Sci Hebd Seances Acad Sci D May 22;286(20):1487-1490. Cure of Trypanosoma equiperdum infected mice after treatment with combined EM waves and a magnetic field is probably linked with the immune state of the host. A severe depression of the immune system suppresses the ability of the animals to eliminate the parasites after physical stimulation. PMID: 97013, UI: 78213347
Reiser H, Dimpfel W, Schober F (1995) The influence of EMFs on human brain activity. Eur J Med Res Oct 16;1(1):27-32. Pro Science Private Research Institute GmbH, Linden, Germany. Possible effects of EMFs on human brain activity were studied. In a single-blind, cross-over-designed and placebo-controlled study 36 volunteers were exposed firstly to an EMF originating form a MediLine "MEGA-WAVE 150/1" therapy instrument and secondly to a field originating from a mobile, digital telephone as used for wireless telecommunication. All volunteers also underwent a control experiment with no field exposure. Application of the MEGA-WAVE instrument caused an increase in EEG power in the frequency bands Alpha2, Beta1 and Beta2 during and after field exposure. Operation of the mobile telephone caused an increase in the same frequency bands with a delay of approximately 15 m after exposure. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 9392690, UI: 98055843
Stix G (1990) Field effects: A health worry for electric blanket makers. Sci Am Dec;263(6):122-123. PMID: 2270457, UI: 91102512
Syromiatnikov IuP, Kolesnikova AV, Roshchin VA (1990) [Occupational health issues in the technologic application of direct magnetic fields in the production of transistors - Article in Russian]. Gig Tr Prof Zabol 4:8-11. During the working shift, female transistor equipment assemblers were affected by periodic multiple short-term impulses of direct magnetic field (DMF) which was locally confined to the hand (with the field tension 35 kA/m at the finger-tips and 15 kA/m at the wrist). Local prenosologic manifestations were found in females of up to 35 yr with 1-10 yr of length of work, which proved blood circulation vegetative disorders in upper extremities (arteriole-capillary vasoneurosis). A study of morbidity with temporary disability was made (at 100 cases/yr ratio), which showed markedly higher morbidity rate as compared to the sample group. The difference in morbidity rate between these two groups was accounted for by hypertensive vegetovascular disorders and 1-2 stages of HD. The data received necessitates the earliest norming of localized (limited to the hand) direct magnetic field influence. PMID: 2165462, UI: 90330191
Beniashvili DS, Bulanishvili VG, Menabde MZ, Gupta D, Anisimov VN (1993) [Modifying effect of light and EMF on development of mammary tumors induced by N-nitrosomethyl urea in female rats - Article in Russian]. Vopr Onkol 39(1-3):52-60. Ctr for Oncology Research of the Ministry of Health, Tubingen Univ, Germany. Female rats aged 1 mo and older were kept indoors in darkness, under lighting for 24 h or exposed to ordinary lighting (12 h light; 12 h darkness). 3 wk after the beginning of the experiment, they received N-nitrosomethyl urea (NMU) treatment iv at 50 mg/kg at weekly intervals, and were exposed to alternating 50 Hz (AMF) or static 0.2 oersted, (DMF) EMF radiation for 3 h, daily. Under usual lighting conditions, NMU treatment was followed by the development of mammary gland adenocarcinoma (MGA) in 31% of the animals. However, AMF or DMF treatment was followed by a shorter period of latency, without affecting MGA frequency. Constant lighting was found to stimulate a sharp increase in carcinogenesis: MGA frequency in groups receiving NMU, NMU+AMF or NMU+DMF was 57, 81 and 61%, respectively; latency period dropped by half as compared with usual lighting conditions. Conversely, the rats constantly kept in darkness revealed significant inhibition of mammary gland carcinogenesis, MGA frequency in NMU, NMU+AMF or NMU+DMF groups being 3, 4 and 2%, respectively. A blood serum: hormone assay showed constant lighting to decrease melatonin level and to increase prolactin concentration for all the modalities of carcinogenic treatment used. Constant lighting significantly promoted the effect of NMU on mammary gland carcinogenesis in rats. This effect was potentiated by additional AMF or DMF treatment. Conversely, constant darkness inhibited mammary gland carcinogenesis and mitigated the pernicious effect of low-frequency EM radiation. PMID: 8073677, UI: 94353684
Ciano M, Burlin JR, Pardoe R, Mills RL, Hentz VR (1981) High-frequency electromagnetic radiation injury to the upper extremity: local and systemic effects. Ann Plast Surg Aug;7(2):128-135. Industrial use of radiofrequency and microwave energy sources (nonionizing, high-frequency EM radiation) is a growing and widespread phenomenon, with projected risks of exposure to >20,000,000 workers in the USA. A description of the nature of this form of EM energy is given, with emphasis on the variability of energy absorption by humans. The current state of biological research is reviewed, and a summary of the known effects of radiofrequency and microwave radiation exposure on animals and humans provided. These known effects seem to be principally thermal, similar to conventional electrical burn injuries, but with some unique systemic expression. Derangements of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, hematological, ophthalmological, and behavioral functions are well described in animal experiments. 2 patients are presented: one a young woman exposed to a high-density radiofrequency field in an industrial setting, leading to necrosis of the entire hand and wrist as well as to a constellation of systemic effects, and one an older woman exposed to excessive microwave radiation from a malfunctioning microwave oven, leading to chronic hand pain and paresthesias resembling median nerve entrapment at the carpus. The prevalence of potential exposure in certain industries is noted and recommendations for follow-up care of workers exposed to this form of trauma are delineated. PMID: 7294659, UI: 82044434
Fedorowski A, Steciwko A (1997) [Electrosmog as a health risk factor: sources of artificial EMFs, evaluation of health risk, prevention methods - Article in Polish]. Med Pr 48(5):507-519. Zakladu Medycyny Rodzinnej, Akademii Medycznej we Wroclawiu. In recent years we have seen how EM radiation enters our daily life. The strength of man-made EMF is often far above the natural level and this finding has encouraged a large group of researchers to investigate its possible health effect. Non-ionizing radiation and extremely low-frequency electric and magnetic fields have been the subject of intensive theoretical and experimental works since Adey published his observations concerning non-linear and non-thermal biological effects. At the same time, epidemiology suggested that EMF generates various diseases including leukemia and brain tumors. Possible mechanisms of EMF interactions with living matter remain unknown although theoretical models have been proposed by many authors. In vitro and in vivo studies as well as epidemiological data have not provided ground for decisive conclusions. Nevertheless, the relationship between EMFs and biological effects seems to be most likely. Any international standards for safety limits have not as yet been established and regulations in this regard vary in different countries. However, occupational and residential exposure to EMF can be efficiently measured using an appropriate equipment and such measurements should become a standard procedure wherever electrosmog is suspected to be a pathogenic factor. PMID: 9501333, UI: 98161953
Gorbunova AV, Petrova NV, Portugalov VV, Sudakov SK (1981) [Acute experimental emotional stress in rabbits in a modulated EMF - Article in Russian]. Izv Akad Nauk SSSR [Biol] Sep;5:774-780. PMID: 7197697, UI: 82053833
Harland JD, Liburdy RP (1997) Environmental magnetic fields inhibit the antiproliferative action of tamoxifen and melatonin in a human breast cancer cell line. Bioelectromagnetics 18(8):555-562. Life Science Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Univ of California at Berkeley 94720, USA. We reported earlier that environmental-level magnetic fields (1.2 uT [12 mGauss], 60 Hz) block the growth inhibition of the hormone melatonin (10(-9) M) on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in vitro. We now report that the same 1.2 uT, 60 Hz magnetic fields significantly block the growth inhibitory action of pharmacological levels of tamoxifen (10(-7) M). In biophysical studies we have taken advantage of Faraday's Law of Current Induction and tested whether the 1.2 uT magnetic field or the associated induced electric field is responsible for this field effect on melatonin and tamoxifen. We see that the magnetic field component is associated with the field blocking effect on melatonin and tamoxifen function. To our knowledge the tamoxifen studies represent the first experimental evidence for an environmental-level magnetic field modification of drug interaction with human breast cancer cells. Together, these findings provide support to the theory that environmental-level magnetic fields can act to modify the action of a drug or hormone on regulation of cell proliferation. Melatonin and tamoxifen may act through different biological pathways to down-regulate cell growth, and further studies are required to identify a specific biological site of interaction for the 1.2 uT magnetic field. PMID: 9383244, UI: 98043592
Iasnetsov VV, Krylova IN, Popov VM (1996) [The nootropic correction of disorders in learning and memory processes induced by extreme exposures - Article in Russian]. Eksp Klin Farmakol May;59(3):20-23. Rat experiments showed that low-intensity EMF (12.6 cm, 2375 MHz, power density 1 mW/cm2), motion sickness, and electroconvulsive shock provoked retrograde amnesia in passive avoidance test. Oxyracetam (100 mg/kg, ip), aniracetam (50 mg/kg, ip), nooglutil (50 mg/kg, ip), meclofenoxate (50 mg/kg, ip), pyracetam (200 mg/kg, ip), and GABA (200 mg/kg, ip) prevented the memory-impairing effect of all these extreme factors. In contrast, N-acetylglycinamide, semax, and other nootropic drugs were effective only under one or two extreme conditions. PMID: 8974577, UI: 97006758
Liburdy RP, Sloma TR, Sokolic R, Yaswen P (1993) ELF magnetic fields, breast cancer, and melatonin: 60 Hz fields block melatonin's oncostatic action on ER+ breast cancer cell proliferation. J Pineal Res Mar;14(2):89-97. Dept of Cell and Molecular Biology, Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, UC Berkeley, CA 94720. In this study we investigated whether a 60 Hz magnetic field can act at the cellular level to influence the growth of human estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells. Our experimental design assessed cell proliferation of a human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, in the absence or the presence of melatonin which inhibits growth at a physiological concentration of 10(-9) M. In 3 experiments, continuous exposure to average sinusoidal 60 Hz magnetic fields of 1.90+0.01, 2.40+0.70, and 2.53+0.50 mG, or simultaneous exposure in matched incubators to average 60 Hz magnetic fields of 10.4+2.12, 11.95+2.73, and 11.95+3.28 mG, respectively, had no effect on cell proliferation in the absence of melatonin. When MCF-7 cells were cultured in the presence of 10(-9) M melatonin, an 18% inhibition of growth was seen for cells in a 2.40+0.70 mG field. This effect was blocked by a 60 Hz magnetic field of 11.95+2.75 mG. In a second experiment, a 27% inhibition of MCF-7 cell growth was seen for cells in a 2.53+0.50 mG magnetic field, and this was blocked by a 60 Hz magnetic field of 11.95+3.28 mG. This is the first evidence that ELF frequency magnetic fields can act at the cellular levels to enhance breast cancer cell proliferation by blocking melatonin's natural oncostatic action. There also seems to be a dose threshold between 2 and 12 mG. The mechanism(s) of action is unknown and may involve modulation of signal transduction events associated with melatonin's regulation of cell growth. PMID: 8320637, UI: 93308620
Otto W, Hempel WE, Wagner CU, Best A (1982) [Various periodical and aperiodical variations of heart infarct mortality in the DRG - Article in German]. Z Gesamte Inn Med Nov 15;37(22):756-763. In a survey of 66900 cases of death from ischaemic heart disease increased geomagnetic field, and increased geomagnetic storms were positively and significantly related to death from ischaemic heart disease. PMID: 6892183, UI: 83251281
Pautrizel R, Mattern P, Priore A, Pautrizel AN, Capbern A, Baltz T (1978) [Importance of immunological mechanism in the curing of experimental trypanosomiasis by physical stimulation - Article in French]. C R Acad Sci Hebd Seances Acad Sci D May 22;286(20):1487-1490. Cure of Trypanosoma equiperdum infected mice after treatment with combined EM waves and a magnetic field is probably linked with the immune state of the host. A severe depression of the immune system suppresses the ability of the animals to eliminate the parasites after physical stimulation. PMID: 97013, UI: 78213347
Reiser H, Dimpfel W, Schober F (1995) The influence of EMFs on human brain activity. Eur J Med Res Oct 16;1(1):27-32. Pro Science Private Research Institute GmbH, Linden, Germany. Possible effects of EMFs on human brain activity were studied. In a single-blind, cross-over-designed and placebo-controlled study 36 volunteers were exposed firstly to an EMF originating form a MediLine "MEGA-WAVE 150/1" therapy instrument and secondly to a field originating from a mobile, digital telephone as used for wireless telecommunication. All volunteers also underwent a control experiment with no field exposure. Application of the MEGA-WAVE instrument caused an increase in EEG power in the frequency bands Alpha2, Beta1 and Beta2 during and after field exposure. Operation of the mobile telephone caused an increase in the same frequency bands with a delay of approximately 15 m after exposure. Publication Types: Clinical trial PMID: 9392690, UI: 98055843
Stix G (1990) Field effects: A health worry for electric blanket makers. Sci Am Dec;263(6):122-123. PMID: 2270457, UI: 91102512
Syromiatnikov IuP, Kolesnikova AV, Roshchin VA (1990) [Occupational health issues in the technologic application of direct magnetic fields in the production of transistors - Article in Russian]. Gig Tr Prof Zabol 4:8-11. During the working shift, female transistor equipment assemblers were affected by periodic multiple short-term impulses of direct magnetic field (DMF) which was locally confined to the hand (with the field tension 35 kA/m at the finger-tips and 15 kA/m at the wrist). Local prenosologic manifestations were found in females of up to 35 yr with 1-10 yr of length of work, which proved blood circulation vegetative disorders in upper extremities (arteriole-capillary vasoneurosis). A study of morbidity with temporary disability was made (at 100 cases/yr ratio), which showed markedly higher morbidity rate as compared to the sample group. The difference in morbidity rate between these two groups was accounted for by hypertensive vegetovascular disorders and 1-2 stages of HD. The data received necessitates the earliest norming of localized (limited to the hand) direct magnetic field influence. PMID: 2165462, UI: 90330191
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