Beneficial effects of electromagnetic fields

Abstract

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, pulsed electromagnetic field (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 two decades. More than a quarter million 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.

The static magnetic field accelerates the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of dental pulp cells

“…Physical factors such as mechanical, electrical, and magnetic stimulation exhibit anabolic action on bone formation (Bassett 1993;De Mattei et al 1999;Vander Molen et al 2000;McLeod and Collazo 2000). Static magnetic field (SMF) has been used advantageously in various orthodontic treatments (Noar and Evans 1999).…”

A preliminary study of oscillating electromagnetic field effects on human spermatozoon motility

“…It is generally accepted that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELFEMFs) can exert influences on biological functions of cells and tissues. These effects include bone healing [Basset, 1983], nerve regeneration [Kim et al, 2002], influences on cell calcium levels [Walleczek et al, 1999] and oncogene activation [Lagroye and Poncy, 1998]. On the contrary, the most part of studies concerning genotoxic effects were negative [Vijayalaxmi and Obe, 2005].…”

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“…[11] The application of external electrical or mechanical energy may affect disorders of dense connective tissue with induces changes to the cell environment. [12][13][14] Results of several studies have shown that exposure to EMFs was effective in reducing pain and edema after soft tissue injury. They suggested that exposure to EMF may affect at cellular, and neurobiological level and reduce pain sensitivity and pain inhibition.…”