Resting EEG effects during exposure to a pulsed ELF magnetic field

Abstract

Continuing evidence suggests that extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF MFs) can affect animal and human behavior. We have previously demonstrated that after a 15 min exposure to a pulsed ELF MF, with most power at frequencies between 0 and 500 Hz, human brain electrical activity is affected as measured by electroencephalography (EEG), specifically within the alpha frequency (8-13 Hz). Here, we report that a pulsed ELF MF affects the human EEG during the exposure period. Twenty subjects (10 males; 10 females) received both a magnetic field and a sham session of 15 min in a counterbalanced design. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that alpha activity was significantly lower over the occipital electrodes (O1, Oz, O2) [F(1,16) = 5.376, P < .01, eta2 = 0.418] after the first 5 min of magnetic field exposure and was found to be related to the order of exposure (MF-sham vs. sham-MF). This decrease in alpha activity was no longer significant in the 1st min post-exposure, compared to sham (P > .05). This study is among the first to assess EEG frequency changes during a weak (+/-200 microTpk), pulsed ELF MF exposure.

Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field exposure can alter neuroprocessing in humans

“…Some changes in the somatosensory areas were observed over time, but there was no significant interaction with magnetic field exposure. These fMRI effects were seen after a 15-min exposure, consistent with effects seen in humans on EEG from similar length exposures (Cook et al 2005) and anti-nociception seen in snails and rodents also after 15-min exposures (Thomas et al 1997). However, in previous human studies investigating subjective relief from both acute and chronic pain, longer periods of exposure were used (Shupak et al 2004;Thomas et al 2007).…”

“…Moreover, in humans, the effect is specific to nociception and does not affect thermal sensory thresholds (Shupak et al 2004), and is effective on both acute and chronic pain (Thomas et al 2007). The analgesic effect appears to operate via the central nervous system, as suggested by the effectiveness of localized head-only exposures, and reports of pulsed magnetic field exposures affecting electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements (Cook et al 2005).…”

The Alpha Band of the Resting Electroencephalogram Under Pulsed and Continuous Radio Frequency Exposures

“…Some relevant studies to which our results can be compared are those of Cook et al [19]- [20] which employed exposures that bear some spectral resemblance to those employed here (pulsed ELF exposures but with homogeneous exposure properties), and they reported both increases and decreases of alpha activity during and shortly after exposure. In addition Stevens reported a decrease of alpha activity after exposure to weak magnetic fields [28].…”

Brain Inconspicuous Effect by Local Sinusoidal Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Exposure Based on Wavelet Packet Analysis: Innovation in Online Passive Neurofeedback Therapy by the Neuro-LSELF System

“…Cook et al, 2006;C. M. Cook, Thomas, Keenliside, & Prato, 2005; C. M. Cook et al, 2004;Cvetkovic & Cosic, 2006De Ninno et al, 2008;Lyskov, Juutilainen, Jousmaki, Hänninen, et al, 1993;Lyskov, Juutilainen, Jousmaki, Partanen, et al, 1993;Marino & Becker, 1977).…”