The Cardiovascular Response to an Acute 1800-microT, 60-Hz Magnetic Field Exposure in Humans

Overview

Journal Int Arch Occup Environ Health

Specialty Environmental Health

Date 2009 Nov 11

PMID 19902234

Citations 3

Authors

David A McNamee

Michael Corbacio

Julie K Weller

Samantha Brown

Frank S Prato

Alex W Thomas

Alexandre G Legros

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Previously published literature has suggested an effect of extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MF) on human heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). The combined response of the microcirculation and macrocirculation to ELF MF exposure has not previously been studied in humans. This study investigated the effects of 1-h exposure to an 1800-muT, 60-Hz MF on human microcirculation (represented in this study as skin blood perfusion), HR, low-frequency HRV, and high-frequency HRV.

Methods: Fifty-eight volunteers were recruited to partake in a double-blinded, counterbalanced study consisting of two testing sessions (real and sham) administered on separate days. Each session included four consecutive blocks of measurements, separated by 15-min rest periods, allowing measurement of cumulative and residual MF effects. Within subjects, ANOVA were conducted on each of the measured parameters.

Results: A decrease of skin blood perfusion and HR, and an increase of HRV were observed over blocks (p < 0.05). No session by block interactions were found for any of the cardiovascular parameters which would have suggested a MF effect (p > 0.05). A session by block interaction (p < 0.001) and a MF order effect (sham or real exposure first, p < 0.05) were observed for skin surface temperature.

Conclusions: The MF used in this experiment did not affect cardiovascular parameters. Although an alternative explanation for why skin surface temperatures decreased in the sham and not in the real exposure condition is presented, the possibility of a MF effect cannot be excluded.

Citing Articles

A 50 Hz magnetic field affects hemodynamics, ECG and vascular endothelial function in healthy adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Okano H, Fujimura A, Kondo T, Laakso I, Ishiwatari H, Watanuki K PLoS One. 2021; 16(8):e0255242.

PMID: 34351946 PMC: 8341886. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255242.

Neurophysiological and behavioral effects of a 60 Hz, 1,800 μT magnetic field in humans.

Legros A, Corbacio M, Beuter A, Modolo J, Goulet D, Prato F Eur J Appl Physiol. 2011; 112(5):1751-62.

PMID: 21894451 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-011-2130-x.

The response of the human circulatory system to an acute 200-μT, 60-Hz magnetic field exposure.

McNamee D, Corbacio M, Weller J, Brown S, Stodilka R, Prato F Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2010; 84(3):267-77.

PMID: 20496180 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-010-0543-1.

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