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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-04-2010 | Original Article

The cardiovascular response to an acute 1800-μT, 60-Hz magnetic field exposure in humans

Authors: David A. McNamee, Michael Corbacio, Julie K. Weller, Samantha Brown, Frank S. Prato, Alex W. Thomas, Alexandre G. Legros

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 4/2010

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-μT, 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.

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Title: The cardiovascular response to an acute 1800-μT, 60-Hz magnetic field exposure in humans
Authors: David A. McNamee
Michael Corbacio
Julie K. Weller
Samantha Brown
Frank S. Prato
Alex W. Thomas
Alexandre G. Legros
Publication date: 01-04-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 4/2010
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-009-0484-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The cardiovascular response to an acute 1800-μT, 60-Hz magnetic field exposure in humans

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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