Therapeutic application of static magnetic fields

The interest toward clinical application of magnetic and electromagnetic stimulation increases worldwide. Numerous publications discussed the possibility exogenous magnetic and electromagnetic fields to initiate effects on various biological processes, which are of critical importance for healing of different injuries and pathologies. Today, magnetic and electromagnetic fields are increasingly utilized for treatment of various musculoskeletal injuries and pathologies. For musculoskeletal injuries and post-surgical, post traumatic and chronic wounds, reduction of edema is a major therapeutic factor in the acceleration of pain and stress relief, and thus contribute to healing processes. Electromagnetic and magnetic fields appear to be unique in their safety during clinical use. The application of this new modality will be facilitated by searching for biophysical mechanisms of action as well as by establishing exact dosimetry of application. In that respect basic science research needs to be developed in parallel with clinical applications. Magnetotherapy provides a non-invasive, safe, and easy method to directly treat the site of injury, the source of pain and inflammation, and other types of injury. Unfortunately, there are many obstacles that magnetotherapy has to overcome—both from the mainstream medicine as well as from the manufacturers and distributors of magnetic devices. The physical principle of magnetism as well as the physiological bases for the use of magnetic field for tissue repair are subjects of this review.     

Systemic Effect: A New Approach to Magnetic Field Therapy

Summary Despite of decades of successful worldwide use of magnetic/electromagnetic field therapy, the answer to the question of possible mechanisms of action is still lacking. Scientific reports of successful therapeutic use of magnetic/electromagnetic fields are worldwide; however, our understanding of the underlying mechanism is limited. This paper presents a new hypothesis that therapeutic benefit of magnetic fields might result from effects that originated on the level of important systems in human body. It is known now that the life is an electromagnetic event in aqueous medium. Therefore, an appropriate choice of magnetic and/or electromagnetic field may be expected to initiate systemic changes that result in efficacious effects distant from the point of application. Observations of this phenomenon have been reported in at least two forms: (1) neutralization of the pain experience distant to the point of magnetic field exposure; and, (2) various alterations of T-lymphocytes in response to pain and to magnetic fields. Extrapolating these observations to the level of blood-vessel system, one might hypothesize that a “healthy” cell does not respond as readily to the applied fields as do abnormal cells (which are in a disease or injury state).     

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy history,state of the art and future

Magnetic and electromagnetic fields are now recognized by the 21st century medicine as real physical entities that promise the healing of various health problems, even when conventional medicine has failed. Today magnetotherapy provides a non-invasive, safe, and easy method to directly treat the site of injury, the source of pain and inflammation, and other types of diseases and pathologies. Millions of people worldwide have received help in treatment of musculoskeletal system, as well as pain relief. Pulsed electromagnetic fields are one important modality in magnetotherapy and recent technological innovations, such as Curatron pulsed electromagnetic field devices, offer excellent, state of the art computer controlled therapy system. In this article the development, state of the art and future of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy are discussed.     

Could the relief of myofascial and/or low back pain by magnetic fields be explained by their action on trigger points

It is well recognized that a trigger point is a functional, rather than an anatomical, entity. It is known that a significant fraction of both acute and chronic pain experience is myofascial in nature. This paper is aimed to discuss the potential of using permanent magnets placed over the trigger points, which are associated with that referred pain, to be a tool for pain relief. This approach is even more important in patients with various disabilities and experiencing chronic sacro-iliac and/or low back pain. It appears that the trigger points represent a plausible physiological/tissue “window” and/or pathways, which allow the magnetic fields to penetrate through physiological barriers, and thus returning injured tissues to the homeostatic state. These “tissue windows” represent physiological “entrance points” for eventual exogenous stimulations, mainly physical by nature, to enter the body. There is evidence that the application of magnetic fields (via permanent magnets) on trigger points is more effective for pain relief as compared to application to other body surface area. The systemic effects at which the results are manifested at sites distant from application area is also considered when discussing effects of magnetic fields applied on trigger points. Ion transport is considered as central to the integrity and proper functioning of nerve excitability and muscle contraction. Any disruption of their normal function would directly and markedly affect human neurosensory and neuromotor performance. Biophysical phenomena associated with modification of ion transport are in the range of weak stimuli. Therefore, electrophysiological changes in the functions of the so-called ion channels, are among the more (perhaps the most) sensitive indicators to detect and quantify physiological effects of electromagnetic fields.     

Electromagnetic fields in clinical practice of physical and rehabilitation medicine: a health hazard assessment of personnel

The importance of the assessment of the electromagnetic fields /EMF/ background as a health risk factor for the physiotherapy personnel is discussed in this paper. Wide frequency and amplitude ranges as well as large variety of design prescribed in the rehabilitation program form complicated work conditions. In this paper, we attempt to present and classify this specific work environment, i.e., low intensive EMF background with non homogenous frequency and modulation characteristics, stochastic changes running during day, ground or even underground units’ placement and professional specifics, i.e., chronic EMF expositions, personnel’s trunk and hands exposure, dose-measurement absence, lack of program for prevention and prophylaxis for the assessment of the relatively insufficiently elucidated potential of EMF as a harmful factor for medical staff. Our “Study of the biological effects of the EMF among medical staff from PRM wards—potential of risk reduction”/initialized in 1999/and the original survey card structure are presented in general here first. It has been shown the importance to extend the “native” studies among homogenous professional groups, two of them presented there, as well as the study of the biological effects of EMF in their different aspects, especially taking into account the elevated levels of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation in the environment. This includes the special attention on the exposure of medical staff from PRM units and creation of adequate methods for prevention of unnecessary exposure to these physical factors.     

Graphical Presentation of 50/60 Hz Magnetic Field Contours as an Engineering Tool for Minimizing ELF Fields

Summary Since IARC classified ELF magnetic field as Possibly Carcinogenic to Human the fear from 50/60 Hz magnetic field exposure had been increased to the state of public “panic”. Subsequently, environment quality preservation organizations increased their pressure on their government to adopt the “precautionary principle” and to reduce the allowable ELF Magnetic Field exposure to much lower values than are recommended by ICNIRP-1998. As an example the present Environmental Ministry in Israel recommendation is to lower the ELF Field exposure to 10 mG averaged over 24 h. As a result of this stringent exposure guideline imposed by the government, electrical engineers who are involved in the deployment and installation of large and medium electrical utilities, such as overhead power lines, transformers, UPS systems, electrical public transportation, switching stations, etc., are much more aware to the need to employ special measures and methods for reducing the magnetic fields that might be emitted from such utilities. There are few computer codes that are capable of analyzing with great accuracy magnetic and electric fields surrounding single phase and three phase electrical utilities in a 3-D system. The best presentations of the analysis results are by equi-value contours depicting electric and magnetic fields. This graphical presentation is a powerful design tool that enables better deployment and installation design aided to reduce the magnetic field emissions from high-power electrical utilities. This paper describes the various types of graphical presentations available for ELF field contours, the dependent and independent variants and parameters, magnetic field animation for optimization of power line installation and routing, and finally an example that demonstrates the usefulness of the graphical presentation tools.     

Trigger points and systemic effect for EMF therapy

The use of magnetic fields (MFs), in general, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs), in specific, as therapeutic modalities is becoming very common. In the USA, EMFs are mostly used in orthopedics, followed by pain relief and the wound-healing arena. Even though a substantial literature exists worldwide, we are still lacking the accepted comprehensive mechanism(s) of action. In general, it is thought that the best therapeutic effects are achieved when the stimulation is applied directly to the target area. Since the beginning of this century, however, more and more evidence has been collected indicating that effects of the MF stimulation may also be observed at site(s) different from the site of application of the signal. A primary purpose of this paper is to propose a link between the systemic and direct effects. The functional units known as trigger points are discussed as possible “doors” allowing the stimulation to be delivered to the target tissue/organ. A second purpose is to suggest some possible modes of action.     

Mathematical modelling of pulsed magnetic field action on neurons’ bioelectric activity

Hodgkin–Huxley model, describing generation of action potentials in axons’ membranes, has been used for appreciation of the possible mechanisms of electromagnetic fields influence on neurons’ electrical activity. It follows from the carried calculations that flowing through an axon of the external current pulses, which have an area of rise, an area of DC, and an area of drop, does not influence own excitation pulses passage if periods of rise and drop are slope enough. Depending on the external current parameters, own excitation pulses may not be influenced or may be suppressed at greater velocity of rise and drop of an external current. Moreover, induced excitation pulses appear at definite parameters of an external current. In the case, when at passage through an axon of an external current, own excitation pulses follow one by one (paired pulse facilitation), and the second pulse may be suppressed if its level will not be increased additionally in comparison with the case of an external current absence. It is possible that such increase happens “automatically” as a result of “tuning” (adaptation) of axons to the conditions of flowing through them of an external current. It may be an explanation of the phenomena observed in experiments.     

Impact of physical factors on the society and environment

In 1988 I published a paper “Electromagnetic fields—a new ecological factor” (Markov 1988). There was no internet and very few cell phones were available. It was not even fear from the hazard of the power lines. However, I want to cite the beginning of this paper: “The contemporary conditions of life put man in dependence of the complex of physical influences on the environment and in the first place—of the electromagnetic fields. The rapid development of science and technology has resulted in the introduction of many new devices and technologies in industry, agriculture, and everyday life. On the other hand, during their phylogenetic and ontogenic development, the living organisms are continuously exposed to the influence of different biotic and abiotic factors. The physical factors are included in the first group, and the entire evolution of life is connected with an adaptation to the action of these factors.” Could I repeat this statement nearly a quarter of century later? Sure, I will. The only difference would be that I will speak not only for electromagnetic fields, but for green-house effects, global warming, volcano eruption, and radiation disasters. I would also discuss the noise and vibration to which people are exposed from early days to the very end of their life traveling with private vehicles or public transport.     

Choice of parameters for passive shielding of power-frequency magnetic fields

Epidemiological studies suggesting the possibility of harmful effects on human (specifically children’s leukaemia) due to long-term exposure to magnetic fields of extremely low frequency (e.g. 50/60 Hz) and relatively low values (i.e. over the microtesla range) have stirred high activity in the topic of magnetic field mitigation. To reduce these fields, it is common to use passive metal screens (e.g. plates made of aluminium or steel). To design them, effective and fast numerical computations are highly desirable. In this article, a method is presented, which computes various parameters of screens in a given shielding problem and yields magnetic field distribution and shielding factors. The method takes into consideration the 3D field distribution and is able to solve systems with large aspect ratios (thin thickness in comparison with its other dimensions); this is a common problem where other methods such as finite elements often experience difficulties. The presented method computes separately the field inside and outside the screens. Afterwards, the solutions are “stitched” together along the border of the subregions. Two practical examples are given of the developed numerical method.     

The Scaling of Water Governance Tasks: A Comparative Federal Analysis of the European Union and Australia

Conflicts over how to “scale” policy-making tasks have characterized environmental governance since time immemorial. They are particularly evident in the area of water policy and raise important questions over the democratic legitimacy, economic efficiency and effectiveness of allocating (or “scaling”) tasks to some administrative levels as opposed to others. This article adopts a comparative federalism perspective to assess the “optimality” of scaling—either upward or downward—in one issue area, namely coastal recreational water quality. It does so by comparing the scaling of recreational water quality tasks in the European Union (EU) and Australia. It reveals that the two systems have adopted rather different approaches to scaling and that this difference can partly be accounted for in federal theoretical terms. However, a much greater awareness of the inescapably political nature of scaling processes is nonetheless required. Finally, some words of caution are offered with regard to transferring policy lessons between these two jurisdictions.     

How living systems recognize applied electromagnetic fields

Natural and man-made magnetic and electromagnetic fields are important factors in the contemporary life. The paper discusses the role of environmental magnetic and electromagnetic fields in origin and evolution of life. A brief review of the characteristics of Earth magnetic field, Earth magnetosphere, and their role as a shield for cosmic radiation follows. The role of endogenous and exogenous magnetic fields is discussed in respect of the clarification of the potential hazard and benefit of electromagnetic fields. The second part of the paper discusses the mechanisms of detection and response to exogenous electromagnetic fields, as well as threshold versus window hypothesis for mechanisms of interactions. Finally, the necessity of accurate dosimetry at the target site and the importance of relevant research and clinical protocols in studying biological responses are pointed out.     

Exposure to electromagnetic fields in the magnetic resonance imaging environment in South Africa

Occupational exposure to radiofrequency (RF) and static magnetic fields at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suites is of continuing concern to personnel who routinely work in this environment. Questions regarding the levels of occupational RF and static field exposure have increased with the increasing demand for anesthetics to be administered in this environment. The present study was thus designed towards addressing the above-mentioned problem by gaining information regarding exposure levels of clinical personnel at MRI units in South Africa. Three 1.5 MRI units in Bloemfontein, South Africa were utilized to evaluate the exposure of clinical personnel to the electromagnetic fields present in the MRI environment over a period of time and during different clinical MRI procedures. Three rounds of measurements of RF fields in the MRI environment were done. All the three measurement rounds were focused on the low frequencies, 5 Hz–32 kHz, as well as on the high frequencies, 300 kHz–40 GHz. First round measurements were done to establish the background of the RF fields in and around the magnet room during an MRI examination. Second round RF field measurements were done at a specific location, 1 m away from the bore on the right-hand side of the bed, in the MRI room. The third round measurements were of the same format as the second round, but the specific location was against the magnet bore. Two pieces of Narda Safety Test Solution instruments, the EFA-300 and EMR-300, were used to measure the electromagnetic and magnetic exposure fields generated from the MRI scanners. Results of the measurements indicate that the electromagnetic fields measured during different clinical procedures do not exceed the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (2000) guidelines in these units. Results from round two and three showed that the RF and gradient exposure 1 m and up against the bore entrance does not exceed these guidelines (rms average over 6 min). Ongoing new developments in MRI scanning create the need for continuously monitoring exposure of patients and workers to the EMF fields in the MRI environment.     

The EMF-induced changes in aqua medium’s properties depend on background ionizing radiation, illumination and temperature

The effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) and ELF-modulated millimeter waves (MMW) on physicochemical properties of physiological solution (PS) at different environmental medium were studied. The existence of frequency “windows” at 4 Hz and 8 Hz frequencies of ELF EMF and ELF-modulated MMW which have different effects on heat fusion period (HFP), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) formation and oxygen (O₂) content of water solution and different dependency on temperature, background radiation (BGR) and illumination was shown. The obtained data allow us to suggest that cell bathing medium serving as a target through which the biological effects of ELF EMF and ELF-modulated MMW on cells are realized is extra sensitive to environmental factors. Therefore, the variability of experimental data on EMF biological effects, obtained in different laboratories can be explained by different environmental conditions of experiments, which very often are not considered adequately.     

Consensus Conferences – A Case Study: Publiforum in Switzerland with Special Respect to the Role of Lay Persons and Ethics

This paper focuses on experiences from a case study dealing with the Swiss type of a consensus conference called “PubliForum” concerning “Genetic Technology and Nutrition” (1999). Societal and ethical aspects of genetically modified food meanwhile can be seen as prototypes of topics depending on the involvement of the public through a participatory process. The important role of the lay perspective in this field seems to be accepted in practice. Nevertheless, there is still some theoretical controversy about the necessity and democratic legitimacy of participatory processes in general, and especially about those dealing with technological or environmental problems (sustainable development) concerning society. From an ethical point of view, a lot of heterogeneous problems concerning contents and procedures of public participation can be pointed out, not only on the theoretical level but also in practice, e.g., concerning the communication process between laypersons and experts. The intention of our paper is to give hints and to clarify criteria that support the communication process leading to a dialog of autonomous citizens and which especially consider ethical aspects in the field. One important result is that there must be an orientation for all members of a consensus conference having clear rules and knowing their different roles that support transparency, credibility, and fairness of the whole procedure and a “good product”: a substantial final document or citizens’ report. This paper presents results of the project Ethical Bio-TA Tools as funded by the European Commission, DG Research, under FP5, Quality of Life Programme.     

Diffusion of innovative agricultural production systems for sustainable development of small islands: A methodological approach based on the science of complexity

In order to develop small islands, not only must a vital agricultural system be maintained, but the range of opportunities for tourism must be increased with respect to both the seaside and the environmental features of the rural landscape. As an alternative to the traditional and economically declining ones, many innovative production processes can be identified, but their success depends on their interaction with the physical, biological, economic and social environment. In order to identify the main nodes and the most critical interactions, so as to increase the probability of success of a new productive process, a methodological approach based on the science of complexity is proposed for the cultivation of capers (Capparis spinosa L.) on the island of Pantelleria. The methodology encompasses the identification of actors and factors involved. the quantitative evaluation of their interactions with the different stages of the productive process, and a quasiquantitative evaluation of the probability that the particular action will be performed successfully. The study of “traditional,” “modernized,” and “modernized-sustainable” processes, shows that the modernized-sustainable process offers mutually reinforcing opportunities in terms of an integrated development of high-quality agricultural products and the enhancement of environmental features, in conjunction with high-efficiency production techniques, in conjunction with high-efficiency production techniques, in a way that suits the development of Pantelleria. There is a high probability of failure, however, as a result of the large number of critical factors. Nevertheless, the present study indicates which activities will enhance the probability of successful innovation in the production process.     

Benefits-based analysis of visitor use of Sorak-san National Park in Korea

Benefits-based management seeks to provide recreation benefits for recreation participants by managing the physical environments in which recreation occurs. This study investigates the relationship between benefits desired by visitors and the physical, social, and managerial characteristics of settings that facilitate realization of recreation benefits. Data such as perceived benefits from recreation experiences, setting attributes that significantly influenced perceived benefits, and sociodemographic variables were collected from 376 visitors to Sorak-san National Park in the eastern part of the Korean peninsula. Cluster analysis was used to group visitors' desired benefits into 12 domains: relationship with nature/scenery, escaping pressure, learning about nature, family togetherness, introspection, exploration, autonomy/achievement, being with friends, leading others, skills/learning, risk taking, and meeting/observing new people. Multiple regression was used to link benefit domains with the characteristics of settings. The social attribute of recreation settings was linked to eight of the ten benefit domains. There were two statistically strong multiple regression correlations: (1) between domain of “relationship with nature /scenery” and the attributes “forest/water,”“attractive nature,” and “facility/maintenance” and (2) between the domain of “escaping pressure” and the attributes “attractive nature” and “social.” The results of this study are useful to managers in their efforts to provide recreation opportunities for visitors to achieve beneficial outcomes.     

Criticism of the philosophy for development of standards for non-ionizing radiation

The new recommendations of WHO and EC for legislation in Europe and other countries concerning non-ionizing radiation (NIR) health and safety include exposure limits that are very debatable. ICNIRP Guidelines propose exposure limits for electromagnetic fields in the frequency range up to 300 GHz based on short-term exposures and on thermal effects. The new EC proposal for optical and laser safety legislation includes classification of sources of radiation—both lasers and other optical sources, but not requirements for the methodology of classification. On the other hand, many new requirements have been set by the WHO publication “Model Legislation for EMF Protection” concerning the responsibilities in the field of EMF health and safety. Many specialists in the field of developing exposure limits have positions very far away from the proposed of the ICNIRP Guidelines philosophy. The results are different approaches in developing standards and exposure limits, and differences more than 100 times in maximal permissible levels. We, the Bulgarian Program Committee on NIR, try to organize working groups and discuss different philosophy for developing exposure limits for more than 10 years. This paper exposes our position in this area.     

Reflections in a Stock Pond: Are Anthropogenically Derived Freshwater Ecosystems Natural, Artificial, or Something Else?

“A skyscraper is as natural as a bird’s nest” –Alan Watts For millennia, people have altered freshwater ecosystems directly through water development and indirectly by global change and surrounding land-use activities. In these altered ecosystems, human impacts can be subtle and are sometimes overlooked by the people who manage them. This article provides two case studies near Boulder, Colorado that demonstrate how perceptions regarding these ecosystems affect their management. These examples are typical of lakes and streams along the Front Range of Colorado that are simultaneously natural and social in origin. Although natural, many of the region’s freshwater ecosystems are affected by ongoing ecologic, hydrologic, chemical, and geomorphic modifications produced by human activity. People and nature are both active participants in the production of these freshwater ecosystems. The concept of “hybridity,” borrowed from geographers and social scientists, is useful for describing landscapes of natural and social origin. Hybrid freshwater ecosystems are features of the humanized landscape and are derived from deliberate cultural activities, nonhuman physical and biological processes, and incidental anthropogenic disturbance. Our perceptions of “natural” freshwater ecosystems and what definitions we use to describe them influences our view of hybrid systems and, in turn, affects management decisions regarding them. This work stresses the importance of understanding the underlying societal forces and cultural values responsible for the creation of hybrid freshwater ecosystems as a central step in their conservation and management.