Mechanistic Studies
A list of case studies diving deeper on the use of PEMF, its behavior and many applications.
A review of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) mechanisms at a cellular level: a rationale for clinical use
Overview
Delivery of health care demands evidence-based practice, because evidence—based practice helps to ensure that all facets of health care delivery are subject to a higher level of accountability. In light of this, the recent years of physiotherapy practice has been influenced by a swell of research which, in many cases, supports current practice and, in some cases, influences change of practice.
Therefore, this paper reviews the mechanisms of action of
the most common electromagnetic modalities and provide a rationale as to why “pulsed” fields seem to produce more significant effects compared with continuous applications. It will be shown that significant tissue healing effects, particularly with the modality PEMF, are likely the result of increased activity in non-excitable cells. This review explains the science at a cellular level and suggest the potential mechanisms for action for the modalities with specific focus on PEMF.
Alternative Medicine: Expanding Medical Horizons Bioelectromagnetics Applications in Medicine
Overview
Bioelectromagnetics (BEM) is the emerging science that studies how living organisms interact with electromagnetic (EM) fields. Electrical phenomena are found in all living organisms. Moreover, electrical currents exist in the body that are capable of producing magnetic fields that extend outside the body. Consequently, they can be influenced by external magnetic and EM fields as well. Changes in the body’s natural fields may produce physical and behavioral changes. To understand how these field effects may occur, it is first useful to discuss some basic phenomena associated with EM fields.
Study: Tiziano Marovino, DPT, MPH, DAIPM (2019), OSKA PEMF Pain Relief Device: A Mini Review Trial
Electromagnetic fields as first messenger in biological signaling: Application to calmodulin-dependent signaling in tissue repair
Overview
The transduction mechanism for non-thermal electromagnetic field (EMF) bioeffects has not been fully elucidated. Hence, this study has proposed that an EMF can act as a first messenger in the calmodulin-dependent signaling pathways that orchestrate the release of cytokines and growth factors in normal cellular responses to physical and/or chemical insults.
After a series of methods, the results of the study turned out to be consistent with the proposed mechanism, and strongly support the Ca/CaM/NO pathway as a primary EMF transduction pathway. The predictions of the proposed model open a host of significant possibilities for configuration of non-thermal EMF signals for clinical and wellness applications.
Evidence-Based Use of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Clinical Plastic Surgery
Overview
The initial development of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy and its evolution over the last century for use in clinical surgery has been slow, primarily because of lack of scientifically-derived, evidence- based knowledge of the mechanism of action. The study reviewed the major scientific breakthroughs and current understanding of the mechanism of action of PEMF therapy, providing clinicians with a sound basis for optimal use.
After a literature review and using case illustrations, a holistic exposition on the clinical use of PEMF in plastic surgery was performed. As a result and with enough scientific support, the study showed that plastic surgeons have at hand a powerful tool with no known side effects for the adjunctive, noninvasive, nonpharmacologic management of postoperative pain and edema. Given the recent rapid advances in development of portable and economical PEMF devices, what has been of most significance to the plastic surgeon is the laboratory and clinical confirmation of decreased pain and swelling following injury or surgery.
Magnetic Resonance: Impact on Cell Function
Overview
The use of magnetism in medicine is recorded in the history of most civilizations. The first usage is noted in Chinese writings (approximately 2000 B.C.), referencing the use of magnetism in conjunction with acupuncture. Cleopatra is said to have worn a lodestone on her forehead to prevent aging. Healthy cells generally have transmembrane potentials of approximately 70 millivolts. These potentials are considerably lower in aged and diseased cells due to the alterations of structure, making them unable to function normally.
Restoration of the original potentials enables aged or damaged subcellular structure to regain their function. In the late 1950s, magnetic field deficiency syndrome was identified in Japan. It resembles chronic fatigue syndrome, with symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, general aches and pains, and frequent headaches. These symptoms were alleviated by the external application of a magnetic field to the human body. Electrostimulators send helpful charges to the muscles and joints.
Evidence-Based Use of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Clinical Plastic Surgery
Overview
This study presented the actual state of knowledge on selected applications of electromagnetic field in the biomedical treatment area. The use of electromagnetic field in the treatment of diseases has already been known for centuries. Low hazard, wide applicability, good clinical effect and the relatively low cost enable the electromagnetic field therapy to be widely used. In addition, the electromagnetic field increases quantity of collagen content elevating its density and a more regular arrangement.
Furthermore, it induces the activation of glutathione peroxidase and intensification of the process of erythropoiesis leading to better use of oxygen in the tissues around the wound. The electromagnetic field is also used in rehabilitation of patients with diseases of skeletal, nervous and respiratory systems. And lastly, electromagnetic field may be used in the course of most inflammatory diseases and in the case of concomitant pain.
