Previous studies have shown that exposure to an electromagnetic field (EMF) of 37 Hz at a flux density of 80 mT peak enhances nociceptive sensitivity in mice. Here we examined the effects on pain sensitivity and some indexes of cardiovascular regulation mechanisms in humans by measuring electrical cutaneous thresholds, arterial blood pressure, heart rate and its variability, and stress hormones. Pain and tolerance thresholds remained unchanged after sham exposure but significantly decreased after electromagnetic exposure. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher during electromagnetic exposure and heart rate significantly decreased, both during sham and electro- magnetic exposure, while the high frequency (150–400 mHz) component of heart rate variability, which is an index of parasympathetic activity, increased as expected during sham exposure but remained unchanged during electromagnetic exposure. Cortisol significantly decreased during sham exposure only. These results show that exposure to an EMF of 37 Hz also alters pain sensitivity in humans and suggest that these effects may be associated with abnormalities in cardiovascular regulation.

Human head exposure to a 37 Hz electromagnetic field: Effects on blood pressure, somatosensory perception, and related parameters

LUSCHI, PAOLO
2004-01-01

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that exposure to an electromagnetic field (EMF) of 37 Hz at a flux density of 80 mT peak enhances nociceptive sensitivity in mice. Here we examined the effects on pain sensitivity and some indexes of cardiovascular regulation mechanisms in humans by measuring electrical cutaneous thresholds, arterial blood pressure, heart rate and its variability, and stress hormones. Pain and tolerance thresholds remained unchanged after sham exposure but significantly decreased after electromagnetic exposure. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher during electromagnetic exposure and heart rate significantly decreased, both during sham and electro- magnetic exposure, while the high frequency (150–400 mHz) component of heart rate variability, which is an index of parasympathetic activity, increased as expected during sham exposure but remained unchanged during electromagnetic exposure. Cortisol significantly decreased during sham exposure only. These results show that exposure to an EMF of 37 Hz also alters pain sensitivity in humans and suggest that these effects may be associated with abnormalities in cardiovascular regulation.
2004
Ghione, S; DEL SEPPIA, C; Mezzasalma, L; Emdin, M; Luschi, Paolo
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11568/84414
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