The influence of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) on cutaneous blood flow in healthy volunteers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The biophysical interaction induced by low energy pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) on the capillary microcirculation is not well understood. Several studies indicate a significant effect of PEMFT in patients with chronic medical conditions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of PEMFT on skin microcirculation in healthy volunteers. METHODS: 15 healthy participants were included. Nine PEMF treatments were applied over three weeks in an 48-hour interval. The PEMFT system (BEMER) was placed beneath one of the participants’ leg with the contralateral side serving as a control. A forty-minute application period was preceded by a 10-minute resting phase. Measuring was done using two Laser Doppler probes (LEA) placed on each anterior lateral thigh. RESULTS: All outcome parameters including flow, mixed venous oxygen saturation and relative venous hemoglobin showed a significant increase during the experiment when compared to the baseline values of the resting phase in both groups (p < 0.01). Comparing both groups, the measurement values during the experiment did not differ (p > 0.05) except for higher flow values in the control group (P = 0.03). Over time, baseline values of both groups showed no significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found a significant increase of all measurement parameters during the study compared to the baseline values with no difference between the PEMF and control group.

The Application of Infrared Thermography in the Assessment of BEMER Physical Vascular Therapy on Body Surface Temperature in Racing Thoroughbreds: A Preliminary Study

“…According to Schmelz et al [50] and Munce and Kenney [51], venodilatation can be a response to increased skin temperature and blood flow in the arteries, so the increased arterial diameter may reflect increased blood flow in the tissue together with venous dilatation. Similar results have been found in studies with humans [46], where, after BEMER therapy, blood flow, mixed venous oxygen saturation and relative venous haemoglobin, assessed by laser Doppler, showed a significant increase in the study group. Studies in which a static magnetic field was applied to the distal parts of horses' forelimbs have shown significant increases in blood flow and metabolic activity in the metacarpus after therapy [52].…”

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound perfusion imaging of organs

“…It might be more challenging to detect tumors in the apical and dorsal areas, which may require a 3D technique or also endoluminal probes. Clearly, CEUS perfusion allows for better monitoring after radiologic interventional treatment of prostate cancer, for example, irreversible electroporation [ 24 , 25 ]. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound perfusion can help to detect reactive changes like prostatitis.…”

“…Prostatitis tends to show a more spacious and prolonged hyperenhancement, but with a prolonged wash-out. On the other hand, aggressive prostate cancer lesions show a rapid nodular enhancement and wash-out in the venous phase ([ 25 – 27 ]; Fig. 4 ).…”

Treatment of patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) with an electromagnetic field coupled to biorhythmically defined impulse configuration: the MicrocircMODS study

“…A positive effect of PVT on subcutaneous vasomotion and microcirculatory function has been observed in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy [ 26 ] and in rehabilitation patients [ 16 , 27 ]. In young healthy volunteers, however, PVT over three weeks did not stimulate microcirculatory flow, as measured by laser Doppler placed on anterior lateral thigh, over a period of three weeks [ 28 ].…”