Abstract
This study focuses on the acute influence of an AC electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure (50 Hz, Bmax 180 mT) on flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and cutaneous blood flow volume in healthy human subjects. In a randomized, double blind and crossover design, the sham control (CTL) and the EMF exposures were carried out. For FMD study, exposure of the left upper arm to EMF was performed for 30 min in a supine position. In the case of the measurement of microcirculation, exposure of the left forearm to EMF was conducted for 15 min in a sitting position. The FMD values in the CTL exposure were not significantly changed compared with the baseline value (indicated as 100%). The FMD values were significantly increased from the baseline value in the presence of EMF exposure. The values of blood flow volume in the CTL exposure were significantly reduced compared with the baseline value probably due to immobility stress-induced ischemic conditions by preventing the arm from moving. In contrast, the values of the blood flow volume were not significantly changed by the EMF exposure. There was significant difference between CTL and EMF exposures. When considering the physiological significance of the non-thermal EMF effects, these results imply that the EMF-enhanced vasodilation and microcirculation might help eliminate the metabolic waste products and endogenous pain producing substances inducing muscle stiffness and pain.
