Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Field Device (P.E.M.F.)

This device transmits at 72hz
Pulse speed: 8 nanoseconds

Free Radicals
are the "bad
guys.

Antioxidants
are the "good
guys"

When an
antioxidant
bumps into
a free radical
it neutralizes
it if they are
properly
aligned

One in sixty
four collisions
between a free
radical and an
antioxidant
results in a
proper alignment
under regular
conditions.

They collide,
are not properly
aligned and
bounce apart
again.

It appears that
when receiving
magnetic energy
from a pulsed
electroMagnetic
field device
that allignment
takes place on
every collision.

It helps your
body to heal
itself using
the natural
mechanisms
that your body
has to do
so.

It is not believed
to cause any
bad side effects
at all.

It doesn't hurt!
-You probably
won't feel
anything at
all except less
pain

In a recent 4
year study NASA
declared that
this nano second
square pulse was
the most effective

 

NASA 4-year collaborative study on the efficacy of electromagnetic fields to stimulate growth and repair in mammalian tissues NASA/TP-2003-212054*

CHIEF INVESTIGATORS:
Robert Dennis Ph.D. - University of Michigan
Thomas J Goodwin Ph.D. Lynden B Johnson Space Center

PURPOSE:
This four year study used human donors "to define the most effective electromagnetic fields for enhancing growth and repair in mammalian tissues."

To utilize "nerve tissue which has been refractory to efforts to stimulate growth or enhance its repair regardless of the energy used." (all other tissues have demonstrated growth and repair stimulation with appropriate PEMF)

To define a PEMF technology that would "duplicate mature, three dimensional morphology between neuronal cells and feeder (glial) cells, which has not been previously accomplished."

 

RESULTS:
The PEMF used in the study "caused accelerated growth rate and better organized morphology over controls", and resulted in "greater cell viability" (85% vs. 65%).

In the gene discovery array (chip technology that surveyed 10,000 human genes), the investigators found up-regulation of 150 genes associated with growth and cell restoration.
T. Goodwin (personal communication) " PEMF shut down each dysregulatory gene we studied".

NASAs CONCLUSION:
"The up-regulation of these genes is in no manner marginal (1.7-8.4 logs) with gene sites for collagen production and growth the most actively stimulated."

"We have clearly demonstrated the bioelectric/biochemical potentiation of nerve stimulation and restoration in humans as a documented reality".

"The most effective electromagnetic field for repair of trauma was square wave with a rapid rate of change (dB/dt) which saw cell growth increased up to 4.0 times."

Final Recommendation: "One may use square wave EM fields with rapid rate of change for:

*Repairing traumatized tissues
*Moderating some neurodegenerative diseases
*Developing tissues for transplantation

*the first study to clarify technologies and efficacy parameters for tissue growth and restoration

For brevity we reduced the 33 page technical paper to the above summary which we feel represents the essence of that communication.

Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Field Device (P.E.M.F.)

*This device penetrates between 4" and 5" through bone, casts, muscle etc.

Nano pulsed electro magnetic field devices have been found helpful in all these conditions!

 
*Bowel Surgery
Influence of pulsed electromagnetic fields on healing of experimental colonic anastomosis.

Mentes BB, Tascilar O, Tatlicioglu E, Bor MV, Isman F, Turkozkan N, Celebi M.

Department of Surgery, Gazi University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey.

PURPOSE: The study investigated the influence of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) on the mechanical strength and collagen content of uncomplicated colonic anastomosis in rats. METHODS: A standardized left colonic resection was performed 3 cm above the peritoneal reflection, and end-to-end anastomosis was constructed with eight interrupted inverting sutures. Beginning immediately after surgery, randomly assigned groups were exposed to one of the following: 1) 100 Hz (frequency), 1 mT (intensity) PEMFs with 16-hour on/8-hour off cycles (n = 8); 2) 100 Hz, 2 mT PEMFs with 16-hour on/8-hour off cycles (n = 8); 3) 100 Hz, 1 mT PEMFs with 6-hour on/6-hour off cycles (n = 6), whereas the control group (n = 10) received no PEMFs. Relaparatomy was performed at 72 hours postoperatively, and the bursting pressure of the anastomotic segment was recorded in situ. The hydroxyproline contents of the anastomotic and adjacent perianastomotic segments of equal lengths were determined. RESULTS: Mean bursting pressure values of the groups that received 100 Hz, 1 or 2 mT PEMFs with 16-hour on/8-hour off cycles (90.88 +/- 19.13 and 83.88 +/- 7.08 mmHg, respectively) were significantly higher than those of the control group (61.66 +/- 10.6 mmHg) and the group with 6-hour on/6-hour off cycles (64.83 +/- 7.36 mmHg; P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Hydroxyproline contents of the anastomotic and perianastomotic segments were consistently higher in the 16-hour on/8-hour off PEMF groups, compared with those of the corresponding segments of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: PEMFs applied externally to unrestrained rats within a "window of PEMF parameters" provided a significant gain in the mechanical strength of the colonic anastomosis, at least 72 hours post-operatively. Associated relative increases in the hydroxyproline contents of the (peri)anastomotic colonic segments suggest that an altered collagen metabolism might contribute to this enhancement of the anastomotic repair. Further investigations based on these preliminary data and the definition of the exact measures regarding the effects of PEMFs on biologic systems, in general, may lead to an efficient and new adjunctive modality in colorectal surgery.

*Bursitis
BURSITIS & PEMF CLINICAL STUDY

Lancet. 1984 Mar 31;1(8379):695-8
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy of persistent rotator cuff tendinitis. A double-blind controlled assessment.

Binder A, Parr G, Hazleman B, Fitton-Jackson S.

The value of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) for the treatment of persistent rotator cuff tendinitis was tested in a double-blind controlled study in 29 patients whose symptoms were refractory to steroid injection and other conventional conservative measures. The treated group (15 patients) had a significant benefit compared with the control group (14 patients) during the first 4 weeks of the study, when the control group received a placebo. In the second 4 weeks, when all patients were on active coils, no significant differences were noted between the groups. This lack of difference persisted over the third phase, when neither group received any treatment for 8 weeks. At the end of the study 19 (65%) of the 29 patients were symptomless and 5 others much improved. PEMF therapy may thus be useful in the treatment of severe and persistent rotator cuff and possibly other chronic tendon lesions.

*Costocondritis

Ciombor DM, Lester G, Aaron RK, Neame P, Caterson B.

Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA. deborah_ciombor@brown.edu

This study describes the enhancement of chondrogenic differentiation in endochondral ossification by extremely low frequency pulsed electric/magnetic fields (EMFs). The demineralized bone matrix (DBM)-induced endochondral ossification model was used to examine the effects of EMF stimulation. [35S]-Sulfate and [3H]-thymidine incorporation and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content were determined by standard methods. Proteoglycan (PG) and GAG molecular size and composition were determined by gel chromatography and sequential enzyme digestion. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis of PGs were done with antibodies 2B6, 3B3, 2D3 and 5D4. Northern analysis of total RNA extracts was performed for aggrecan, and type II collagen. All data was compared for significance by Student's t- or analysis of variance (ANOVA)-tests. The EMF field accelerated chondrogenesis as evidenced by an increase in: (1) 35SO4 incorporation and GAG content, (2) the number of chondrocytes at day 8 of development, (3) the volumetric density of cartilage and (4) the extent of immunostaining for 3B3 and 5D4. No differences in DNA content or [3H]-thymidine incorporation were observed between control and stimulated ossicles, suggesting the absence of enhanced cell proliferation or recruitment as a mechanism for the acceleration. PG and GAG molecular sizes and GAG chemical composition were similar in stimulated and control ossicles, indicating that stimulation resulted in an accelerated synthesis of normal cartilage molecules. The increased expression of PG and type II collagen mRNA as well as a greater immunoreactivity of 3B3 and 5D4 suggest an increase in the rate of differentiation of chondrocytes and enhanced phenotypic maturation.

*General Surgery
Evaluation of treatment with a pulsed electromagnetic field on wound healing, clinicopathologic variables, and central nervous system activity of dogs.

Scardino MS, Swaim SF, Sartin EA, Steiss JE, Spano JS, Hoffman CE, Coolman SL, Peppin BL.

Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of treatment with a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on healing of open and sutured wounds, clinicopathologic variables, and CNS activity of dogs. ANIMALS: 12 adult female Beagles. PROCEDURE: Open and sutured wounds were created in the skin of the trunk of the dogs. Dogs were divided into 2 groups. One group received PEMF treatment and 1 group served as untreated (control) dogs. The PEMF-treated dogs received treatment twice a day starting the day before surgery and lasting through day 21 after surgery. Wounds were evaluated by use of tensiometry, planimetry, laser Doppler perfusion imaging, and histologic examination. Clinicopathologic variables and electroencephalographic tracings were also evaluated. RESULTS: Use of PEMF treatment resulted in significantly enhanced epithelialization of open wounds 10 and 15 days after surgery. Five days after surgery, wounds of control dogs had a negative value for wound contraction, whereas PEMF-treated wounds had a positive value. The PEMF treatment did not cause significant changes in short-term planimetric, perfusion, tensiometric, histologic, clinicopathologic, or electroencephalographic results. CONCLUSIONS: The PEMF treatment enhanced wound epithelialization in open cutaneous wounds and provided indications of early contraction without significant short-term changes in other variables.

*Infected Wounds
Electromagnetic augmentation of antibiotic efficacy in infection of orthopaedic implants.

Pickering SA, Bayston R, Scammell BE.

Academic Department of Orthopaedic and Fracture Surgery, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, England, UK.

Infection of orthopaedic implants is a significant problem, with increased antibiotic resistance of adherent 'biofilm' bacteria causing difficulties in treatment. We have investigated the in vitro effect of a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on the efficacy of antibiotics in the treatment of infection of implants. Five-day biofilms of Staphylococcus epidermidis were grown on the tips of stainless-steel pegs.They were exposed for 12 hours to varying concentrations of gentamicin or vancomycin in microtitre trays at 37 degrees C and 5% CO2. The test group were exposed to a PEMF. The control tray was not exposed to a PEMF. After exposure to antibiotic the pegs were incubated overnight, before standard plating onto blood agar for colony counting. Exposure to a PEMF increased the effectiveness of gentamicin against the five-day biofilms of Staphylococcus epidermidis. In three of five experiments there was reduction of at least 50% in the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration. In a fourth experiment there was a two-log difference in colony count at 160 mg/l of gentamicin. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed an effect by a PEMF on the efficacy of gentamicin which was significant at p < 0.05. There was no significant effect with vancomycin.

*Muscle loss

Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 1994 Jul-Aug;73(4):275-9.
Tardy effect of neurogenic muscular atrophy by magnetic stimulation.

Chang CW, Lien IN.

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University School of Medicine, Taipei, Republic of China.

The influence of pulsed magnetic stimulation on denervated muscles was investigated in this study. Of 24 rats divided into three groups for experiment, 8 rats served as control; 16 rats with bilaterally severed sciatic nerves were divided into two groups for different modes of stimulation. Magnetic stimulation with a high power output that induced an intensive contraction of muscle was applied at one side-denervated gastrocnemius muscle for 1 mo in a group of rats; electric stimulation with high intensity at 6 Hz frequency and 1-ms pulse duration served as a contrast in the other group. Muscular weight, volume, fiber diameter and percentage of fiber types were measured after the experiment. A significant retardation of weight loss in denervated muscles via magnetic stimulation (P < 0.05) was confirmed by observed results. Type II fiber atrophy was retarded in denervated muscles by magnetic stimulation as well as in denervated muscles via electric stimulation. Magnetic stimulation, used as a method that induces muscular activity, was verified in this study as being capable of retarding denervated muscular atrophy. Its benefits of painless stimulation as well as deeply activated muscular contraction could be expected to function as a new model for rehabilitation of paralyzed muscles.

*Nerve Injury
Effect of pulsed electromagnetic stimulation on facial nerve regeneration.

Byers JM, Clark KF, Thompson GC.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if exposure to electromagnetic fields influences regeneration of the transected facial nerve in the rat. DESIGN AND METHODS: The left facial nerve was transected in the tympanic section of the fallopian canal in 24 rats randomly assigned to 2 groups. The cut ends of the facial nerve were reapproximated without sutures within the fallopian canal to maximize the potential for regeneration. Rats in the experimental group (n= 12) were then exposed to pulsed electromagnetic stimulation (0.4 millitesla at 120 Hz) for 4 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 8 weeks. Rats in the control group (n=12) were handled in an identical manner without pulsed electromagnetic stimulation. Four other rats were given sham operations in which all surgical procedures were carried out except for the actual nerve transection. Two of these rats were placed in each group. Nerve regeneration was evaluated using electroneurography (compound action potentials), force of whisker and eyelid movements, and voluntary facial movements before and at 2-week intervals after transection. Histological evaluation was performed at 10 weeks after transection. Each dependent variable was analyzed using a 2-way analysis of variance with 1 between variable (groups) and 1 within repeated measures variable (days after transection). RESULTS: Statistical analysis indicated that N1 (the negative deflection of depolarization phase of the muscle and/or nerve fibers) area, N1 amplitude, and N1 duration, as well as absolute amplitude of the compound action potentials, were all significantly greater 2 weeks after transection in the experimental than in the control group of rats. The force of eye and whisker movements after electrical stimulation was statistically greater in the experimental group of rats 4 weeks after transection. Voluntary eye movements in the experimental group were significantly better at 5 and 10 weeks, while whisker movements were better at 3 and 10 weeks. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups for any histological variable. CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicate that pulsed electromagnetic stimulation enhances early regeneration of the transected facial nerve in rats.

 
*Nerve Regeneration
Electromagnetic fields influence NGF activity and levels following sciatic nerve transection.

Longo FM, Yang T, Hamilton S, Hyde JF, Walker J, Jennes L, Stach R, Sisken BF.

Department of Neurology, UCSF/VAMC, San Francisco, California, USA. LFM@itsa.UCSF.edu

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) have been shown to increase the rate of nerve regeneration. Transient post-transection loss of target-derived nerve growth factor (NGF) is one mechanism proposed to signal induction of early nerve regenerative events. We tested the hypothesis that PEMF alter levels of NGF activity and protein in injured nerve and/or dorsal root ganglia (DRG) during the first stages of regeneration (6-72 hr). Rats with a transection injury to the midthigh portion of the sciatic nerve on one side were exposed to PEMF or sham control PEMF for 4 hr/day for different time periods. NGF-like activity was determined in DRG, in 5-mm nerve segments proximal and distal to the transection site and in a corresponding 5-mm segment of the contralateral nonoperated nerve. NGF-like activity of coded tissue samples was measured in a blinded fashion using the chick DRG sensory neuron bioassay. Overall, PEMF caused a significant decrease in NGF-like activity in nerve tissue (P < 0.02, repeated measures analysis of variance, ANOVA) with decreases evident in proximal, distal, and contralateral nonoperated nerve. Unexpectedly, transection was also found to cause a significant (P=0.001) 2-fold increase in DRG NGF-like activity between 6 and 24 hr postinjury in contralateral but not ipsilateral DRG. PEMF also reduced NGF-like activity in DRG, although this decrease did not reach statistical significance. Assessment of the same nerve and DRG samples using ELISA and NGF-specific antibodies confirmed an overall significant (P < 0.001) decrease in NGF levels in PEMF-treated nerve tissue, while no decrease was detected in DRG or in nerve samples harvested from PEMF-treated uninjured rats. These findings demonstrate that PEMF can affect growth factor activity and levels, and raise the possibility that PEMF might promote nerve regeneration by amplifying the early postinjury decline in NGF activity.

*Non Unions

Orthopedics. 1992 Jun;15(6):711-9.
Treatment of ununited tibial fractures: a comparison of surgery and pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF).

Gossling HR, Bernstein RA, Abbott J.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06032.

The use of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) is gaining acceptance for the treatment of ununited fractures. The results of 44 articles published in the English language literature have been compiled to assess the effectiveness of PEMF vs surgical therapy. For ununited tibial fractures, 81% of reported cases healed with PEMF vs 82% with surgery. After multiple failed surgeries, the success rate of PEMF is reported to be greater than with surgery; this discrepancy increases with additional numbers of prior surgeries. In infected nonunions, the results of surgical treatment decreased by 21% and were less than the results utilizing PEMF (69% vs 81%). In open fractures, surgical healing exceeded PEMF (89% vs 78%), whereas in closed injuries PEMF cases healed more frequently (85% vs 79%). In general, PEMF treatment of ununited fractures has proved to be more successful than noninvasive traditional management and at least as effective as surgical therapies. Given the costs and potential dangers of surgery, PEMF should be considered an effective alternative. Experience supports its role as a successful method of treatment for ununited fractures of the tibia.

  *Open Wounds
Evaluation of treatment with a pulsed electromagnetic field on wound healing, clinicopathologic variables, and central nervous system activity of dogs.

Scardino MS, Swaim SF, Sartin EA, Steiss JE, Spano JS, Hoffman CE, Coolman SL, Peppin BL.

Scott-Ritchey Research Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL 36849, USA.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of treatment with a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on healing of open and sutured wounds, clinicopathologic variables, and CNS activity of dogs. ANIMALS: 12 adult female Beagles. PROCEDURE: Open and sutured wounds were created in the skin of the trunk of the dogs. Dogs were divided into 2 groups. One group received PEMF treatment and 1 group served as untreated (control) dogs. The PEMF-treated dogs received treatment twice a day starting the day before surgery and lasting through day 21 after surgery. Wounds were evaluated by use of tensiometry, planimetry, laser Doppler perfusion imaging, and histologic examination. Clinicopathologic variables and electroencephalographic tracings were also evaluated. RESULTS: Use of PEMF treatment resulted in significantly enhanced epithelialization of open wounds 10 and 15 days after surgery. Five days after surgery, wounds of control dogs had a negative value for wound contraction, whereas PEMF-treated wounds had a positive value. The PEMF treatment did not cause significant changes in short-term planimetric, perfusion, tensiometric, histologic, clinicopathologic, or electroencephalographic results. CONCLUSIONS: The PEMF treatment enhanced wound epithelialization in open cutaneous wounds and provided indications of early contraction without significant short-term changes in other variables.

*Osteoarthritis
The University of Vienna is one of the best in Europe and this study is one of many demonstrating superior results with pulsed electromagnetic technology. You may wish to review Dr Ciombor’s article under SMALL/LARGE JOINT ARTHRITIS as well. She was the first in the world to report that PEMF actually stops the arthritic process.
*Osteoporosis
Bone density changes in osteoporosis-prone women exposed to pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs).

Tabrah F, Hoffmeier M, Gilbert F Jr, Batkin S, Bassett CA.

University of Hawaii School of Medicine, Straub Clinic and Hospital, Honolulu.

To determine the effect of a 72 Hz pulsating electromagnetic field (PEMF) on bone density of the radii of osteoporosis-prone women, the nondominant forearms of 20 subjects were exposed to PEMF 10 h daily for a period of 12 weeks. Bone density before, during, and after the exposure period was determined by use of a Norland-Cameron bone mineral analyzer. Bone mineral densities of the treated radii measured by single-photon densitometry increased significantly in the immediate area of the field during the exposure period and decreased during the following 36 weeks. A similar but weaker response occurred in the opposite arm, suggesting a "cross-talk" effect on the nontreated radii, from either possible arm proximity during sleep or very weak general field effects. The data suggest that properly applied PEMFs, if scaled for whole-body use, may have clinical application in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

*Postpartem Pain
Electrochemical therapy of pelvic pain: effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on tissue trauma.

Jorgensen WA, Frome BM, Wallach C.

International Pain Research Institute, Los Angeles, California.

Unusually effective and long-lasting relief of pelvic pain of gynaecological origin has been obtained consistently by short exposures of affected areas to the application of a magnetic induction device producing short, sharp, magnetic-field pulses of a minimal amplitude to initiate the electrochemical phenomenon of electroporation within a 25 cm2 focal area. Treatments are short, fasting-acting, economical and in many instances have obviated surgery. This report describes typical cases such as dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, ruptured ovarian cyst, acute lower urinary tract infection, post-operative haematoma, and persistent dyspareunia in which pulsed magnetic field treatment has not, in most cases, been supplemented by analgesic medication. Of 17 female patients presenting with a total of 20 episodes of pelvic pain, of which 11 episodes were acute, seven chronic and two acute as well as chronic, 16 patients representing 18 episodes (90%) experienced marked, even dramatic relief, while two patients representing two episodes reported less than complete pain relief.

*Premenstual Pain
Electrochemical therapy of pelvic pain: effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on tissue trauma.

Jorgensen WA, Frome BM, Wallach C.

International Pain Research Institute, Los Angeles, California.

Unusually effective and long-lasting relief of pelvic pain of gynaecological origin has been obtained consistently by short exposures of affected areas to the application of a magnetic induction device producing short, sharp, magnetic-field pulses of a minimal amplitude to initiate the electrochemical phenomenon of electroporation within a 25 cm2 focal area. Treatments are short, fasting-acting, economical and in many instances have obviated surgery. This report describes typical cases such as dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, ruptured ovarian cyst, acute lower urinary tract infection, post-operative haematoma, and persistent dyspareunia in which pulsed magnetic field treatment has not, in most cases, been supplemented by analgesic medication. Of 17 female patients presenting with a total of 20 episodes of pelvic pain, of which 11 episodes were acute, seven chronic and two acute as well as chronic, 16 patients representing 18 episodes (90%) experienced marked, even dramatic relief, while two patients representing two episodes reported less than complete pain relief.

*Sinusitis
National Institute of Public Health, Praha, Czech Republic.

Pulsed magnetotherapy has been used in Czechoslovakia for more than one decade. It has been proved that this type of physical therapy is very efficient mainly in rheumatic diseases, in paediatrics (sinusitis, enuresis), and in balneological care of patients suffering from ischaemic disorders of lower extremities. Promising results have also been obtained in neurological diseases (multiple sclerosis, spastic conditions) and in ophthalmology, in degenerative diseases of the retina.

*Skin Ulcers
A portable pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) device to enhance healing of recalcitrant venous ulcers: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Stiller MJ, Pak GH, Shupack JL, Thaler S, Kenny C, Jondreau L.

Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University Medical Center, New York.

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of pulsed electromagnetic limb ulcer therapy (PELUT) in the healing of recalcitrant, predominantly venous leg ulcers. The portable device was used at home for 3 h daily during this 8-week clinical trial as an adjunct to a wound dressing. Wound surface area, ulcer depth and pain intensity were assessed at weeks 0, 4 and 8. At week 8 the active group had a 47.7% decrease in wound surface area vs. a 42.3% increase for placebo (P < 0.0002). Investigators' global evaluations indicated that 50% of the ulcers in the active group healed or markedly improved vs. 0% in the placebo group, and 0% of the active group worsened vs. 54% of the placebo group (P < 0.001). Significant decreases in wound depth (P < 0.04) and pain intensity (P < 0.04) favouring the active group were seen. Patients whose ulcers improved significantly after 8 weeks were permitted to continue double-blind therapy for an additional 4 weeks. Eleven active and one placebo patient continued therapy until week 12, with the active treatment group continuing to show improvement. There were no reports of adverse events attributable to this device. We conclude that the PELUT device is a safe and effective adjunct to non-surgical therapy for recalcitrant venous leg ulcers.

*Small/Large joint Arthritis

Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2003 Jun;11(6):455-62.
Modification of osteoarthritis by pulsed electromagnetic field--a morphological study.

Ciombor DM, Aaron RK, Wang S, Simon B.

Department of Orthopaedics, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI 02906, USA.

OBJECTIVE: Hartley guinea pigs spontaneously develop arthritis that bears morphological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical similarities to human osteoarthritis. It is characterized by the appearance of superficial fibrillation by 12 months of age and severe cartilage lesions and eburnation by 18 months of age. This study examines the effect of treatment with a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) upon the morphological progression of osteoarthritis in this animal model. DESIGN: Hartley guinea pigs were exposed to a specific PEMF for 1h/day for 6 months, beginning at 12 months of age. Control animals were treated identically, but without PEMF exposure. Tibial articular cartilage was examined with histological/histochemical grading of the severity of arthritis, by immunohistochemistry for cartilage neoepitopes, 3B3(-) and BC-13, reflecting enzymatic cleavage of aggrecan, and by immunoreactivity to collagenase (MMP-13) and stromelysin (MMP-3). Immunoreactivity to TGFbeta, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) antibodies was examined to suggest possible mechanisms of PEMF activity. RESULTS: PEMF treatment preserves the morphology of articular cartilage and retards the development of osteoarthritic lesions. This observation is supported by a reduction in the cartilage neoepitopes, 3B3(-) and BC-13, and suppression of the matrix-degrading enzymes, collagenase and stromelysin. Cells immunopositive to IL-1 are decreased in number, while IRAP-positive cells are increased in response to treatment. PEMF treatment markedly increases the number of cells immunopositive to TGFbeta. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with PEMF appears to be disease-modifying in this model of osteoarthritis. Since TGFbeta is believed to upregulate gene expression for aggrecan, downregulate matrix metalloprotease and IL-1 activity, and upregulate inhibitors of matrix metalloprotease, the stimulation of TGFbeta may be a mechanism through which PEMF favorably affects cartilage homeostasis.

*Spinal Cord Injury
Exposure to pulsed magnetic fields enhances motor recovery in cats after spinal cord injury.

Crowe MJ, Sun ZP, Battocletti JH, Macias MY, Pintar FA, Maiman DJ.

Neuroscience Research Laboratories, The Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA. mcrowe@mcw.edu

STUDY DESIGN: Animal model study of eight healthy commercial cats was conducted. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether pulsed electromagnetic field (PMF) stimulation results in improvement of function after contusive spinal cord injury in cats. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: PMF stimulation has been shown to enhance nerve growth, regeneration, and functional recovery of peripheral nerves. Little research has been performed examining the effects of PMF stimulation on the central nervous system and no studies of PMF effects on in vivo spinal cord injury (SCI) models have been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PMF stimulation was noninvasively applied for up to 12 weeks to the midthoracic spine of cats with acute contusive spinal cord injury. The injury was produced using a weight-drop apparatus. Motor functions were evaluated with the modified Tarlov assessment scale. Morphologic analyses of the injury sites and somatosensory-evoked potential measurements were conducted to compare results between PMF-stimulated and control groups. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in locomotor recovery between the PMF-stimulated and control groups. Although not statistically significant, PMF-stimulated spinal cords demonstrated greater sparing of peripheral white matter and smaller lesion volumes compared to controls. Somatosensory-evoked potential measurements indicated that the PMF-stimulated group had better recovery of preinjury waveforms than the control group; however, this observation also was not statistically significant because of the small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study indicates that pulsed magnetic fields may have beneficial effects on motor function recovery and lesion volume size after acute spinal cord injury.

*Spine surgery
Pseudarthrosis after lumbar spine fusion: nonoperative salvage with pulsed electromagnetic fields.

Simmons JW Jr, Mooney V, Thacker I.

UTMB, Galveston, Texas, USA.

We studied 100 patients in whom symptomatic pseudarthrosis had been established at more than 9 months after lumbar spine fusion. All patients were treated with a pulsed electromagnetic field device worn consistently 2 hours a day for at least 90 days. Solid fusion was achieved in 67% of patients. Effectiveness was not statistically significantly different for patients with risk factors such as smoking, use of allograft, absence of fixation, or multilevel fusions. Treatment was equally effective for posterolateral fusions (66%) as with interbody fusions (69%). For patients with symptomatic pseudarthrosis after lumbar spine fusion, pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation is an effective nonoperative salvage approach to achieving fusion.

*Tension Hedache
[Cerebral use of a pulsating magnetic field in neuropsychiatry patients with long-term headache]
[Article in German]

Grunner O.

A pulsed magnetic field (f = 260 Hz; t = 3 ms; induction B = 1.9 mT; gradient = 0.5 mT/cm) was applied at 40 patients with headaches of various etiology. The change of cephalea intensity was evaluated according the patients statements. These statements were further compared with the changes of the EEG. By means of frequency analysis of the EEG significant changes in percentages of delta and alpha 1 activities (7.5-9.5/s) were stated after the application of the real treatment regarding the sham treatment. Any treatment lasted one half hour. The retreat of subjective difficulties as well as the amelioration of EEG were stated accordingly at headaches, which were bounded with cerebral arteriosclerosis, with states after cerebral concussion, with depressive neurosis, or with tension headache. Pulsed magnetic field could be applied only there, where the visual evaluation stated EEG as physiological
*Urinary Incontinence
Update on extracorporeal magnetic innervation (EXMI) therapy for stress urinary incontinence.

Galloway NT, El-Galley RE, Sand PK, Appell RA, Russell HW, Carlin SJ.

Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Pulsed magnetic technology has been developed for pelvic floor muscle strengthening for the treatment of urinary incontinence. This report includes an update of the prospective multicenter study of extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI) therapy for stress incontinence and a discussion of the possible mechanisms of action. Issues of patient selection for ExMI therapy will also be discussed. One hundred and eleven women with demonstrable stress urinary incontinence were studied. The mean age was 55 +/- 13 years, and the mean duration of symptoms was 11 years. Ninety-seven completed ExMI therapy and analysis. Evaluation before treatment included bladder diaries, dynamic pad weight test, urodynamics, and a quality-of-life survey. For treatment the patients were seated fully clothed in a Neocontrol chair with a magnetic field therapy head in the seat. Treatment sessions were for 20 minutes, twice a week, for 6 weeks. After ExMI therapy, all of the measures were repeated at 8 weeks, including the dynamic pad weight testing and quality-of-life survey. At 6 months, further data were added, including repeat bladder diary, pad use, and quality-of-life survey. Forty-seven women completed 6 months of follow-up; of the 47, 13 patients were completely dry (28%) and 25 used no pad or less than 1 pad per day (53%). Pad use was reduced in 33 patients (70%). The median number of pads was reduced from 2.16 to 1 per day (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P <0.005). The frequency of leak episodes was reduced from 3.0 to 1.7 at 6 months (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P = 0.004). Detrusor instability was demonstrated in 10 before and 6 after ExMI (P <0.05). ExMI offers an alternative approach for the treatment of urinary incontinence. ExMI therapy is effective for both stress and urge incontinence. The best results are achieved in those patients who use no more than 3 pads a day and have had no prior continence surgery.

 

Take Good Care of Yourself