Abstract
Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are used as non-invasive tools to enhance microcirculation and tissue oxygenation, with a modulatory influence on the microvasculature. This study aimed to measure the acute effect of PEMF on muscle oxygenation and its influence on pulmonary oxygen kinetics during exercise. Eighteen male cyclists performed, on different days, a constant-load exercise in both active (ON) and inactive (OFF) PEMF stimulations while deoxyhemoglobin and pulmonary oxygen kinetics, total oxygenation index, and blood lactate were collected. PEMF enhanced muscle oxygenation, with higher values of deoxyhemoglobin both at the primary component and at the steady-state level. Moreover, PEMF accelerated deoxyhemoglobin on-transition kinetic, with a shorter time delay, time constant, and mean response time than the OFF condition. Lactate concentration was higher during stimulation. No differences were found for total oxygenation index and pulmonary oxygen kinetics. Local application of a precise PEMF stimulation can increase the rate of the muscle O2 extraction and utilization. These changes were not accompanied by faster oxygen kinetics, reduced oxygen slow component, or reduced blood lactate level. It seems that oxygen consumption is more influenced by exercise involving large muscle mass like cycling, whereas PEMF might only act at the local level.
Highlights
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapies were first approved for human use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1979
For HHb kinetics, we found that HHb tended to be higher
The present study reinforces the theory that the local application of a precise PEMF
Summary
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapies were first approved for human use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1979. The stimulation led to a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 1-beta, with the increment of enzymes involved in the removal of reactive oxygen species. This might explain the positive influence of PEMF in the treatment of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise [3]. In a cell-free preparation, 10 min of PEMF treatment was able to increase the rate of hemoglobin deoxygenation, observable up to 150 min after stimulation [6]. Such responses could be caused by a modulation of nitric oxide through the interaction between PEMFs and Ca2 + /nitric oxide/cGMP/protein kinase
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
