No effect of 85 mT permanent magnets on laser-Doppler measured blood flow response to inspiratory gasps

Abstract

Although no effects of permanent magnets on resting skin blood flow (SBF) in humans have yet been demonstrated, the possibility that magnet related effects might modify dynamic SBF changes has not been previously studied. We hypothesized that magnets may alter local neurovascular mechanisms to cause changes in normal SBF vasoactive responses. To test this, we studied the effects of a magnet on SBF reductions induced by sympathetic reflexes associated with deep inspirations. SBF was continuously monitored by a dual channel laser-Doppler flowmeter with probes on the middle finger dorsum of both hands of 24 healthy subjects. In the first of two successive intervals, each of the fingers rested on sham ceramic magnets (control interval). Subsequently, one finger rested on an active magnet and the other finger on a sham (experimental interval). Skin temperatures were also measured. The magnet was a 37 mm diameter x 14 mm thick ceramic magnet with a surface field strength of 85 mT measured in the geometrical center of the magnet. Field strength at the finger dorsum, 13 mm above magnet, was 31.5 mT. During each interval, three deep breaths were used to elicit SBF reductions. Responses were calculated as the percent reduction in SBF from its prior 20 s average. Breaths in each interval were spaced 3 min apart to permit full recovery between responses. The experimental interval started after an active magnet was in place for 20 min. Results showed no significant difference in either vasoconstrictive responses or skin temperature due to the magnet. We conclude that magnets of the type, strength and duration used, have no significant effect on vasoconstrictive processes associated with this sympathetic reflex in this group of healthy subjects.