Transient effect of low-intensity magnetic field on human motor control

Abstract

There is no consensus with respect to how extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MF) affect biological systems. However, this information is crucial to establishing new guidelines for: (i) the new design of electronic devices, (ii) working conditions of exposed workers (e.g. electric linepersons), and in a general manner (iii) policies for human risk management. This study evaluates the effect of a sinusoidal 50 Hz, 1000 μT MF centered at the level of the head on human postural tremor of the index finger, using the wavelet analysis method. In addition to the detection of transient events in tremor time series linked with MF, this method was used to evaluate the differences between MF “on” and “off” conditions and between real and sham exposure in a counterbalanced protocol. Results indicate that neither transient events nor “off–on” or “on–off” MF transition effects were present in the postural tremor time series. Surprisingly, an unexpected significant time dependent decrease in tremor average power was noted along the 20 s recordings. Interestingly, this effect was significantly more pronounced in the presence of MF. These results suggest a relaxing effect of ELF MF on motor control resulting in an attenuation of postural tremor intensity.