Effectiveness Of Electromagnetic Field Research Articles

Effects of the combination of pulsed electromagnetic field with progressive resistance exercise on knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and disabling disease among the elderly population. The optimal conservative treatment for knee OA is not well established. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) combined with progressive resistance exercise (PRE) in improving physical function and pain in patients with knee OA. Thirty-four patients with knee OA (17 in each group) participated in a single-blind randomized control study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 24 sessions of either combined PEMF and PRE (treatment group) or PRE only (control group). Patients were evaluated at pre-treatment, post-treatment (2 months), and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS); walking speed and 5-times chair stand test. Mixed ANOVA was used for statistical analysis with Bonferroni adjustments. There was no significant group-by-time interaction for any outcome (P> 0.05). However, both groups scored significantly higher on the NPRS and KOOS at post-treatment, 3-, and 6-month follow-up compared to their baseline. Further, both groups completed the 5-times chair stand test and walking speed test with significantly less time at all post-treatment time points than the pre-treatment. None of the study outcomes (NPRS, KOOS, walking speed, and 5 times chair stand) were significantly different between groups at any of the time points. Both treatment options, PRE only versus PRE with PEMF, were equally effective in decreasing pain and improving physical function in patients with knee OA. This would suggest that the optimal parameters for PEMF that may show beneficial effects for knee OA when added to PRE training need to be determined.

The effect of electromagnetic field on sleep of patients with nocturia.

Introduction:Accumulated studies revealed that electromagnetic field can affect human brain and sleep. We explored the effectiveness of electromagnetic field [Schumann resonance (SR)] on nocturia symptoms, quality of life, and sleep in patients with nocturia.Methods:This is a randomized, open-label, and active-controlled study, in which 35 participants were randomized into 2 groups. Group A received oxybutynin and the SR device for 12 weeks, while the active-control group received only the medication. We followed these patients every 4 weeks with a number of questionnaires, including the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) for sleep, the American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS) for nocturia symptoms, and the Nocturia-Quality-of-Life-questionnaire (N-QOL) for quality of life. Descriptive statistics, pair t-tests, Chi-squared tests, and repeated measures were applied for data analysis.Results:No significant difference was found in the demographic data between the 2 groups. The AUASS, N-QOL, PSQI, and ESS total scores were significantly improved in the SR-sleep-device group (P < .001, P = .005, P < .001, P = .001) after treatment, but no significant change was found in the active-control group. Several variables of AUASS in the SR-sleep-device group were significantly improved, especially streaming and sleeping (both P = .001), and subjective sleep quality and sleep efficiency also demonstrated significant improvement (both P < .001).Conclusions:Our study revealed that electromagnetic field (SR) as an add-on can improve not only sleep and quality of life but also nocturia symptoms in patients with nocturia. These findings suggest that SR can be effective for sleep disturbance secondary to physical disease, which can be a new application of the electromagnetic field.

Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field on pain and physical function in patients with low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To assess the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on pain and physical function in patients with low back pain. Data sources A search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was conducted up to December 2021. Methods We included randomized controlled trials that investigated the effectiveness of PEMF in patients with low back pain. The primary outcome was pain intensity and the secondary outcome was physical function, both were evaluated by assessment scales. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for the summary statistics analysis. The registration number of this systematic review in PROSPERO is CRD42020213829. Results Fourteen trials involving 618 participants were included. The PEMF treatment showed more significant pain alleviation than placebo or other therapy alone in patients with low back pain (SMD = −1.01, 95% CI −1.42 to −0.6, P < 0.001, I2 = 31%; SMD = −0.36, 95% CI −0.62 to −0.11, P = 0.005, I2 = 37%, respectively.) In addition, a significant difference in pain alleviation was observed in patients with chronic low back pain (SMD = −0.6, 95%CI − 0.94 to −0.25, p < 0.001, I2 = 67%), whereas no significant difference was observed in patients with acute low back pain (SMD = −0.46, 95%CI − 0.99 to 0.07, p = 0.09, I2 = 0%). PEMF did not improve physical function compared with the control treatment (SMD = −0.45, 95% CI − 0.98 to 0.07, p = 0.09, I2 = 86%). Conclusion PEMF is beneficial for alleviating pain in patients with chronic low back pain despite having no advantage in improving physical function.

Measuring shielding effectiveness of electromagnetic field for degradation shielding paint

Wydawnictwo SIGMA-NOT wydaje czasopisma fachowe informujące swoich czytelników o najnowszych osiągnięciach naukowych i nowoczesnych rozwiązaniach technicznych w Polsce i na świecie, popularyzuje problemy techniczne oraz poszerza wiedzę i kulturę techniczną.

Effectiveness and mechanisms of electromagnetic field on reverse osmosis membrane scaling control during brackish groundwater desalination

This study investigated the effectiveness and mechanisms of electromagnetic field (EMF) on reverse osmosis (RO) membrane scaling control during brackish groundwater desalination. Pilot-scale experiments were conducted with different types of groundwater and two configurations of RO skid operated each for 30 days and 55 days without any other pretreatment. The testing results demonstrated EMF was effective for scaling control under typical RO operating conditions. The EMF significantly enhanced the performance of the RO system by reducing membrane scaling, changing the nature of the formed scales, and decreasing the decline rate of the normalized water permeability. In addition, EMF treatment effectively removed the pre-formed scales and precipitates in water pipelines and tanks but had limited efficacy on removing the pre-formed scales on the RO membranes. Membrane autopsy showed that the scales formed on the membrane surface under the influence of EMF were soft and powdery, being easily removed by water rinsing. The mechanisms of the EMF on RO membrane were discussed, and the dominant mechanism was the magnetohydrodynamic effect. This is the first study that demonstrated the EMF as a chemical-free and effective alternative to control membrane scaling and maintain RO performance during brackish groundwater desalination with discussions on detailed mechanisms and perspectives.

Shielding Effectiveness of Electromagnetic Field by Specially Developed Shielding Coating

Shielding Effectiveness of Electromagnetic Field by Specially Developed Shielding Coating

Shape optimization of soft magnetic composite inserts for electromagnetic stirrer with traveling magnetic field

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to search optimal shape of soft magnetic composite-based inserts used to compensate the working gap between the liquid metal and the induction stirrer in metallurgical installations. Design/methodology/approach The study was based on numerical simulation of electromagnetic processes in frequency domain. To optimize inserts shape, the Nelder–Mead method was used. The maximum of integral electrodynamic force along x-axis was chosen as the objective function. All simulations were performed in finite element software package Comsol Multiphysics. Findings Optimal inserts shape was determined, at which the value of integral electrodynamic force along x-axis increased by 20% from 692 to 792 N. Originality/value Magnetic concentrators based on soft magnetic composite materials have long been used in high-frequency systems; at the same time, their use in low-frequency systems has not been previously considered in detail. The study of the shape effect of concentrators on the effectiveness of electromagnetic field in a liquid metal in a three-dimensional formulation was carried out for the first time.

Evaluation of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for the treatment of chronic postoperative pain following lumbar surgery: a pilot, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial.

BackgroundThe incidence of chronic postoperative pain following lumbar spinal surgery has increased with the overall increase in the prevalence of lumbar surgery. This study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy in subjects with persistent pain following lumbar surgery.Patients and methodsA randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, multicenter study in 36 subjects with persistent low-back and/or radiating leg pain after lumbar surgery was conducted. Eligible subjects were randomized (1:1:1) to receive one of two doses of therapy (42-μs or 38-μs pulse width) or treatment with a sham device. Subjects self-treated twice daily for 60 days. The primary end point was change in pain intensity (∆PI) using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale between average baseline (Days −5 to −1) and end of treatment (Days 56–60) for lumbar and radiating leg pain. Secondary outcome measures included the Oswestry Disability Index, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Patient Global Impression of Change, and consumption of analgesics.ResultsLow-back pain scores for the 42-μs group decreased by 40.2% (p = 0.028), compared to 18.6% for the 38-μs pulse width group (p = 0.037) and 25.6% for the sham group (p = 0.013 per protocol population). Average leg pain scores decreased by 45.0% (42 μs, p = 0.009), 17.0% (38 μs, p = 0.293), and 24.5% (sham, p = 0.065). The proportion of subjects responding to therapy, time to 30% reduction in pain scores, and Patient Global Impression of Change were improved with the PEMF 42-μs device over the sham control, although results were associated with p-values >0.05.ConclusionPEMF therapy (42-μs pulse width) was associated with trends for a reduction in pain, compared to sham treatment. Secondary endpoints were consistent with an overall beneficial effect of the PEMF 42-μs pulse width device.

Pulsed electromagnetic field seems to decrease pain levels in females from 24 through 72 hours after initial archwire placement

Jung JG, Park JH, Kim SC, et al. Effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field for pain caused by placement of initial orthodontic wire in female orthodontic patients: a preliminary single-blind randomized clinical trial. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2017;152(5):582-591. .

Effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field for pain caused by placement of initial orthodontic wire in female orthodontic patients: A preliminary single-blind randomized clinical trial.

The purpose of this 2-arm parallel trial was to assess the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on the reduction of pain caused by initial orthodontic tooth movement. Thirty-three female patients (mean age, 16.8±3.8years) who began orthodontic treatment using fixed appliances were examined. In the pilot study, male patients were less likely to use the PEMF device (epatchQ; Speed Dental, Seoul, Korea) and answer a survey consistently, so eligibility criteria were female patients who were periodontally and systemically healthy at the initiation of treatment and had no history of dental pain in the prior 2weeks or who used no medications (anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs) during the experiment period. Each patient had brackets bonded on the maxillary teeth, and a 0.014-in nickel-titanium archwire was tied with elastomeric rings. Their maxillary arches were randomly divided into left and right sides in a split-mouth design: a normal PEMF device (experimental group) was used on 1 side, and a PEMF device with an inversely inserted battery (placebo group) was used on the opposite side of the arch for 7hours on 3 consecutive nights. A Google survey link was sent to the patients' mobile phones via text message, and they were instructed to record their current pain on the survey. The survey was sent a total of 6 times after insertion of the initial archwire at 0 (T0), 2 (T1), 6 (T2), 24 (T3), 48 (T4), and 72 (T5) hours. Patients recorded the degree of pain in resting and clenching states using a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 1 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). PEMF devices were used after T2. Generalized linear mixed models, along with ancillary pairwise analyses, were used to model and evaluate the differences in pain reported over 72hours. The NRS scores did not differ across the groups during the before-PEMF phase for resting (mean difference, -0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.73 to 0.59; P=0.842) and clenching (mean difference, -0.28; 95% CI, -1.11 to 0.56, P=0.513). During the after-PEMF phase, NRS scores in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the placebo group during both resting (mean difference, -1.46; 95% CI, -2.06 to -0.85; P=<0.001) and clenching (mean difference, -1.88; 95% CI, -2.74 to -1.02, P=<0.001). The NRS scores did not differ across the groups during the before-PEMF phase for either state but were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the placebo group at T3, T4, and T5 (P<0.01). The average NRS score in the clenching state was significantly greater than in the resting state. PEMF was effective in reducing orthodontic pain caused by initial archwire placement. The trial was not registered. The protocol was not published before trial commencement.

Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on pain, pressure pain threshold, and pain-free grip strength in participants with lateral epicondylitis

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on pain, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and pain-free grip strength (PFGS) in participants with lateral epicondylitis (LE). Methods: A total of 22 participants with LE were included in this pre- and post-test study. All participants received 6 weeks of PEMF therapy. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to record pain levels, pressure algometer was used to measure PPT in kg/cm2, and a handheld dynamometer was used to measure PFGS in kg. Results: All the participants improved following 6 weeks of PEMF therapy. VAS score decreased from 7.82 to 3.11, PPT improved from 2.95 kg/cm2 to 4.84 kg/cm2, and PFGS improved from 18.6 kg to 22.1 kg. All the outcome measures showed statistically significant differences (P Conclusion: PEMF treatment was effective in decreasing pain and improving function in participants with LE.

Measuring of Shielding Effectiveness of Electromagnetic Field of Polystyrene in the Frequency Range from 1 GHz to 9 GHz

This paper deals with measurement of the shielding effectiveness against the electromagnetic field. Shielding effectiveness against the electromagnetic field characterizes property of material to penetrate the electromagnetic field. Measuring of shielding effectiveness was performed in the frequency range from 1 GHz to 9 GHz with a step of 0.2 GHz. Measurement was performed in non-reflection chamber. Measured objects were the construction materials: Styrodur polystyrene with thickness of 50 mm, Styrodur polystyrene with thickness of 25mm and their combination. The result of measurement is comparation of shielding effectiveness of shielding objects.

Treatment of Delayed and Nonunited Fractures and Osteotomies With Pulsed Electromagnetic Field in Children and Adolescents

Nonunion of fractures or osteotomies in the pediatric population is rare. The gold standard for the treatment of nonunions involves harvesting autologous iliac crest bone graft and sometimes internal fixation, which are invasive procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field on a non-united fracture or osteotomy in the pediatric population. A retrospective study was performed on all patients at the authors' institution who used pulsed electromagnetic field as part of their treatment for nonunion or delayed union. Success of the initial nonunion treatment was defined as complete union of the fracture or osteotomy site. Two types of treatment were administered once delayed bone healing was identified: pulsed electromagnetic field alone or pulsed electromagnetic field plus an adjunct treatment. Twenty-one patients were included; 8 osteotomies and 14 fractures developed a nonunion. Average patient age was 11.7 years. Average age for patients who healed with the initial treatment was 10.7 years, whereas nonhealers had an average age of 14 years. Eighty-nine percent of osteotomy nonunions healed with their first management. Fifty-seven percent of fracture nonunions healed at the first attempt. The use of pulsed electromagnetic field is a good option for the initial treatment of pediatric nonunions, especially for patients who develop nonunions secondary to osteotomies. Adding bone marrow aspiration improves the outcomes and is minimally invasive compared with autologous iliac crest bone graft, with no complications.

Low-frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Fibromyalgia

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy for women with fibromyalgia (FM). Fifty-six women with FM, aged 18 to 60 years, were randomly assigned to either PEMF or sham therapy. Both the PEMF group (n=28) and the sham group (n=28) participated in therapy, 30 minutes per session, twice a day for 3 weeks. Treatment outcomes were assessed by the fibromyalgia Impact questionnaire (FIQ), visual analog scale (VAS), patient global assessment of response to therapy, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Short-Form 36 health survey (SF-36), after treatment (at 4 wk) and follow-up (at 12 wk). The PEMF group showed significant improvements in FIQ, VAS pain, BDI score, and SF-36 scale in all domains at the end of therapy. These improvements in FIQ, VAS pain, and SF-36 pain score during follow-up. The sham group also showed improvement were maintained on all outcome measures except total FIQ scores after treatment. At 12 weeks follow-up, only improvements in the BDI and SF-36 scores were present in the sham group. Low-frequency PEMF therapy might improve function, pain, fatigue, and global status in FM patients.

Novel 16-inch spiral-wound RO systems for water reclamation — a quantum leap in water reclamation technology

Two 16-inch pilot RO systems (designated as 2EPV and Super-Flux) that incorporated 16-inch RO membrane elements, innovative patented flow distributors for even distribution of feed water into and out of each RO membrane element and electromagnetic field (EMF) coils in the pressure vessels for fouling mitigation were tested at a local water reclamation plant. Their performance was compared with the existing full-scale conventional 8-inch RO system. All RO systems used ultra-filtrated secondary effluent from a nearby wastewater treatment plant as the feedwater. The average permeate fluxes of the 16-inch 2EPV (2 elements per vessel) and Super-Flux (4 elements per vessel) RO systems were found to be about 2 and 2.6 times, respectively, higher than that of the full-scale 8-inch RO system. The feed pressure and salt rejection of both 16-inch pilot RO systems were better maintained than the full-scale 8-inch RO system, suggesting that both 16-inch pilot RO systems were more capable of inhibiting membrane fouling. The effectiveness of EMF in reducing RO membrane fouling in the 16-inch pilot RO system had also been demonstrated in this study. The energy consumed by the 16-inch pilot RO system was about 12–16% lesser than that of the 8-inch full-scale RO system. Projections based on the average operating permeate fluxes obtained showed significant savings in the number of RO elements and pressure vessels when the 16-inch Super-Flux RO system is adopted instead of the 8-inch RO system.

Ice and pulsed electromagnetic field to reduce pain and swelling after distal radius fractures

To examine the relative effectiveness of ice therapy and/or pulsed electromagnetic field in reducing pain and swelling after the immobilization period following a distal radius fracture. A total of 83 subjects were randomly allocated to receive 30 minutes of either ice plus pulsed electromagnetic field (group A); ice plus sham pulsed electromagnetic field (group B); pulsed electromagnetic field alone (group C), or sham pulsed electromagnetic field treatment for 5 consecutive days (group D). All subjects received a standard home exercise programme. A visual analogue scale was used for recording pain; volumetric displacement for measuring the swelling of the forearm; and a hand-held goniometer for measuring the range of wrist motions before treatment on days 1, 3 and 5. At day 5, a significantly greater cumulative reduction in the visual analogue scores as well as ulnar deviation range of motion was found in group A than the other 3 groups. For volumetric measurement and pronation, participants in group A performed better than subjects in group D but not those in group B. The addition of pulsed electromagnetic field to ice therapy produces better overall treatment outcomes than ice alone, or pulsed electromagnetic field alone in pain reduction and range of joint motion in ulnar deviation and flexion for a distal radius fracture after an immobilization period of 6 weeks.