Electromagnetic Stimulation Research Articles

A Qualitative and Quantitative Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Safety of Magnetic Stimulation in Women with Urinary Incontinence Symptoms and Pelvic Floor Disorders.

Background and objectives: Involuntary loss of urine owed to dysfunction of the detrusor muscle or muscles of the pelvic floor is known as urinary incontinence (UI). In this study, ultrasound monitoring was employed for the first time to measure the usefulness and safety of electromagnetic stimulation for women with Stress or Urge UI. Materials and Methods: A total of 62 women were enrolled, with a mean age of 55.1 (±14.5); 60% of them were menopausal and presented with urinary incontinence (UI). Eight validated questionnaires were used to evaluate Stress UI, prolapse, overactive bladder urge, faecal incontinence, and quality of life, and the whole study population was tested with ultrasounds at the beginning and at the end of the treatment cycle. The device used was a non-invasive electromagnetic therapeutic system composed of a main unit and an adjustable chair applicator shaped for deep pelvic floor area stimulation. Results: Ultrasound measurements and validated questionnaires revealed a consistent and statistically significant (p < 0.01) improvement of the mean scores when pre- and post-treatment data were considered. Conclusions: Study results showed that the proposed treatment strategy led to a significant improvement in Pelvic Floor Muscle (PFM) tone and strength in patients with UI and pelvic floor disorders, without discomfort or side effects. The demonstration was qualitatively carried out with validated questionnaires and quantitatively with ultrasounds exams. Thus, the "chair" device we used represents valuable and effective support that could be widely employed in the gynaecological field for patients affected by different pathologies.

Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy Using Frequency Rhythmic Electro Magnetic Neural Stimulation (FREMS); Effectiveness in Daily Practice.

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) is common and difficult to treat with limited treatment options. We assessed the efficacy of frequency rhythmic electromagnetic neural stimulation (FREMS) in patients with PDPN. An uncontrolled prospective survey of patients with PDPN and pain despite at least two lines of pharmacotherapy. The primary outcome, 50% reduction in pain scores at 1 and/or 3 months post FREMS. FREMS was applied to both legs below the knees using 4 sets of electrodes per leg; the treatment consisted of 10 sessions of 35 min applications given over 14 days. FREMS was repeated every 4 months and patients were followed up for 12 months. Pain was assessed using the neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI) and quality of life (QOL) by the EQ-5D. Out of 336 subjects, 248 patients met the inclusion criteria (56% men), average age and diabetes duration were 65 and 12.6 years respectively. FREMS was associated with a median decrease NPSI of 31% at M1 (range -100;+93%), and a median decrease of -37.5% at M3 (range -100;+250%). The 50% reduction in pain was reached in 80/248 (32.3%) and 87/248 (35.1%) after M1 and M3 respectively. The change in NPSI was accompanied by a decrease in self reported use of opiates of >50%. FREMS treatment was associated with a significant reduction in pain severity over a three months period in patients who did not have adequate response to pharmacotherapy. Randomised (sham)-controlled trials examining the role of FREMS as a treatment for PDPN in non-responders to pharmacotherapy are needed.

First non-invasive magnetic phrenic nerve and diaphragm stimulation in anaesthetized patients: a proof-of-concept study

BackgroundMechanical ventilation has side effects such as ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction, resulting in prolonged intensive care unit length of stays. Artificially evoked diaphragmatic muscle contraction may potentially maintain diaphragmatic muscle function and thereby ameliorate or counteract ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction. We hypothesized that bilateral non-invasive electromagnetic phrenic nerve stimulation (NEPNS) results in adequate diaphragm contractions and consecutively in effective tidal volumes.ResultsThis single-centre proof-of-concept study was performed in five patients who were 30 [IQR 21–33] years old, 60% (n = 3) females and undergoing elective surgery with general anaesthesia. Following anaesthesia and reversal of muscle relaxation, patients received bilateral NEPNS with different magnetic field intensities (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%); the stimulation was performed bilaterally with dual coils (connected to one standard clinical magnetic stimulator), specifically designed for bilateral non-invasive electromagnetic nerve stimulation. The stimulator with a maximal output of 2400 Volt, 160 Joule, pulse length 160 µs at 100% intensity was limited to 50% intensity, i.e. each single coil had a maximal output of 0.55 Tesla and 1200 Volt. There was a linear relationship between dosage (magnetic field intensity) and effect (tidal volume, primary endpoint, p < 0.001). Mean tidal volume was 0.00, 1.81 ± 0.99, 4.55 ± 2.23 and 7.43 ± 3.06 ml/kg ideal body weight applying 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% stimulation intensity, respectively. Mean time to find an initial adequate stimulation point was 89 (range 15–441) seconds.ConclusionsBilateral non-invasive electromagnetic phrenic nerve stimulation generated a tidal volume of 3–6 ml/kg ideal body weight due to diaphragmatic contraction in lung-healthy anaesthetized patients. Further perspectives in critically ill patients should include assessment of clinical outcomes to confirm whether diaphragm contraction through non-invasive electromagnetic phrenic nerve stimulation potentially ameliorates or prevents diaphragm atrophy.

Modulatory effects of real-time electromagnetic stimulation on epileptiform activity in juvenile rat hippocampus based on multi-electrode array recordings

Electromagnetic stimulation (EMS) has proven to be useful for the focal suppression of epileptiform activity (EFA) in the hippocampus. There is a critical period during EFA for achieving the transition from brief interictal discharges (IIDs) to prolonged ictal discharges (IDs), and it is unknown whether EMS can modulate this transition. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the intensity- and time-dependent effect of EMS on the transition of EFA. A juvenile rat EFA model was constructed by perfusing magnesium-free artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) on brain slices, and the induced EFA was recorded using a micro-electrode array (MEA) platform. After a stable EFA event was recorded for some time, real-time pulsed magnetic stimulation with low and high peak-to-peak input magnetic field intensities was carried out. A 5-min intervention with real-time magnetic fields with low intensity was found to reduce the amplitude of IDs (ID events still existed), whereas a 5-min intervention with real-time magnetic fields with high input voltages completely suppressed IDs. Short-time magnetic fields (9 s and 1 min) with high or low input intensity had no effect on EFA. Real-time magnetic fields can block the normal EFA process from IIDs to IDs (i.e., a complete EFA cycle) and this suppression effect is dependent on input intensities and intervention duration. The experimental findings further indicate that magnetic stimulation may be chosen as an alternative antiepileptic therapy.

Magnetized Nanoparticles and Electromagnetic Stimulation: A New Ray of Hope in Spinal Cord Injury

Magnetized Nanoparticles and Electromagnetic Stimulation: A New Ray of Hope in Spinal Cord Injury

Microglial Cytokines Mediate Plasticity Induced by 10 Hz Repetitive Magnetic Stimulation.

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS, sense the activity of neurons and regulate physiological brain functions. They have been implicated in the pathology of brain diseases associated with alterations in neural excitability and plasticity. However, experimental and therapeutic approaches that modulate microglia function in a brain region-specific manner have not been established. In this study, we tested for the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a clinically used noninvasive brain stimulation technique, on microglia-mediated synaptic plasticity; 10 Hz electromagnetic stimulation triggered a release of plasticity-promoting cytokines from microglia in mouse organotypic brain tissue cultures of both sexes, while no significant changes in microglial morphology or microglia dynamics were observed. Indeed, substitution of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL6) preserved synaptic plasticity induced by 10 Hz stimulation in the absence of microglia. Consistent with these findings, in vivo depletion of microglia abolished rTMS-induced changes in neurotransmission in the mPFC of anesthetized mice of both sexes. We conclude that rTMS affects neural excitability and plasticity by modulating the release of cytokines from microglia.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that induces cortical plasticity. Despite its wide use in neuroscience and clinical practice (e.g., depression treatment), the cellular and molecular mechanisms of rTMS-mediated plasticity remain not well understood. Herein, we report an important role of microglia and plasticity-promoting cytokines in synaptic plasticity induced by 10 Hz rTMS in organotypic slice cultures and anesthetized mice, thereby identifying microglia-mediated synaptic adaptation as a target of rTMS-based interventions.

Local stimulation with Alflutop in dorsopathy

The article summarizes the results of their own research in the field of one of the original areas of reflexology – pharmacopuncture or, in other words, local stimulation. This term in our case refers to a method of irritating reflexology points with small doses of drugs considered as low-energy factors. Synonyms of the method, reflecting little significant differences, are aquapuncture, biopuncture, mesotherapy and some others. In the mechanisms of method, the significance of the prolongation of the reflex response due to changes in the volume of tissues in the region of points and the formation of multiple depots of the drug used are highlighted. However, the issues of more subtle links remain unclear, which determined the purpose of the study – to identify as such the targeted effect of drugs used through local stimulation. Dorsopathy at the lumbosacral level was chosen as a research model, which is to a certain extent associated with the formation of reflexology in the country, the methods of which were largely developed and refined using the model of neurological pain syndromes. Naturally, we took into account the medical, social and economic significance of the problem. In a series of completed dissertation studies of our employees, the therapeutic possibilities of local use of the drug Alflutop, indicated for the studied pathology, were analyzed. Evaluation of the effectiveness of this approach was based on taking into account the dynamics of clinical and additional characteristics and, in particular, the results of psychological and electrophysiological examination, including zonal thermography, vascular tests, etc. At the same time, the addition and even potentiation of the reflex and drug links of the method was noted, which determines a reliable superiority over the standard therapeutic effect or placebo control. Fundamentally significant in this regard was the positive structural and modifying effect in relation to the state of the intervertebral discs, confirmed by the data of ultrasonic video densitometry of these structures. Attention should also be paid to the fact of strengthening the effectiveness of pharmacopuncture through the parallel use of modern hardware technology – low-frequency electromagnetic stimulation. The presented materials are also reflected in monographs, a number of methodological manuals and protected patents for the invention.

Novel Technology for Facial Muscle Stimulation Combined With Synchronized Radiofrequency Induces Structural Changes in Muscle Tissue: Porcine Histology Study.

With age, facial muscles lose the ability to complete contractions properly, resulting in limitation of facial expressions and fat shifting, and leading to skin creases and wrinkling. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the novel high intensity facial electromagnetic stimulation (HIFES) technology combined with synchronized radiofrequency on delicate facial muscles, using an animal porcine model. Eight (n = 8, 60-80 kg) sows were divided into the active group (n = 6) and the control group (n = 2). The active group underwent four 20-minute treatments with radiofrequency (RF) and HIFES energies. The control group was not treated. Histology samples of muscle tissue were collected by a punch biopsy (6 mm in diameter) from the treatment area of each animal at baseline, 1-month, and 2-month follow-up. The evaluation included staining of the obtained tissue slices with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome to determine the changes in muscle mass density, number of myonuclei, and muscle fibers. The active group showed muscle mass density increase (by 19.2%, P < .001), together with elevated numbers of myonuclei (by 21.2%, P < .05) and individual muscle fibers, which increased from 56.8 ± 7.1 to 68.0 ± 8.6 (P < .001). In the control group, no significant changes were seen in any of the studied parameters throughout the study (P > .05). Finally, no adverse events or side effects were observed in the treated animals. The results document favorable changes after the HIFES + RF procedure at the level of the muscle tissue, which may be of great importance in terms of maintenance of facial appearance in human patients.

Safety and Feasibility of Noninvasive Electromagnetic Stimulation of the Phrenic Nerves.

Mechanical ventilation is widely used in ICU patients as a lifesaving intervention. Diaphragmatic atrophy and thinning occur from lack of contractions of the diaphragm during mechanical ventilation. It may prolong weaning and increase the risk of respiratory complications. Noninvasive electromagnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerves may ameliorate the atrophy seen with ventilation. The objective of this study was to show that noninvasive repetitive electromagnetic stimulation is safe, feasible, and effective to stimulate the phrenic nerves in both awake individuals and anesthetized patients. A single-center study with 10 subjects overall, 5 awake volunteers and 5 anesthetized subjects. We used a prototype electromagnetic, noninvasive, simultaneous bilateral phrenic nerve stimulation device in both groups. In the awake volunteers, we assessed time-to-first capture of the phrenic nerves and safety measures, such as pain, discomfort, dental paresthesia, and skin irritation. In the anesthetized subjects, time-to-first capture as well as tidal volumes and airway pressures at 20%, 30%, and 40% stimulation intensity were assessed. Diaphragmatic capture was achieved in all the subjects within a median (range) of 1 min (1 min to 9 min 21 s) for the awake subjects and 30 s (20 s to 1 min 15 s) for the anesthetized subjects. There were no adverse or severe adverse events in either group, nor any dental paresthesia, skin irritation, or subjective pain in the stimulated area. Tidal volumes increased in all the subjects in response to simultaneous bilateral phrenic nerve stimulation and increased gradually with increasing stimulation intensity. Airway pressures corresponded to spontaneous breathing of ∼2 cm H2O. Noninvasive phrenic nerve stimulation can be safely performed in awake and anesthetized individuals. It was feasible and effective in stimulating the diaphragm by induction of physiologic and scalable tidal volumes with minimum positive airway pressures.

Field coupling-induced synchronization of a functional neuron with magnetic field perception

It is difficult to explore the induced mechanism of neuronal firing activity and the cooperation between neurons experimentally, so some neuronal circuits are established to train mode transformation and selection. Furthermore, some functional device, for example, piezoelectric ceramic, thermistor, phototube are inset in neuronal circuits and the functional neurons are developed to perceive some specific physical signal. In this paper, a linear resistance and an ideal Josephson junction are parallelly connected to FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) neuronal circuit, and then a functional neuron is established to percept the induction currents induced by the external magnetic field. Some basic dynamics are analyzed in terms of two-parameter bifurcation, one-parameter bifurcation and interspike interval(ISI for short) bifurcation, it is indicated that the functional neuron is sensitive to the electromagnetic stimulation and has rich multimodal transformations. The period-adding bifurcations accompanied by multi-period and chaos between two period cascades occupy the entire bifurcation interval when the external magnetic field is given in steady state, while the irregular modal transformations between period and chaos can be observed when the functional neuron encounters a periodic external magnetic field. Furthermore, two functional neurons are bridged with a capacitor, so field coupling is induced, then the effects of coupling strengths on complete synchronization are investigated by calculating the synchronization error function and the bifurcation diagram. In addition, the local dynamics of the network node play an important role in collective behavior and synchronous transition, so two capacitor-coupled functional neurons is presented as the network nodes, and a chain neural network is constructed to explore the effects of external magnetic field and coupling strength on network synchronous behavior. Obviously, the orderliness of the neural network can enhance or destroy under different modulation of external magnetic stimulation and coupling strength. It can give insights to investigate synchronization on neural networks with field coupling and useful guidance for implementing artificial synapse for signal processing.

Hitting the Target of Image-Guided Psychiatry?

Hitting the Target of Image-Guided Psychiatry?

Electromagnetic investigation of neuron growth by using pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation

Electromagnetic field (EMF) applications for humans have been widely used for medical therapy for a long time. Various nerve diseases such as complex regional pain syndrome, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries may occur as a result of damage on the nerve cells. In addition, EMF applications are taken into consideration in terms of tissue regeneration. The use of electricity for nerve regeneration is applied internally or externally. The use of direct current (DC) electric fields to stimulate axon elongation and nerve regeneration in nerve cells has been applied in various studies. In our study, electromagnetic field was used for the controlled and directional growth of Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG) nerve cells. An amplifier circuit, which can produce amplified signals to generate proposed pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) is designed. The electromagnetic field is produced on FR-4 copper plate, which highlights electrical field unlike previous studies, since there is no circular coil structure preferred. The elongation of nerve cells is planned to be in one direction, hence the signal to be applied is produced as a novel asymmetrical waveform (sawtooth) in addition to triangular and square waveforms which were previously preferred in recent studies. By the aid of proposed novel construction and produced signal waveform, PEMF system can be applied for nerve diseases effectively. The morphological nerve cell elongation results and PEMF results have been investigated and the effectiveness of the proposed system is verified.

Applications of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Skeletal-Muscle System: An Integrative Review

Background: The Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) technology has attracted increasing interest since consistent evidence of its therapeutic properties has been demonstrated to treat musculoskeletal conditions. However, this technology is not new, and has already been used in different experimental models and clinical studies for the treatment of tendinopathies, osteoarthritis, increased cell proliferation, bone consolidation, among others. Methods: In this work, we carried out an integrative review of clinical and experimental studies published in the last twenty years, on the available scientific evidence that demonstrate the effects of PEMF in different applications for health treatments. Five databases including Medline, Pubmed Central, Scopus, Lilacs and PEDro were searched for studies from 2001 to September 2022. The results were analyzed by the team of researchers and clinical professionals to assure methodological quality of the studies for the elaboration of the theoretical review on the effects of electromagnetic field stimulation on skeletal muscles, tendon or bones. Results: Sixty-two studies were included in this review, presenting evidence of the biological effects of PEMF that can suggest it´s possible use to treat different disorders. Conclusions: Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) present relevant clinical and experimental evidence of beneficial effects in the treatment of several musculoskeletal inflammatory disorders, such as tendinopathies and osteoarthritis, in addition to the treatment of urinary incontinence and abdominal diastasis. PEMF can be considered as the evolution of electrical currents for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, mainly due to its better tolerance by patients.

Magnetic Nanomaterials Mediate Electromagnetic Stimulations of Nerves for Applications in Stem Cell and Cancer Treatments.

Although some progress has been made in the treatment of cancer, challenges remain. In recent years, advancements in nanotechnology and stem cell therapy have provided new approaches for use in regenerative medicine and cancer treatment. Among them, magnetic nanomaterials have attracted widespread attention in the field of regenerative medicine and cancer; this is because they have high levels of safety and low levels of invasibility, promote stem cell differentiation, and affect biological nerve signals. In contrast to pure magnetic stimulation, magnetic nanomaterials can act as amplifiers of an applied electromagnetic field in vivo, and by generating different effects (thermal, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, etc.), the corresponding ion channels are activated, thus enabling the modulation of neuronal activity with higher levels of precision and local modulation. In this review, first, we focused on the relationship between biological nerve signals and stem cell differentiation, and tumor development. In addition, the effects of magnetic nanomaterials on biological neural signals and the tumor environment were discussed. Finally, we introduced the application of magnetic-nanomaterial-mediated electromagnetic stimulation in regenerative medicine and its potential in the field of cancer therapy.

A Prospective, Open-Label Study to Evaluate Functional Changes Following Electromagnetic Muscle Stimulation of Abdominal Muscle.

Electromagnetic muscle stimulation (EMMS) is an effective, well-tolerated noninvasive body contouring treatment for strengthening, toning, and firming the abdomen. In this study, functional changes following abdominal EMMS treatment wereevaluated. In this prospective, open-label study, adults received 8 abdominal EMMS treatments (2 treatments on nonconsecutive days/week over 4 weeks). Follow-ups occurred 1 month (primary endpoint), 2, and 3 months postfinal treatment. Effectiveness endpoints included improvements from baseline on Body Satisfaction Questionnaire (BSQ; primary endpoint), core strength (timed plank test), abdominal endurance (curl-up test), and Subject Experience Questionnaire (SEQ). Safety was evaluated throughout. Sixteen participants (68.8% female) were enrolled, with a mean age of 39.3 years and a mean BMI of 24.4 kg/m2; 14 participants completed the study per protocol. Mean BSQ scores were significantly improved from baseline (27.9) to the 1-month follow-up (36.6; P < .05). Core strength and abdominal endurance were significantly greater at the 1-, 2-, and 3-month posttreatment time points than at baseline (P < .05). Frequently cited reasons for seeking EMMS treatment included a desire to feel stronger (100%; n = 14/14) and to improve athletic performance (100%; n = 14/14). SEQ responses 3 months posttreatment showed that most participants reported feeling stronger (92.9%) and motivated to receive additional EMMS treatments (100%) and work out to maintain treatment results (100%). The majority of participants (>78%) reported being "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with abdominal treatment 1 month posttreatment. One device- and/or procedure-related adverse event of menstrual cycle irregularity was reported in 1 participant and was mild in severity. EMMS treatment of the abdomen is associated with functional strength improvements and high patient satisfaction.

Numerical Modeling and Computer Simulation of a Meander Line Antenna for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment, a Feasibility Study.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a brain disorder that eventually causes memory loss and the ability to perform simple cognitive functions; research efforts within pharmaceuticals and other medical treatments have minimal impact on the disease. Our preliminary biological studies showed that Repeated Electromagnetic Field Stimulation (REFMS) applying an EM frequency of 64 MHz and a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 0.4 - 0.9 W/kg decrease the level of amyloid-β peptides (Aβ), which is the most likely etiology of AD. This study emphasizes uniform E/H field and SAR distribution with adequate penetration depth penetration through multiple human head layers driven with low input power for safety treatments. In this work, we performed numerical modeling and computer simulations of a portable Meander Line antenna (MLA) to achieve the required EMF parameters to treat AD. The MLA device features a low cost, small size, wide bandwidth, and the ability to integrate into a portable system. This study utilized a High-Frequency Simulation System (HFSS) in the design of the MLA with the desired characteristics suited for AD treatment in humans. The team designed a 24-turn antenna with a 60 cm length and 25 cm width and achieved the required resonant frequency of 64 MHz. Here we used two numerical human head phantoms to test the antenna, the MIDA and spherical head phantom with six and seven tissue layers, respectively. The antenna was fed from a 50-Watt input source to obtain the SAR of 0.6 W/kg requirement in the center of the simulated brain tissue layer. We found that the E/H field and SAR distribution produced was not homogeneous; there were areas of high SAR values close to the antenna transmitter, also areas of low SAR value far away from the antenna. This paper details the antenna parameters, the scattering parameters response, the efficiency response, and the E and H field distribution; we presented the computer simulation results and discussed future work for a practical model.

Disease-Modifying Effects of Non-Invasive Electroceuticals on β-Amyloid Plaques and Tau Tangles for Alzheimer’s Disease

Electroceuticals refer to various forms of electronic neurostimulators used for therapy. Interdisciplinary advances in medical engineering and science have led to the development of the electroceutical approach, which involves therapeutic agents that specifically target neural circuits, to realize precision therapy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). To date, extensive studies have attempted to elucidate the disease-modifying effects of electroceuticals on areas in the brain of a patient with AD by the use of various physical stimuli, including electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic waves as well as ultrasound. Herein, we review non-invasive stimulatory systems and their effects on β-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which are pathological molecular markers of AD. Therefore, this review will aid in better understanding the recent technological developments, applicable methods, and therapeutic effects of electronic stimulatory systems, including transcranial direct current stimulation, 40-Hz gamma oscillations, transcranial magnetic stimulation, electromagnetic field stimulation, infrared light stimulation and ionizing radiation therapy, and focused ultrasound for AD.

Когнітивна реабілітація у пацієнтів з церебральною патологією

The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of various strategies of cognitive rehabilitation in neurosurgical pathology of the brain. Materials and methods. The dynamics of cognitive impairment was studied in 153 neurosurgical patients (95 men, 70 women, with mean age of 62.1±11.4 years) at stage II of rehabilitation. The severity of the deficiency of higher cortical functions was assessed upon admission and after 30 days in the rehabilitation department. The Roshchina test, the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Food and Behaviour Research, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were used to detect depression. Results and discussion. The problem of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases is considered as an interdisciplinary one. The neurosurgical component of emergency care for patients who have undergone cerebrovascular accidents, in the event of complications, remains the only hope for their survival and reduction of disability. At the same time, in the treatment of these patients, medical rehabilitation is of great importance – a multifaceted, difficult process, the main purpose of which is to restore or compensate for the lost functions of the human body that have arisen as a result of various diseases of the central or peripheral nervous system. But in the literature data there is not enough information about the effect of drug and physiotherapy methods on higher nervous activity. When analyzing the dynamics of indicators of the scoring of higher cortical functions, it was found that in all groups of patients, cognitive rehabilitation led to positive results. The obtained data showed the effectiveness of traditional cognitive rehabilitation in neurosurgical patients by all assessment methods, which was enhanced when combined with drug therapy with memantine and citicoline. The addition of photochromotherapy to restorative treatment significantly improved higher cortical functions compared to a group of patients who received only neuropsychological correction procedures. The indicators of the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Food and Behaviour Research, and Roshchina's test when applying transcranial electromagnetic stimulation against the background of classes with a neuropsychologist were higher, although they were not significantly different from the control group. Similar results were obtained when traditional psychocorrection was replaced by computer training. Conclusion. The combination of neuropsychological, medical and physiotherapeutic methods at the stage of rehabilitation can significantly improve the results of rehabilitation treatment

Polymeric Orthosis with Electromagnetic Stimulator Controlled by Mobile Application for Bone Fracture Healing: Evaluation of Design Concepts for Medical Use.

Background: The occurrence of bone fractures is increasing worldwide, mainly due to the health problems that follow the aging population. The use of additive manufacturing and electrical stimulators can be applied for bioactive achievements in bone healing. However, such technologies are difficult to be transferred to medical practice. This work aims to develop an orthosis with a combined magnetic field (CFM) electrostimulator that demonstrates concepts and design aspects that facilitate its use in a real scenario. Methods: A 3D-printed orthosis made of two meshes was manufactured using PLA for outer mechanical stabilization mesh and TPU for inner fixation mesh to avoid mobilization. A CFM stimulator of reduced dimension controlled by a mobile application was coupled onto the orthosis. The design concepts were evaluated by health professionals and their resistance to chemical agents commonly used in daily activities were tested. Their thermal, chemical and electrical properties were also characterized. Results: No degradation was observed after exposure to chemical agents. The CMF achieved proper intensity (20-40 µT). The thermal analysis indicated its appropriate use for being modelled during clinical assessment. Conclusion: An orthosis with a coupled electrostimulator that works with a combined magnetic field and is controlled by mobile application was developed, and it has advantageous characteristics when compared to traditional techniques for application in real medical environments.

Impact of electromagnetic stimulation on the mechanical and photophysical properties of alfalfa leaves

The aim of the study was to measure the tensile strength of 4-year-old alfalfa leaves cultivated from seeds exposed to pre-sowing stimulation with He–Ne laser light for 1 or 5 min (designated respectively as F1 and F5) and alternating magnetic field with the exposure time of 1 or 5 min (respectively, L1 and L5). The leaves were measured in terms of blade length and width as well as petiole thickness prior to the tensile test. Measurements were also conducted to determine the chlorophyll fluorescence lifetime and content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b, a + b and carotenoids). The observed tensile strength was between 1.59 and 2.45 N. In the test group, the observed strength was lower in leaves collected from the top and central section of the stem but higher in the bottom part of the stem as compared to the control. The maximum increase of the tearing tensile force relative to the control (C) was observed for the L1 and F1 stimulation samples in leaves collected from the top and bottom parts of the stem, while the maximum decrease for that force was recorded for L5 leaves from the middle and top part of the stem. Chlorophyll fluorescence lifetimes and the overall content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids) were noticeably decreased in the leaves subjected to the stressors/stimulants applied. The results obtained for F1, L5 and, L1 stimulation revealed a decrease in fluorescence lifetimes. The content of photosynthetic pigments was also decreased under the influence of laser light stimulation (L1). This was a clear indication of plant ageing.