Electromagnetic Stimulation Research Articles

Reduced auditory perception and brain response with quiet TMS coil

BackgroundElectromagnetic forces in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coils generate a loud clicking sound that produces confounding auditory activation and is potentially hazardous to hearing. To reduce this noise while maintaining stimulation efficiency similar to conventional TMS coils, we previously developed a quiet TMS double containment coil (qTMS-DCC). ObjectiveTo compare the stimulation strength, perceived loudness, and EEG response between qTMS-DCC and a commercial TMS coil. MethodsNine healthy volunteers participated in a within-subject study design. The resting motor thresholds (RMTs) for qTMS-DCC and MagVenture Cool-B65 were measured. Psychoacoustic titration matched the Cool-B65 loudness to qTMS-DCC pulsed at 80, 100, and 120 % RMT. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded for both coils. The psychoacoustic titration and ERPs were acquired with the coils both on and 6 cm off the scalp, the latter isolating the effects of airborne auditory stimulation from body sound and electromagnetic stimulation. The ERP comparisons focused on a centro-frontal region that encompassed peak responses in the global signal while stimulating the primary motor cortex. ResultsRMT did not differ significantly between the coils, with or without the EEG cap on the head. qTMS-DCC was perceived to be substantially quieter than Cool-B65. For example, qTMS-DCC at 100 % coil-specific RMT sounded like Cool-B65 at 34 % RMT. The general ERP waveform and topography were similar between the two coils, as were early-latency components, indicating comparable electromagnetic brain stimulation in the on-scalp condition. qTMS- DCC had a significantly smaller P180 component in both on-scalp and off-scalp conditions, supporting reduced auditory activation. ConclusionsThe stimulation efficiency of qTMS-DCC matched Cool-B65 while having substantially lower perceived loudness and auditory-evoked potentials.

Electromagnetic stimulation to reduce the hypertonia of the pelvic floor muscles and improve chronic pelvic pain in women.

The increased hypertonicity or activity of pelvic floor muscles can lead to chronic pelvic pain (CPP). It represents an aspecific and persistent pain with no apparent clinical reason, affecting an estimated 6% to 16% of women worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate with validated questionnaires the efficacy and the safeness of a new device that uses Top flat Magnetic Stimulation for the management of muscular hypertonia in women with CCP. All patients underwent 8 treatments with a non-invasive electromagnetic therapeutic device. The device produces a TOP Flat Magnetic Stimulation with a uniform profile so, the muscle work aims to reduce pain while also inhibiting muscle activity. The PISQ-12 questionnaire was used for the evaluation of improvements. Side effects were monitored. The PISQ-12 total mean score decreases from 29,2 (±3.3) to 17 (±2). Regarding the behavioural-emotive items (1-4), a decrease from 12 (±2) to 7 (±0.9) was visible. Physical items (5-9) decrease from 10,6 (±1.8) to 6 (±1.4) and the Partner Related items (10-12) from 6,6 (±1.6) to 3,9 (±0.4). Conclusions: The device we used in this research demonstrated to be a valid solution for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain in female patients.

Effect of Electromagnetic Stimulation Combined with Visceral Manipulation on Stress Urinary Incontinence in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of Electromagnetic Stimulation Combined with Visceral Manipulation on Stress Urinary Incontinence in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

High-frequency magnetic paired associated stimulation promotes motor function recovery in ischemic stroke patients: a study protocol for single-center, sham stimulation randomized controlled trials (H2MPAS)

BackgroundNumerous studies have validated the clinical effectiveness of electromagnetic pairing-associated stimulation. Building upon this foundation, we have developed a novel approach involving high-frequency magnetic paired-associated stimulation, aiming to enhance clinical applicability and potentially improve efficacy. However, the clinical effectiveness of this approach remains unclear. Our objective is to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of this novel approach by employing high-frequency pairing to intervene in patients experiencing motor dysfunction following a stroke.MethodsThis is a single-center, single-blind, sham stimulation controlled clinical trial involving patients with upper limb motor dysfunction post-stroke. The intervention utilizes paired magnetic stimulation, combining peripheral and central magnetic stimulation, in patients with Brunnstrom stage III–V stroke lasting from 3 months to 1 year. Evaluation of patients’ upper limb motor function occurred before the intervention and after 3 weeks of intervention. Follow-up visits will be conducted after 5 weeks and 3 months of intervention. The primary outcome measure is the Action Research Arm Test, with secondary measures including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-upper, Modified Barthel Index, modified Tardieu scale, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and neuroelectrophysiology.DiscussionThe high-frequency magnetic paired associative stimulation used in this study combined high-frequency magnetic stimulation with paired stimulation, potentially facilitating both cortical excitation through high-frequency stimulation and specific circuit enhancement through paired stimulation. As dual-coil magnetic stimulation equipment becomes increasingly popular, magnetic-magnetic paired associated stimulation may offer patients improved clinical outcomes at reduced costs.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry,ChiCTR2400083363. Registered on 23 April 2024.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Facilitates Neural Speech Decoding.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been widely used to study the mechanisms that underlie motor output. Yet, the extent to which TMS acts upon the cortical neurons implicated in volitional motor commands and the focal limitations of TMS remain subject to debate. Previous research links TMS to improved subject performance in behavioral tasks, including a bias in phoneme discrimination. Our study replicates this result, which implies a causal relationship between electro-magnetic stimulation and psychomotor activity, and tests whether TMS-facilitated psychomotor activity recorded via electroencephalography (EEG) may thus serve as a superior input for neural decoding. First, we illustrate that site-specific TMS elicits a double dissociation in discrimination ability for two phoneme categories. Next, we perform a classification analysis on the EEG signals recorded during TMS and find a dissociation between the stimulation site and decoding accuracy that parallels the behavioral results. We observe weak to moderate evidence for the alternative hypothesis in a Bayesian analysis of group means, with more robust results upon stimulation to a brain region governing multiple phoneme features. Overall, task accuracy was a significant predictor of decoding accuracy for phoneme categories (F(1,135) = 11.51, p < 0.0009) and individual phonemes (F(1,119) = 13.56, p < 0.0003), providing new evidence for a causal link between TMS, neural function, and behavior.

Analysis of Electrooculogram in Detecting Eye Movements Associated with Brain Injury

Electrooculogram (EOG) has been a valuable clinical neurophysiology tool in the past five decades of the twentieth century. It facilitated understanding more about eye movement, which is clinically useful in identifying the neural substrate disrupted due to brain injuries. This is vital since accurate measurement of neural injuries has a direct bearing on a patient’s life. A number of neurological investigations, including neurological assessment and diagnosis, are done based on measuring eye movements. This essay focuses on using EOG technology and its benefits in identifying limitations of using physiological indices in individuals because of measurable ocular pathophysiological parameters. In the current essay, the major objective will be to discuss the EOG features, the EOG record in healthy individuals, and the relationship of EOG recordings to affected individuals following a neurological event. The eye-integrated EOG recorded from the front part of the face measures eye position change and shows an exponential decay of voltage due to its design, eye physiology, and the removal of corneal function slowly from the corneal electrode. This makes it the best choice to provide an eye position record with high accuracy that can be made available easily for clinicians. The rapid recordings obtained using transcranial electromagnetic stimulation could demonstrate that EOG has the potential to provide high pre-surgical planning utilities for brain tumor removal. This technology is also best for identifying physiological variability within an individual; the same concept can be extended to study brain injuries that trigger physiological changes in eye muscles. In effect, it potentially becomes a tool for personalized care wherein severity estimation for brain injuries would be based on measuring ocular function rather than the nature of the injury. Given its clinical potential, the present essay will review EOG technologies to assess eye pixel movement, its potential for clinical evaluation, physiological basis, and the research evidence regarding changes in EOG in affected individuals with brain injury. In this essay, the long-lasting and short-lasting EOG changes are presented as case studies of individuals diagnosed with PTA, hence demonstrating its clinical utility.

Memristors-coupled neuron models with multiple firing patterns and homogeneous and heterogeneous multistability

Abstract Memristors are extensively used to estimate the external electromagnetic stimulation and synapses for neurons. In this paper, two distinct scenarios, i.e., an ideal memristor serves as external electromagnetic stimulation and a locally active memristor serves as a synapse, are formulated to investigate the impact of a memristor on a two-dimensional Hindmarsh–Rose neuron model. Numerical simulations show that the neuronal models in different scenarios have multiple burst firing patterns. The introduction of the memristor makes the neuronal model exhibit complex dynamical behaviors. Finally, the simulation circuit and DSP hardware implementation results validate the physical mechanism, as well as the reliability of the biological neuron model.

Personalized Sound Therapy Combined with Low and High-Frequency Electromagnetic Stimulation for Chronic Tinnitus.

This study investigates a novel multimodal treatment for chronic tinnitus, a condition that significantly affects quality of life, by combining personalized sound therapy with both low- and high-frequency electromagnetic wave stimulation. Conducted at Tor Vergata University Hospital in Rome, the research involved 55 patients and employed a portable medical device for therapy delivery. Treatment effectiveness was measured through the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ), and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), encompassing initial sound therapy and subsequent multimodal treatment phases. Remarkably, 73% of participants experienced notable improvements in TFI scores, with 39% reporting a significant enhancement of 13 points or more. This improvement was mirrored in secondary outcomes like THI, VAS, and HQ scores, along with certain SF-36 domains, indicating enhanced life quality and reduced tinnitus distress. The study underscored high compliance and no adverse effects, suggesting the combined therapy's promising potential in chronic tinnitus management. The findings advocate for further research to discern the distinct contributions of each treatment modality, positing that this innovative approach could ameliorate tinnitus symptoms and improve patient well-being, confirming its safety and efficacy.

P269. Lumbar spine fusion rates increased by utilizing pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation (PEMF) devices as an adjunct to surgery

P269. Lumbar spine fusion rates increased by utilizing pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation (PEMF) devices as an adjunct to surgery

Ultrasound Image Temperature Monitoring Based on a Temporal-Informed Neural Network.

Real-time and accurate temperature monitoring during microwave hyperthermia (MH) remains a critical challenge for ensuring treatment efficacy and patient safety. This study presents a novel approach to simulate real MH and precisely determine the temperature of the target region within biological tissues using a temporal-informed neural network. We conducted MH experiments on 30 sets of phantoms and 10 sets of ex vivo pork tissues. We proposed a novel perspective: the evolving tissue responses to continuous electromagnetic radiation stimulation are a joint evolution in temporal and spatial dimensions. Our model leverages TimesNet to extract periodic features and Cloblock to capture global information relevance in two-dimensional periodic vectors from ultrasound images. By assimilating more ultrasound temporal data, our model improves temperature-estimation accuracy. In the temperature range 25-65 °C, our neural network achieved temperature-estimation root mean squared errors of approximately 0.886 °C and 0.419 °C for fresh ex vivo pork tissue and phantoms, respectively. The proposed temporal-informed neural network has a modest parameter count, rendering it suitable for deployment on ultrasound mobile devices. Furthermore, it achieves temperature accuracy close to that prescribed by clinical standards, making it effective for non-destructive temperature monitoring during MH of biological tissues.

Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation on Splenomegaly and Immunoglobulin E Levels in 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene-Induced Atopic Dermatitis Mouse Model

Effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on immunological factors in a 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced atopic dermatitis (AD) model were investigated. Hairless mice were randomly assigned to control, acetone and olive oil solution-treated (AOO), PEMF 15 Hz, PEMF 75 Hz, and sham groups (n = 5 each). AOO solution was used to dissolve DNCB. Both PEMF and sham groups were exposed to similar DNCB doses, causing similar AD symptoms. After AD induction for five weeks, only the PEMF groups were exposed to PEMF stimulations (15 Hz, 75 Hz, and 15 mT) inside the solenoid coil, for two weeks. In both groups, splenomegaly was observed, as AD was induced by hyperimmune reactions caused by DNCB sensitization. However, splenomegaly did not occur in the PEMF-exposed groups, and spleen weight decreased similarly to that of the control. Hence, the total splenocytes in the PEMF group were similar to those in the control group, whereas the sham group showed three times the number of splenocytes compared with the PEMF group. The serum immunoglobulin E levels did not significantly change in the PEMF group; however, they increased more than fourfold in the sham group. These results demonstrate that PEMF stimulation ameliorated the abnormal symptoms caused by hyperimmune reactions.

Non-Invasive Brain Sensing Technologies for Modulation of Neurological Disorders.

The non-invasive brain sensing modulation technology field is experiencing rapid development, with new techniques constantly emerging. This study delves into the field of non-invasive brain neuromodulation, a safer and potentially effective approach for treating a spectrum of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Unlike traditional deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, non-invasive techniques employ ultrasound, electrical currents, and electromagnetic field stimulation to stimulate the brain from outside the skull, thereby eliminating surgery risks and enhancing patient comfort. This study explores the mechanisms of various modalities, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), highlighting their potential to address chronic pain, anxiety, Parkinson's disease, and depression. We also probe into the concept of closed-loop neuromodulation, which personalizes stimulation based on real-time brain activity. While we acknowledge the limitations of current technologies, our study concludes by proposing future research avenues to advance this rapidly evolving field with its immense potential to revolutionize neurological and psychiatric care and lay the foundation for the continuing advancement of innovative non-invasive brain sensing technologies.

Reduced Auditory Perception and Brain Response with Quiet TMS Coil.

Electromagnetic forces in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coils generate a loud clicking sound that produces confounding auditory activation and is potentially hazardous to hearing. To reduce this noise while maintaining stimulation efficiency similar to conventional TMS coils, we previously developed a quiet TMS double containment coil (qTMS-DCC). To compare the stimulation strength, perceived loudness, and EEG response between qTMS-DCC and a commercial TMS coil. Nine healthy volunteers participated in a within-subject study design. The resting motor thresholds (RMTs) for qTMS-DCC and MagVenture Cool-B65 were measured. Psychoacoustic titration matched the Cool-B65 loudness to qTMS-DCC pulsed at 80, 100, and 120% RMT. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded for both coils. The psychoacoustic titration and ERPs were acquired with the coils both on and 6 cm off the scalp, the latter isolating the effects of airborne auditory stimulation from body sound and electromagnetic stimulation. The ERP comparisons focused on a centro-frontal region that encompassed peak responses in the global signal. RMT did not differ significantly between the coils, with or without the EEG cap on the head. qTMS-DCC was perceived to be substantially quieter than Cool-B65. For example, qTMS-DCC at 100% coil-specific RMT sounded like Cool-B65 at 34% RMT. The general ERP waveform and topography were similar between the two coils, as were early-latency components, indicating comparable electromagnetic brain stimulation in the on-scalp condition. qTMS-DCC had a significantly smaller P180 component in both on-scalp and off-scalp conditions, supporting reduced auditory activation. The stimulation efficiency of qTMS-DCC matched Cool-B65, while having substantially lower perceived loudness and auditory-evoked potentials. qTMS coil is subjectively and objectively quieter than conventional Cool-B65 coilqTMS coil at 100% motor threshold was as loud as Cool-B65 at 34% motor thresholdAttenuated coil noise reduced auditory N100 and P180 evoked response componentsqTMS coil enables reduction of auditory activation without masking.

In Vitro Investigation of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation (PEMF) with MAGCELL® ARTHRO on the Regulatory Expression of Soluble and Membrane-Bound Complement Factors and Inflammatory Cytokines in Immortalized Synovial Fibroblasts.

Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation (PEMF) is gaining more attention as a non-invasive arthritis treatment. In our study, immortalized synovial fibroblasts (K4IM) derived from a non-arthritic donor were exposed to MAGCELL® ARTHRO, a PEMF device, with 105 mT intensity, 8 Hz frequency, and 2 × 2.5 min sessions conducted thrice with a 1 h interval, to understand the underlying mechanism in regard to the complement system. Additionally, tumor necrosis factor (TNFα, 10 ng/mL) pre-treatment prior to PEMF stimulation, as well as 3-day versus 6-day stimulation, were compared. Gene expression of C4b binding protein-alpha and -beta (C4BPα, C4BPβ), complement factor (CF)-H, CFI, CD55, CD59, Interleukin (IL-6) and TNFα was analyzed. Immunofluorescence staining of CD55, CD59, and Ki67 was conducted. Results showed the absence of C4BPα gene expression, but C4BPβ was present. One and three days of PEMF stimulation caused no significant changes. However, after six days, there was a significant increase in CD55, CFH, and CD59 gene expression, indicating cytoprotective effects. Conversely, IL-6 gene expression increased after six days of stimulation and even after a single session in TNFα pre-stimulated cells, indicating a pro-inflammatory effect. PEMF's ambivalent, i.e., enhancing complement regulatory proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines, highlights its complexity at the molecular level.

Mathematical model for applying electromagnetic (EM) on a Carreau fluid in a tube: Stimulation to avoid sediment accumulation in oil tanks

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to study the effect of electromagnetic (EM) stimulation on the pipeline, which has an electrical and thermal effect in addition to the chemical reaction on the crude oil and makes a sinusoidal wave on the wall. Modeling the crude oil as Carreau fluid is done. EM stimulation is an effective and safe technology that can be used to improve fluid movement in a variety of industrial applications. The flow analysis by applying EM may avoid blocking the crude oil pipeline which leads to a loss of production and capital investment. The basic partial differential equations of momentum, temperature and concentration are reduced to a system of nonlinear partial differential equations, which is solved numerically by using the Rung–Kutta–Merson method with Newton iteration in a shooting and matching technique under the assumption of long wavelength and the effect of physical implanted parameters is represented through charts for velocity, temperature, and concentration and numerical application.

Methods to accelerate fracture healing - a narrative review from a clinical perspective.

Bone regeneration is a complex pathophysiological process determined by molecular, cellular, and biomechanical factors, including immune cells and growth factors. Fracture healing usually takes several weeks to months, during which patients are frequently immobilized and unable to work. As immobilization is associated with negative health and socioeconomic effects, it would be desirable if fracture healing could be accelerated and the healing time shortened. However, interventions for this purpose are not yet part of current clinical treatment guidelines, and there has never been a comprehensive review specifically on this topic. Therefore, this narrative review provides an overview of the available clinical evidence on methods that accelerate fracture healing, with a focus on clinical applicability in healthy patients without bone disease. The most promising methods identified are the application of axial micromovement, electromagnetic stimulation with electromagnetic fields and direct electric currents, as well as the administration of growth factors and parathyroid hormone. Some interventions have been shown to reduce the healing time by up to 20 to 30%, potentially equivalent to several weeks. As a combination of methods could decrease the healing time even further than one method alone, especially if their mechanisms of action differ, clinical studies in human patients are needed to assess the individual and combined effects on healing progress. Studies are also necessary to determine the ideal settings for the interventions, i.e., optimal frequencies, intensities, and exposure times throughout the separate healing phases. More clinical research is also desirable to create an evidence base for clinical guidelines. To make it easier to conduct these investigations, the development of new methods that allow better quantification of fracture-healing progress and speed in human patients is needed.

Efficacy and safety of high-intensity electromagnetic stimulation in the prevention of recurrence of rectocele after surgical treatment

Efficacy and safety of high-intensity electromagnetic stimulation in the prevention of recurrence of rectocele after surgical treatment

Commentary: Effects of combined treatment with transcranial and peripheral electromagnetic stimulation on performance and pain recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness induced by eccentric exercise in young athletes. A randomized clinical trial.

Commentary: Effects of combined treatment with transcranial and peripheral electromagnetic stimulation on performance and pain recovery from delayed onset muscle soreness induced by eccentric exercise in young athletes. A randomized clinical trial.

Effects of different treatment frequencies of electromagnetic stimulation for urinary incontinence in women: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundUrinary incontinence is highly prevalent in women while pelvic floor muscle training is recommended as the first-line therapy. However, the exact treatment regimen is poorly understood. Also, patients with pelvic floor muscle damage may have decreased muscle proprioception and cannot contract their muscles properly. Other conservative treatments including electromagnetic stimulation are suggested by several guidelines. Thus, the present study aims to compare the effectiveness of electromagnetic stimulation combined with pelvic floor muscle training as a conjunct treatment for urinary incontinence and different treatment frequencies will be investigated.Methods/designThis is a randomized, controlled clinical trial. We will include 165 patients with urinary incontinence from the outpatient center. Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly allocated to three groups: the pelvic floor muscle training group (active control group), the low-frequency electromagnetic stimulation group (group 1), and the high-frequency electromagnetic stimulation group (group 2). Both group 1 and group 2 will receive ten sessions of electromagnetic stimulation. Group 1 will be treated twice per week for 5 weeks while group 2 will receive 10 days of continuous treatment. The primary outcome is the change in International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form cores after the ten sessions of the treatment, while the secondary outcomes include a 3-day bladder diary, pelvic floor muscle function, pelvic organ prolapse quantification, and quality of life assessed by SF-12. All the measurements will be assessed at baseline, after the intervention, and after 3 months of follow-up.DiscussionThe present trial is designed to investigate the effects of a conjunct physiotherapy program for urinary incontinence in women. We hypothesize that this strategy is more effective than pelvic floor muscle training alone, and high-frequency electromagnetic stimulation will be superior to the low-frequency magnetic stimulation group.

Firing activities of hippocampal CA1 neuron model under electromagnetic stimulation

Firing activities of hippocampal CA1 neuron model under electromagnetic stimulation