Abstract
Background: Little scientific evidence supports the frequent claims that permanent magnets, with surface field strength in the range of most commercially available "therapeutic" magnets or systems, significantly alter human blood circulation. Some recent scientific findings suggest an absence of circulatory effects. Thus, there is a need to provide more sound, scientifically based information on this issue. This study tests for magnet-related skin microcirculation effects. Methods: In 12 healthy volunteers (35-60 years, 6 male) a 1000-gauss surface field disk-shaped magnet was placed overlying muscle, near the lateral epicondyle of the humerus on one arm, and a sham (zero-gauss) magnet was placed in the corresponding position on the other arm. Skin blood perfusion (SBF) and the speed (U) and volume concentration (V) of moving red blood cells were measured simultaneously, adjacent to each device, prior to magnet placement and for 30 minutes after placement, with a dual-channel laser-Doppler measuring system. Average SBF, U and V, preexposure and during the initial and final 5-minute exposure intervals, were determined and compared. Results: No significant magnet-related changes were found in any of the 3 measured indices of skin blood flow (SBF, U or V), either at sham or active magnet sites. Conclusions: These findings do not support the notion that permanent magnets produce magnet-related change in blood flow in normal individuals with normal circulation in the region of magnet application. Tests in situations of abnormal circulation are currently underway.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 9-12 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| State | Published - Dec 2002 |
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Complementary and alternative medicine
Disciplines
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine