They are fields of frequency from 3 to 3000 Hz and intensity equivalent to induction = 10 mT. Recently, due to interesting therapeutic results, attention has been drawn to magnetostimulation. It is the term defined by Prof. A. Sieron.

We can observe here an analogy to laser therapy, which uses low power radiation, so-called laser biostimulation or low energy laser therapy. Values of magnetic fields used in magnetostimulation are comparable to the Earth field intensity, i.e. 70 µT.

The effect on the living organism is not yet fully explained. Biological effects are said to be due to extremely low currents, so called Lorentz powers, induced in the tissue during pulsating magnetic field flow.

They cause:

increase in the permeability of semipermeable membranes
increase in the membrane and/or ion vibration energy
effect on electrosomatic physiological processes
effect on neuronal processes by accumulation of very small potentials
There are estimated to approximately 1000 publications on the physiological and clinical aspects of magnetotherapy and magnetostimulation. It is believed that magnetic fields used in magnetotherapy cause:

Ca2+ penetration into the cell
stimulation of c AMP formation
increase in protein absorption
increase in overall transportation through cell membranes
stimulation of prostaglandin E formation
increase of DNA content

As a result, magnetic fields have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling effects. They also increase oxygen utilization and cellular respiration. In addition, they increase blood flow in arteries and capillaries and accelerate wound-healing process.

The above mentioned effects of magnetic fields suggest clearly positive results in rehabilitation, especially in Parkinson’s disease, SM and motor system pain syndromes. Currently, based on Sandyk’s research, it is believed that such effect is due to modulation of neuron activity as well as effect on pineal gland and melatonin secretion. Clinical analysis of the above data by Sieron et al. promises positive effects of magnetic fields application in the above mentioned diseases.

One of the most interesting areas of magnetostimulation is its effect on bone healing. It has been started by Basset, who observed in his work the positive effect of magnetic fields on bone fracture healing. He states that the very weak currents that occur during application on piezoelectric substances, such as collagen, stimulate activity of the hemogenic cells.

This mechanism is especially important in case of bone immobilization. Magnetic fields act similarly to mechanical forces produced by muscles and affecting collagen. Incidentally, it has not been established yet whether such effects are the result of magnetotherapy and its effect on system piezoelectricity, or if they are caused by improved blood supply and oxygen distribution.

Consequently, magnetotherapy and magnetostimulation are widely applied in bone fracture treatment and osteoporosis. Analysis of these disease processes by Sieron et al., based on medical records of patients exposed to such therapy, indicated a positive effect of magnetostimulation on the above indicated diseases.

It should be added that there is a modern generator of such fields, which is produced by Med & Life Poland Ltd. under the name of Viofor JPS. Its design is based on the principle of biological system resonance with pulsating magnetic fields. The apparatus automatically generates fields of frequencies resonating with biological objects.

One crucial effect cannot be omitted when analysing therapy with the use of slow-changing magnetic fields, namely, the effect of organism soothing. It makes such form of therapy applicable not only due to its physiological but also psychological considerations. In other words, it is also useful in psychological rehabilitation. It is extremely important in patients, whose stresses are the result of disability or invalidism.

Despite the lack of strict contraindications to such form of therapy, there is a need, however, to be cautious in case of certain diseases. According to comparison by Gruener, contraindications include: pregnancy, active tuberculosis, thrytoxicosis, acute coronary failure, unstable angina pectoris, serious viral, bacterial and mycotic infections, as well sa electronic implants regulating functioning of various organs. Relative contraindications include active neoplastic disease, despite the fact that recent results of research in this area are very promising.

A small number of data on certain mechanisms of pulsating magnetic field effect on organisms, especially its resonance action, as well as indications, show that it is a method of physical medicine of 21 century with great prospects for the future. One of its main benefits is the possibility to limit medication, especially non-steroid anti-inflammatory medicines, whose long-term application may affect digestive system.

Bibliography:

Bilska A., Sieron A., Nowak J., Wiczkowski A.: Application of slow-changing magnetic field in osteoporosis, Polish Balneology, 1998, 40 (3-4) 3-7.

Janiszewski M.: Evaluation of effectiveness of magnetic resonance as the medical rehabilitation factor in patients with arthrosis. Manual Medicine, 1998, 2, 2-3, p. 86.

Jaroszyk F., Wlodarczyk D., Jaroszyk S.: Influence of the constant magnetic fields on the simple motor reactions time gave to optical stimuli. Polish Balneology, 1998, 30, 3-4.

Mika T.: Physiotherapy, PZWL Warsaw , 1999.

Sandyk R.: The influence of the pineal glands with pico-Tesla magnetic fields int. neurosci. 1992, 67, 1-4, 145-171 J. Neur.

Serafin P., Marcinkowski D., Jurczyk J., Serafin Z.: Effect of magnetotherapy on changes in chosen electrolytes in patients with elements of coronary disease. Polish Balneology, 1998, 30, 3-4, p. 21.

Sieron, A.: Magnetotherapy and laser therapy. Slask Medical Academy , 1994.

Warnke U. : Der Mensch und die 3 Kraft (elektromagnetische Wechselwirkung) POP Acad Verl Saarbruecken 1992.

Straburzynski G., Straburzynska G.: Physical Medicine, PZWL 1997.

Professor Tadeusz Mika


• Back to further reading menu: Click Here