Bone density changes in osteoporosis-prone women exposed to pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs).
To determine the effect of a 72 Hz pulsating electromagnetic field (PEMF) on bone density of the radii of osteoporosis-prone women, the nondominant forearms of 20 subjects were exposed to PEMF 10 h daily for a period of 12 weeks. Bone density before, during, and after the exposure period was determined by use of a Norland-Cameron bone mineral analyzer. Bone mineral densities of the treated radii measured by single-photon densitometry increased significantly in the immediate area of the field during the exposure period and decreased during the following 36 weeks. A similar but weaker response occurred in the opposite arm, suggesting a "cross-talk" effect on the nontreated radii, from either possible arm proximity during sleep or very weak general field effects. The data suggest that properly applied PEMFs, if scaled for whole-body use, may have clinical application in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
University of Hawaii School of Medicine, Straub Clinic and Hospital, Honolulu.
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Tabrah
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Hoffmeier
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F
Gilbert
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Batkin
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Bassett
D000368:Aged; D015519:Bone Density; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D055590:Electromagnetic Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors