title: Evidence for a dose-dependent effect of pulsed magnetic fields on pain processing.
abstract: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to investigate the dose-response relationship (sham, 100, 200, 1000 microT) between a pulsed extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELFMF) and acute thermal pain on the dominant right hand. Forty-seven participants were recruited, and pulsed ELFMF was applied through the MRI gradient system using a novel technique. Regions of interest (ROIs) matching those of previous studies were examined for a potential dose response. Significant correlations between applied field strength and change in BOLD activity were found in the anterior cingulate and the ipsilateral insula, indicating that there might be either a dose response or a threshold effect of the ELFMF.
authors.affiliation: Imaging Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Juen
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Théberge
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weller
authors.forename: Dick J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Drost
authors.forename: Frank S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Prato
authors.forename: Alex W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D058748:Pain Perception; D013696:Temperature; D055815:Young Adult