Impact of Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields on Human Postural Control

The general public and workers can be exposed to high-levels of power-line frequency magnetic fields (MFs - up to 10 mT). Although such time-varying MFs have the potential to modulate human postural control, no existing studies have explored MF exposure levels that possibly trigger acute sway responses. This work evaluates time-varying MF exposure (up to 100 mT) in the extremely low frequency range (ELF – up to 300 Hz) and its effects on human postural control. Twenty-two healthy participants were each exposed to randomized, 5-second MF and electric stimulations (0, 50 and 100 mT and 1.5 mA respectively) given at different frequencies (20, 60, 90, 120, and 160 Hz). A force-plate collected participant Center Of Pressure (COP) displacement. Results revealed sway modulations resulting from electric stimulations but not from MF exposures. The mechanical stabilization induced by the inertia of the head-mounted exposure system might have masked acute sway responses

Aerospace medicine and biology. A continuing bibliography with indexes, supplement 206, May 1980

This bibliography lists 169 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in April 1980

Aerospace medicine and biology: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 336)

This bibliography lists 111 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information System during April 1990. Subject coverage includes: aerospace medicine and psychology, life support systems and controlled environments, safety equipment, exobiology and extraterrestrial life, and flight crew behavior and performance

Aerospace Medicine and Biology: A continuing bibliography (supplement 160)

This bibliography lists 166 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in October 1976

A consensus panel review of central nervous system effects of the exposure to low-intensity extremely low-frequency magnetic fields

BACKGROUND: A large number of studies explored the biological effects of extremely low-frequency (0-300 Hz) magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) on nervous system both at cellular and at system level in the intact human brain reporting several functional changes. However, the results of different studies are quite variable and the mechanisms of action of ELF-MFs are still poorly defined. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the effects of ELF-MFs on nervous system. METHODS: We convened a workgroup of researchers in the field to review and discuss the available data about the nervous system effects produced by the exposure to ELF-MFs. MAIN FINDINGS/DISCUSSION: We reviewed several methodological, experimental and clinical studies and discussed the findings in five sections. The first section analyses the devices used for ELF-MF exposure. The second section reviews the contribution of the computational methods and models for investigating the interaction between ELF-MFs and neuronal systems. The third section analyses the experimental data at cellular and tissue level showing the effects on cell membrane receptors and intracellular signaling and their correlation with neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation. The fourth section reviews the studies performed in the intact human brain evaluating the changes produced by ELF-MFs using neurophysiological and neuropsychological methods. The last section shows the limits and shortcomings of the available data, evidences the key challenges in the field and tracks directions for future research

Impact of Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic and Electric Stimuli on Vestibular-Driven Outcomes

The vestibular system is extremely sensitive to electric fields (E-fields). Indeed, vestibular hair cells are graded potential cells and this property makes them very susceptible to small membrane potential modulations. Studies show that extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) induced E-fields impact postural control in which the vestibular system plays an important role. However, the knowledge of whether this is indeed a vestibular specific effect is still pending. Considering its crucial role and the specific neurophysiological characteristics of its hair cells, the vestibular system emerges as an ELF-MF likely target The three studies presented in this thesis aimed to further address whether ELF-MF modulate vestibular-driven outcomes. Studies 1 and 2 aimed to investigate postural responses while more specifically targeting the vestibular system. However, we did not find any modulation in either study. Nonetheless, based on both studies, study 3 aimed to determine whether the orientation and frequency of our stimulations were more likely to target the otoliths. Therefore, the third study looked at the subjective visual vertical. Here, we found a potential ELF-MF utricular modulation. This thesis is the first steppingstone in a new field of research. Further investigations regarding the interaction between the ELF-MF and the vestibular system will have to look at more reflexives vestibular outcomes. Nonetheless, this thesis provides valuable information that will need to be taken into consideration when writing future international guidelines and standards related to ELF-MF

Aerospace medicine and biology. A continuing bibliography with indexes, supplement 195

This bibliography lists 148 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in June 1979

Is activation of the vestibular system by electromagnetic induction a possibility in an MRI context?

In recent years, an increasing number of studies have discussed the mechanisms of vestibular activation in strong magnetic field settings such as occur in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner environment. Amid the different hypotheses, the Lorentz force explanation currently stands out as the most plausible mechanism, as evidenced by activation of the vestibulo‐ocular reflex. Other hypotheses have largely been discarded. Nonetheless, both human data and computational modeling suggest that electromagnetic induction could be a valid mechanism which may coexist alongside the Lorentz force. To further investigate the induction hypothesis, we provide, herein, a first of its kind dosimetric analysis to estimate the induced electric fields at the vestibular system and compare them with what galvanic vestibular stimulation would generate. We found that electric fields strengths from induction match galvanic vestibular stimulation strengths generating vestibular responses. This review examines the evidence in support of electromagnetic induction of vestibular responses, and whether movement‐induced time‐varying magnetic fields should be further considered and investigated