Therapeutic uses of pulsed magnetic-field exposure: A review

Bioelectromagnetics is the study of the interaction between non-ionizing electromagnetic fields and biological systems. In the extremely low frequency (ELF, ≤ 300 Hz, [1,2,3]) part of the electromagnetic spectrum, experimental therapies have been emerging for a variety of medical conditions, such as non-union bone fractures, skin ulcers, migraines, and degenerative nerves. Pulsed electromagnetic fields have been used as therapeutic agents over the last 40 years, following convincing evidence that electric currents can accelerate bone formation [4]. Specifically, electromagnetic-field stimulation gained credibility as a therapy following observations that the application of physical stress on bones promoted the formation of very small electric currents that are related to bone formation. A similar mechanism has been observed for cartilage, whereby electrical stimulation of chondrocytes increased the synthesis of the major component of cartilage matrix, known as proteogylcans [5].