Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) reduces oxidative stress and improves functional and psychological status in ischemic stroke patients.

Bioelectromagnetics · 2017 · Benefit · Low evidence

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BenefitLow evidencePaper 4925

Study snapshot

PublicationBioelectromagnetics · 2017

Study typeother

Reported directionBenefit

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

As a result of ischaemia/reperfusion, massive generation of reactive oxygen species occurs, followed by decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) can modulate oxidative stress, but there are no clinical antioxidant studies in brain stroke patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of ELF-EMF on clinical and antioxidant status in post-stroke patients. Fifty-seven patients were divided into two groups: ELF-EMF and non-ELF-EMF. Both groups underwent the same 4-week rehabilitation program. Additionally, the ELF-EMF group was exposed to an ELF-EMF field of 40 Hz, 7 mT for 15 min/day for 4 weeks (5 days a week). The activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase was measured in hemolysates, and total antioxidant status (TAS) determined in plasma. Functional status was assessed before and after the series of treatments using Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Applied ELF-EMF significantly increased enzymatic antioxidant activity; however, TAS levels did not change in either group. Results show that ELF-EMF induced a significant improvement in functional (ADL) and mental (MMSE, GDS) status. Clinical parameters had positive correlation with the level of enzymatic antioxidant protection. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:386-396, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeother

Effect directionbenefit

PopulationPost-stroke (ischemic stroke) patients undergoing rehabilitation

Sample size57

ExposureELF · 4e-05 MHz · 15 min/day for 4 weeks (5 days/week)

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Compared with a non-ELF-EMF group receiving the same 4-week rehabilitation program, the ELF-EMF group (40 Hz, 7 mT, 15 min/day) showed significantly increased catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, while total antioxidant status (TAS) did not change in either group. The ELF-EMF group also showed significant improvements in functional (ADL) and mental/psychological measures (MMSE, GDS), and clinical parameters positively correlated with enzymatic antioxidant protection.

Outcomes measured

Catalase activity
Superoxide dismutase activity
Total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma
Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)

Limitations

Study design details (e.g., randomization, blinding) not described in the abstract
No change observed in TAS despite changes in enzymatic antioxidant activity

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "other",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": 4e-05,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "15 min/day for 4 weeks (5 days/week)"
  },
  "population": "Post-stroke (ischemic stroke) patients undergoing rehabilitation",
  "sample_size": 57,
  "outcomes": [
    "Catalase activity",
    "Superoxide dismutase activity",
    "Total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma",
    "Activities of Daily Living (ADL)",
    "Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)",
    "Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Compared with a non-ELF-EMF group receiving the same 4-week rehabilitation program, the ELF-EMF group (40 Hz, 7 mT, 15 min/day) showed significantly increased catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, while total antioxidant status (TAS) did not change in either group. The ELF-EMF group also showed significant improvements in functional (ADL) and mental/psychological measures (MMSE, GDS), and clinical parameters positively correlated with enzymatic antioxidant protection.",
  "effect_direction": "benefit",
  "limitations": [
    "Study design details (e.g., randomization, blinding) not described in the abstract",
    "No change observed in TAS despite changes in enzymatic antioxidant activity"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "ELF-EMF",
    "extremely low frequency",
    "ischemic stroke",
    "rehabilitation",
    "oxidative stress",
    "antioxidant enzymes",
    "catalase",
    "superoxide dismutase",
    "TAS",
    "ADL",
    "MMSE",
    "GDS"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1002/bem.22055
PubMed: 28430370

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