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The Effect of 5G Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Exposure on Corticospinal and Intracortical Excitability in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Brain Sci · 2025 · Unclear · Very low evidence

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UnclearVery low evidencePaper 6657

No significant exposure condition × time interactions were found for CSE, ICF, SICI, or LICI (all p > 0.15) comparing 5 min, 20 min, and sham exposure. Bayesian analyses produced Bayes factors close to 1, indicating inconclusive evidence for both null and alt…

Study snapshot

PublicationBrain Sci · 2025
Study typerandomized_trial
Reported directionUnclear
Evidence ratingVery low

Abstract

Background: Research on the impact of 5G mobile phone electromagnetic exposure on corticospinal excitability and intracortical mechanisms is still poorly understood. Objective: This randomized controlled pilot study explored the effects of 5G mobile phone exposure at 3.6 GHz (power density: 0.0030 W/m2) on corticospinal excitability and intracortical mechanisms in healthy adults. Methods: Nineteen healthy participants (mean age: 36.5 years) were exposed to 5G mobile phone exposure for 5 and 20 min, approximating the typical duration of a phone call. Corticospinal excitability, intracortical facilitation, short intracortical inhibition, and long intracortical inhibition using single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation assessed before and immediately after exposure were performed. Results: A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed no significant interactions between exposure condition (5 min, 20 min, sham) and time (pre vs. post) for CSE, ICF, SICI, or LICI (all p > 0.15). Bayesian analyses yielded Bayes factors close to 1, indicating inconclusive evidence for both the null and alternative hypotheses. Conclusion: Short-term exposure to 5G mobile phone electromagnetic fields did not produce detectable changes in corticospinal or intracortical excitability. Bayesian evidence was similarly inconclusive (Bayes factors ≈ 1), suggesting that the data provide limited support for either the presence or absence of a detectable effect. Any potential influence of 5G exposure on neural function is therefore likely to be subtle with the present methods. As a pilot study, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and underscore the need for further research using more sensitive outcome measures, extended exposure durations, and vulnerable populations.

Machine Enhanced Logic

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 typerandomized_trial
Effect directionunclear
PopulationHealthy adults
Sample size19
ExposureRF · 3600 MHz · 5 and 20 min (plus sham)
Evidence strengthVery lowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

No significant exposure condition × time interactions were found for CSE, ICF, SICI, or LICI (all p > 0.15) comparing 5 min, 20 min, and sham exposure. Bayesian analyses produced Bayes factors close to 1, indicating inconclusive evidence for both null and alternative hypotheses.

Outcomes measured

  • corticospinal excitability (CSE)
  • intracortical facilitation (ICF)
  • short intracortical inhibition (SICI)
  • long intracortical inhibition (LICI)

Limitations

  • Pilot study
  • Small sample size (n=19)
  • Short-term exposure only (5 and 20 min)
  • Outcomes assessed only immediately pre/post exposure
  • Bayesian evidence inconclusive (Bayes factors ≈ 1)
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "randomized_trial",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile phone",
    "frequency_mhz": 3600,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "5 and 20 min (plus sham)"
  },
  "population": "Healthy adults",
  "sample_size": 19,
  "outcomes": [
    "corticospinal excitability (CSE)",
    "intracortical facilitation (ICF)",
    "short intracortical inhibition (SICI)",
    "long intracortical inhibition (LICI)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "No significant exposure condition × time interactions were found for CSE, ICF, SICI, or LICI (all p > 0.15) comparing 5 min, 20 min, and sham exposure. Bayesian analyses produced Bayes factors close to 1, indicating inconclusive evidence for both null and alternative hypotheses.",
  "effect_direction": "unclear",
  "limitations": [
    "Pilot study",
    "Small sample size (n=19)",
    "Short-term exposure only (5 and 20 min)",
    "Outcomes assessed only immediately pre/post exposure",
    "Bayesian evidence inconclusive (Bayes factors ≈ 1)"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "very_low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "5G",
    "3.6 GHz",
    "mobile phone",
    "power density 0.0030 W/m2",
    "transcranial magnetic stimulation",
    "corticospinal excitability",
    "intracortical inhibition",
    "intracortical facilitation",
    "sham"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "5g-policy",
      "weight": 0.35,
      "reason": "Study evaluates 5G (3.6 GHz) exposure effects in humans."
    }
  ]
}
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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: 10.3390/brainsci15111134
PubMed: 41300142

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