Medical/biological study (experimental study)

No influence of 20 and 400 µT, 50 Hz magnetic field exposure on cognitive function in humans med./bio.

By: Delhez M, Legros JJ, Crasson M

Published in: Bioelectromagnetics 2004; 25 (8): 592-598

Aim of study (acc. to author)

To study cognitive effects of a continuous, vertical extremely low frequency magnetic field of 20 and 400 µT 50 Hz in healthy young men during performance on cognitive tests.

Endpoint

cognitive/behavioral endpoints: cognitive function (working memory; attention; flexibility)

Exposure

- 50/60 Hz
- magnetic field

Exposure	Parameters
Exposure 1: 50 Hz Exposure duration: 65 min, 4 times, 1 week apart	magnetic flux density: 20 µT magnetic flux density: 400 µT

Exposure 1

Main characteristics

Frequency	50 Hz
Type	magnetic field
Exposure duration	65 min, 4 times, 1 week apart
Additional info	vertical field

Exposure setup

Exposure source	magnetic helmet consisting of six 35 cm Helmholtz coils
Setup	coils placed in the three orthogonal directions and fixed to a wood and leather wheel chair in which the test person sat
Sham exposure	A sham exposure was conducted.

Parameters

Measurand	Value	Type	Method	Mass	Remarks
magnetic flux density	20 µT	-	-	-	-
magnetic flux density	400 µT	-	-	-	-

Reference articles

Crasson M et al. (1999): 50 Hz magnetic field exposure influence on human performance and psychophysiological parameters: two double-blind experimental studies
Crasson M et al. (1993): [Preliminary study of 50 Hz magnetic fields exposure effects on some neuropsychological and neuroendocrinal parameters]

Exposed system:

human
partial body: head

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

cognitive/behavioral endpoints: three different working memory tasks; three different attention tasks; flexibility task (to measure cognitive flexibility); divided attention task; time reproduction task to assess time perception

Investigated system:

investigation on living organism

Investigated organ system:

brain/CNS

Time of investigation:

before exposure
during exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

No effect of magnetic field exposure was observed on performance. The results do not support the hypothesis that extremely low frequency magnetic field affects human cognitive performance.

Study character:

medical/biological study
experimental study
full/main study
double blind study

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

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Corbacio M et al. (2011): Human cognitive performance in a 3 mT power-line frequency magnetic field
Del Seppia C et al. (2009): Investigations of a simulated geomagnetic field experienced by the international space station on attentional performance
Liu T et al. (2008): Chronic exposure to low-intensity magnetic field improves acquisition and maintenance of memory
Nevelsteen S et al. (2007): Effects of information and 50 Hz magnetic fields on cognitive performance and reported symptoms
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Jadidi M et al. (2007): Acute exposure to a 50 Hz magnetic field impairs consolidation of spatial memory in rats
Legros A et al. (2006): Transient effect of low-intensity magnetic field on human motor control
Legros A et al. (2006): Individual subject sensitivity to extremely low frequency magnetic field
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Trimmel M et al. (1998): Effects of an ELF (50 Hz, 1 mT) electromagnetic field (EMF) on concentration in visual attention, perception and memory including effects of EMF sensitivity