Evaluation of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Effects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Highlights of Two Decades of Research In Vitro Studies

Abstract

Overview

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, a form of physical stimulation, impacts biological systems by generating fields that can interact with cellular activities. This study leverages historical data to explore the specific conditions under which PEMFs affect cellular functions.

Methodology

Data were collected from 92 publications spanning two decades (1999-2019), with studies principally performed on human cells. These studies focus on various aspects, including the type of cells, the frequency of PEMF exposure, exposure flux density, and the response of the cells under test conditions.

Findings

• The research encompasses 2,421 experiments on human cells, recording observable changes in 51.05% of these experiments.
• Sensitivity to PEMFs was noted particularly in MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with high statistical significance (p value < 0.001).
• Conversely, human osteogenic sarcoma SaOS-2 and human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells showed lower sensitivity.
• Frequencies higher than 100 Hz, flux densities between 1 and 10 mT, and chronic exposure exceeding 10 days were identified as more conducive to eliciting a cellular response.

Conclusion

This extensive meta-analysis sheds light on the critical parameters of cell type and signal characteristics crucial for effective PEMF therapy. The study positions its findings as a valuable resource for future in vivo experiments or preclinical trials.