Cellular Phone User's Age or the Duration of Calls Moderate Autonomic Nervous System? A Meta-Analysis

Authors: Styliani A Geronikolou, Ölle Johansson, George Chrousos, Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein, Dennis Cokkinos

Year: 2020

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Adv Exp Med Biol

Institution: Adv Exp Med Biol

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32622-7_46

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32468564/

Abstract

Overview

The study explores the impact of age and call duration on the autonomic nervous system, specifically using the heart rate variability index as an indicator, amid concerns raised by the European Health Risk Assessment Network on Electromagnetic Fields Exposure.

Background

  • There is growing sensitivity towards electromagnetic fields (EMF), especially among children and adolescents who have been ubiquitously exposed since conception.

Objective

The analysis aims to determine if the age of individuals and the duration of mobile phone calls alter the effects of EMF on the autonomic nervous system functions.

Method

  • A synthesis of five studies comprising 124 healthy subjects, aged between 15.3 and 28.4 years, assessed for heart rate variability pre and post-exposure to phone calls varying from 5 to 32 minutes.

Findings

  • Meta-regressions indicated that age notably influences the sympathovagal balance, an essential component for maintaining health and homeostasis, while the duration of phone calls seemed less impactful.

Conclusion

Age is a determinant factor in the modulation of autonomic nervous functions by EMF exposure from cellular phones. Research directed at potential health risks in young populations due to continuous EMF exposure is strongly endorsed, highlighting the need for broader and targeted studies.

EMF autonomic nervous system heart rate variability meta-analysis mobile phone exposure adolescent health risks epidemiological research
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