Effect of short-term extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field on respiratory functions

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields can cause harmful or beneficial effects on living organisms. The aim of this study was to examine the potential effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on respiratory physiology by investigating possible changes in respiratory function parameters during and after short-term extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure. METHODS: Twenty Wistar albino rats were included in the study, and these rats were randomly divided into two groups: control and electromagnetic field. A noninvasive head-out plethysmography technique was used to accurately assess lung function in rats. Rats in the electromagnetic field group were exposed to electromagnetic field at a frequency of 50 Hz and a magnetic flux density of 0.3 mT for 2 min. Respiratory function parameters of both groups were recorded in three separate periods before, during and after electromagnetic field exposure. Respiratory rate, respiratory cycle duration, inspiration time, expiration time, tidal volume, minute volume, peak inspiratory flow, and peak expiratory flow were measured in these periods. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the parameters measured before electromagnetic field exposure between the groups. During the electromagnetic field exposure period, the mean respiratory rate measured in the electromagnetic field group was lower compared to the control group data, while the mean respiratory cycle duration, inspiration time, and tidal volume measured in the electromagnetic field group were higher compared to the control group data. There was no significant difference in the parameters measured after electromagnetic field exposure between the groups. CONCLUSION: Short-term extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure decreases respiratory rate and increases respiratory cycle duration, inspiration time, and tidal volume.