1. Introduction
Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) are a non-invasive medical therapy utilized in clinical treatments. The FDA granted approval for the application of PEMF in the repair of non-union fractures in humans in 1979. PEMF therapy is currently employed for treating bone conditions like osteoporosis and fractures . PEMF stimulation can be also used to improve tissue oxygenation, microcirculation and angiogenesis . Kwan et al. applied PEMF therapy on diabetic subjects, reporting an increase in microcirculation through the enhancement of capillary blood flow. Some authors have proposed PEMF stimulation as an adjunct to exercise but, to the best of our knowledge, there are no comprehensive articles examining the impact of PEMF on physical activity and sport. The aim of this review is to provide up-to-date summary of the current literature on PEMF and physical exercise, elucidating discrepancies, and identifying areas necessitating further research.
2. Biological rationale for PEMF stimulation as an adjunct to exercise
The application of external electromagnetic energy to an injured area triggers modifications in the cellular environment, promoting the restoration of tissue integrity and function . PEMFs have the potential to enhance tissue oxygenation, microcirculation, and angiogenesis in rats, human erythrocytes, and cell-free assays . PEMF application has also showed modulatory effect on microvasculature and can result in its remodeling . Moreover, PEMF has the potential to resolve chronic inflammation via inducing changes in gene expression related to heme catabolism, removal of reactive oxygen species, and lipid mediator biosynthesis .
From the above-mentioned premises, we can state that the biological effects of PEMF stimulation may be useful to speed up recovery of specific muscles after exercises or to enhance the effects of exercise on specific body parts.
