Maria Pecyna

Maria Pecyna – The impact of low-frequency magnetic fields on the degree of concentration of attention as described by beta and theta rhythms in electroencephalography. Fizjoterapia Polska 2003; 3(1); 48-55

Abstract
Background. The prospects for diagnostic application of tests of the brain’s magnetic activity have motivated new clinical research in cognitive and clinical psychology. The purpose of the present study was to examine the nature of the bioelectric activity of the brain in young persons after the application of low-frequency magnetic fields as compared to baseline and placebo results, and to determine if magnetic stimulation can modify the amplitudes of beta and theta waves, used to measure the degree of concentration of attention. Material and methods. The research involved 32 persons with attention disorders involving concentration (Group A) and 32 persons without such problems (Group B). The degree of concentration of attention was measured by an invasive CapScan EEG/EMG subsystem (Bio-feedback Systems Inc.), which simultaneously recorded the beta and theta wave amplitudes. During the tests these rhythms were measured at baseline, after administration of a placebo, and after magnetic stimulation. Results. The baseline beta and theta wave rhythms recorded on-line from both cerebral hemispheres by the CapScan EEG/EMG subsystem in both study groups showed varying amplitudes. Low-frequency, low-amplitude magnetic fields produced a positive impact on concentration. After analysis of the relation of the amplitudes of beta and theta waves, Group A was found to have results characteristic for deconcentration. There was little change after the placebo, but a statistically significant improvement of concentration after magnetic stimulation. Conclusion. Statistical analysis demonstrates that low-frequency magnetic fields modify beta and theta rhythms in favor of improved concentration, i.e., when the beta amplitudes rise, the theta amplitudes automatically fall. This suggests that the low-frequency magnetic fields generated by the Viofor JPS magnetostimulator markedly increase the degree of concentration, and by the same token conscious mental activity.

Key words:
extremely-low-frequency magnetic fields, beta and theta electroence, phalographic waves, concentration

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