Key result
Cell phone electromagnetic fields fail to alter HRV dynamics compared to sham.
Why the study?
The effects of low-intensity electromagnetic fields produced by GSM cellular phones on the nonlinear dynamics of heart rate variability were unclear.
Does genuine EMF exposure from a GSM cellular phone affect the nonlinear dynamics of heart rate variability in healthy young volunteers?
RCT (n=26)
Double-blind
Does genuine EMF exposure from a GSM cellular phone affect the nonlinear dynamics of heart rate variability in healthy young volunteers?
Exposure to low-intensity electromagnetic fields from GSM cellular phones does not significantly alter the nonlinear dynamics of heart rate variability in healthy young volunteers.
No effect of GSM exposure on nonlinear HRV dynamics; leaves open autonomic influences in larger or at-risk populations.
This study was designed to assess the nonlinear dynamics of heart rate variability (HRV) during exposure to low-intensity EMFs. Twenty-six healthy young volunteers were subjected to a rest-to-stand protocol to evaluate autonomic nervous system in quiet condition (rest, vagal prevalence) and after a sympathetic activation (stand). The procedure was conducted twice in a double-blind design: once with a genuine EMFs exposure (GSM cellular phone at 900 MHz, 2 W) and once with a sham exposure (at least 24 h apart). During each session, three-lead electrocardiograms were recorded and RR series extracted off-line. The RR series were analyzed by nonlinear deterministic techniques in every phase of the protocol and during the different exposures. The analysis of the data shows there was no statistically significant effect due to GSM exposure on the nonlinear dynamics of HRV.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Parazzini et al. (2013) conducted an RCT in Healthy (n=26). GSM cellular phone EMF exposure vs. Sham exposure was evaluated on Nonlinear dynamics of heart rate variability (HRV). Exposure to electromagnetic fields from a GSM cellular phone (900 MHz, 2 W) had no statistically significant effect on the nonlinear dynamics of heart rate variability in healthy young volunteers.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: