Study type: Medical/biological study (experimental study)

Mobile phone emission modulates event-related desynchronization of alpha rhythms and cognitive-motor performance in healthy humans med./bio.

Published in: Clin Neurophysiol 2012; 123 (1): 121-128

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The study tested the hypothesis that GSM electromagnetic fields affect both task-related alpha waves and cognitive motor performance.

Background/further details

11 subjects (eight males, three females) participated and underwent two EEG sessions separated by one week (exposure/sham exposure sessions).

Endpoint

Exposure

Exposure Parameters
Exposure 1: 902.4 MHz
Modulation type: pulsed
Exposure duration: continuous for 45 min
  • power: 2 W peak value
  • power: 0.25 W average over time
  • SAR: 0.5 W/kg maximum

Exposure 1

Main characteristics
Frequency 902.4 MHz
Type
Exposure duration continuous for 45 min
Modulation
Modulation type pulsed
Repetition frequency 217 Hz
Additional info

second modulation frequency: 8.33 Hz

Exposure setup
Exposure source
Distance between exposed object and exposure source 1.5 cm
Setup GSM mobile phone placed in a modified helmet on the left side over the subject's ear; identical phone, which was switched off, placed on the right side of the helmet; subjects wearing the helmet could move around the room during exposure or sham exposure; each subject performed two sessions separated by one week
Sham exposure A sham exposure was conducted.
Parameters
Measurand Value Type Method Mass Remarks
power 2 W peak value - - -
power 0.25 W average over time - - -
SAR 0.5 W/kg maximum - - -

Reference articles

Exposed system:

Methods Endpoint/measurement parameters/methodology

Investigated system:
Investigated organ system:
Time of investigation:
  • before exposure
  • after exposure

Main outcome of study (acc. to author)

The data showed lower peak amplitude high frequency alpha wave (10-12 Hz) ERD/ERS and faster reaction time to the green stimuli in the post- than pre-exposure period of the GSM session. No effect was found in the sham exposure session.
In conclusion, these results suggest that the peak amplitude of alpha wave ERD/ERS and the reaction time to the green stimuli are modulated by the effect of GSM electromagnetic fields on the cortical activity. Exposure to GSM electromagnetic fields for 45 minutes may enhance human cortical neural efficiency and simple cognitive-motor processes in healthy adults.

Study character:

Study funded by

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