8,655 Studies Reviewed. 86.9% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Whole Body / GeneralPart of the Glaser Archive

Peripheral blood flow measurements during application of pulsed high frequency currents

Bioeffects Seen

Erdman WJ · 1960

Share:

Early 1960 research investigated how pulsed radiofrequency energy affects human blood circulation, laying groundwork for understanding modern wireless device impacts.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1960 study measured how pulsed high-frequency electrical currents affected blood circulation in the arms and legs of human subjects. Researchers used diathermy equipment (medical heating devices) to apply these radiofrequency fields while monitoring peripheral blood flow changes. The research examined whether pulsed RF energy could influence circulation patterns in living tissue.

Why This Matters

This early research represents a fascinating glimpse into how scientists first began studying RF energy's biological effects on human circulation. What makes this study particularly relevant today is that it examined pulsed radiofrequency fields - the same type of intermittent RF exposure we now experience from cell phones, WiFi routers, and smart devices that cycle on and off throughout the day. The researchers were studying medical diathermy equipment, which operates at much higher power levels than consumer devices, but the fundamental question remains the same: can RF energy alter blood flow and circulation in human tissue?

The timing of this 1960 research is significant because it predates our modern wireless world by decades, yet scientists were already investigating how electromagnetic fields might affect our cardiovascular system. Today, we're exposed to far more varied and constant pulsed RF signals than these early researchers could have imagined, making their foundational work on circulation effects increasingly relevant to understanding our daily EMF exposure.

Figures from the Original Paper

Diagram extracted from the original research document.

diagramPage 3 - Figure 1. Application of pulsed short-wave over epigastrium with continuous tracing of pulse in second toe of each foot and temperature recordings at two minute intervals from dorsum of each foot, room, skin under treatment head.
p. 3 of the original PDF

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 27.12 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 27.12 MHzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. Duration: 20 to 40 minutes per session

Study Details

To investigate the effect of pulsed high-frequency currents on peripheral blood flow measurements during application over the epigastrium.

Twenty normal young adults (ages 25-38) were studied. A volumetric plethysmograph was applied to the...

Noticeable volumetric changes indicative of increased blood flow occurred in all 20 cases. Increases...

It is possible to produce an increased pulse tracing in the extremities during the application of pulsed high-frequency currents without significant pyrexia. This method may offer an explanation of the mechanics whereby body defenses are mobilized and could be helpful in vasospastic peripheral vascular disease. However, the effect is short-lived and requires frequent prolonged use to achieve sustained results.

Cite This Study
Erdman WJ (1960). Peripheral blood flow measurements during application of pulsed high frequency currents.
Show BibTeX
@article{peripheral_blood_flow_measurements_during_application_of_pulsed_high_frequency_c_g6730,
  author = {Erdman WJ},
  title = {Peripheral blood flow measurements during application of pulsed high frequency currents},
  year = {1960},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

The researchers used pulsed short-wave diathermy equipment, which are medical devices that apply high-frequency electromagnetic fields to heat tissue. These devices operate at much higher power levels than modern consumer electronics like phones or WiFi routers.
Pulsed RF delivers electromagnetic energy in bursts or cycles rather than continuously. This intermittent pattern is similar to how modern cell phones, WiFi, and Bluetooth devices transmit data in packets, creating on-off exposure patterns throughout the day.
Electromagnetic fields can influence biological processes through heating effects and potentially through non-thermal mechanisms that affect cellular function. Blood vessels and circulation systems may respond to these electromagnetic influences, though the exact mechanisms require further research.
Medical diathermy equipment from 1960 operated at much higher power levels than modern consumer devices, designed specifically to heat tissue. Today's phones and WiFi use lower power but expose us to pulsed RF signals constantly throughout the day.
The study focused on peripheral blood flow, meaning circulation in the arms and legs rather than central organs. This approach allowed researchers to measure how RF exposure might affect blood flow in extremities away from the main cardiovascular system.