Author(s): ISHIKAWA, M., NOBUE, A., Institution: OSAKA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND SPORT SCIENCES, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 470

INTRODUCTION:
Magnetic fields have been reported to enhance physical performance and recovery (1,2). The proposed mechanisms include increased peripheral blood flow through electromagnetic induction and paramagnetic properties of oxygen. These effects may influence not only motor but also cognitive function. Animal studies demonstrated that pulsed magnetic stimulation improves memory and learning (3), suggesting magnetic fields may affect cognition. However, human studies reported that 50-60 Hz magnetic field exposure has minimal and inconsistent effects on cognitive function (4). The effects of static magnetic field necklaces on cognitive function have not been adequately investigated. This study aimed to examine the effects of wearing a magnetic necklace on cognitive function.
METHODS:
Thirty-two healthy adults (Age 22.9+/-6.3 yr) participated. Cognitive function was assessed using the CogniFit General Cognitive Assessment Battery (CAB) (5), measuring reasoning, memory, attention, coordination, and perception. A randomized placebo-controlled design was employed, with participants assigned to either a magnetic necklace group or placebo group. Following practice trials, baseline tests (PRE) were conducted. Participants wore their assigned necklace for at least 24 hours before post-intervention assessment. The percentage change from baseline (%PRE) was calculated. Independent t-tests and Cohen's d effect sizes were computed. Significance was set at p<0.05.
RESULTS:
The magnetic group showed significantly greater improvements compared to placebo in memory (29.9+/-17.8% vs. 9.78+/-17.1%, p<0.05, d=0.566), coordination (29.8+/-18.8% vs. 12.0+/-10.4%, p<0.05, d=0.673), and attention (16.4+/-11.9% vs. 0.046+/-10.0%, p<0.05, d=0.826). No significant differences were observed in reasoning (magnetic: 23.5%, placebo: 11.5%, p=0.203) or perception (magnetic: 14.7%, placebo: 8.46%, p=0.201).
CONCLUSION:
Wearing a magnetic necklace significantly improved memory, coordination, and attention. These functions depend on cerebral blood flow and neural transmission efficiency, suggesting magnetic-induced peripheral blood flow increases may affect the central nervous system. The largest effect was for attention (d=0.826), indicating magnetic effects are pronounced in concentration tasks. Future studies should investigate direct effects on brain activity and cerebral blood flow.
REFERENCES
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