Evaluation of the Effect of the Magnetic Field Therapy on Motor Unit Action Potentials and Balance of Healthy Subjects

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the magnetic field therapy on the motor unit action potentials from the muscles of the sole of the foot and balance of healthy subjects. [Subjects] Twenty-four volunteer students from Yeditepe University Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation participated in this study. [Method] The feet region received 60-Gauss intensity pulsed magnetic field therapy for 20 minutes using a 30-cm solenoid electrode. Motor unit action potentials of the muscles of the sole were evaluated in both the dominant and non-dominant legs before and after the application of magnetic field therapy. One leg standing balance tests under the eyes open and eyes closed conditions in the static and dynamic forms were also evaluated in both the dominant and non-dominant legs before and after the application of magnetic field therapy. [Results] Motor unit action potential values and balance tests results showed statistically significant improvements in the post-treatment period in comparison to the pre-treatment observations. A strongly significant positive correlation was found between the motor unit action potentials and eyes open static balance on the non-dominant side. [Conclusions] Magnetic field therapy improves the activities of muscles and balance of healthy subjects.