No influence of 20 and 400 microT, 50 Hz magnetic field exposure on cognitive function in humans.

The aim of the present study was to investigate cognitive effects of a continuous, vertical extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field (MF) of 20 and 400 microT 50 Hz in healthy young men during performance on cognitive tests. Thirty-two volunteers (20-30 years old, mean 22.6 +/- 2.2 years) participated in this double blind study. The test protocol consisted of a set of tests: divided attention, flexibility, memory updating, digit span, digit span with articulary suppression, and time perception. The total duration of the exposure was 65 min. Participants were assigned four sessions: three conditions in the helmet (sham exposure, 20 and 400 microT) and one condition out of the helmet (to control the expectancy effect). No effect of MF exposure was observed on performance.