TDK conference 2024

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, a type of physiotherapy, has been widely utilized across various medical fields, primarily in human medicine. However, with the growing demand for cost-effective and efficient treatment modalities in veterinary medicine, PEMF therapy is now being explored as an alternative when conventional treatments are limited. Despite its long-standing use in equine therapy, the specific physiological effects of PEMF on horses remain largely unexamined, particularly in terms of its influence on blood parameters. This lack of research has made the application of PEMF therapy in horses a controversial topic among veterinarians, raising questions about its effectiveness and optimal usage.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of acute PEMF therapy on the blood parameters of horses and to provide insights into the significance of these changes. The experiment involved five actively working horses. Blood samples were collected before the administration of PEMF therapy, followed by a treatment regimen over five consecutive days. On the final day, blood was drawn from each horse at eight different time points, and 78 biochemical and hematological parameters were analyzed.

The results demonstrated that PEMF therapy significantly influenced several blood parameters. Key findings included a decrease in uric acid levels, an increase in direct bilirubin, a reduction in reticulocyte count, decreases in globulin and total protein levels, and an increase in alpha-amylase activity. Additionally, free and total iron-binding capacities were reduced.

These findings suggest enhanced liver function, with potential increases in bile production and flow. Cellular detoxification processes may have been upregulated, and red blood cell (RBC) lifespan possibly extended, alongside accelerated RBC maturation. This could result in improved oxygen transport capacity, potentially boosting oxygen delivery to tissues. Furthermore, the observed changes indicate a reduction in chronic inflammation and an enhanced immune response.