Scientific Basics

Cellular Mechanics

Click here for a paper on Biophysical Stimulation of Fracture Healing Mediated by IGF-II

Basic Wave Properties

All Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) travel in waves. If one looks at a standard electromagnetic wave (Fig. 1), the top of each wave is called the crest and the base is the trough. Two important characteristics that can be measured from these points are wavelength and amplitude. Wavelength is measured from the crest of one wave to the crest of the next (Fig. 1 - A). Amplitude is measured from the trough of one wave to the crest of the next (Fig.1 - B).

Fig. 1

Wavelength tells us the frequency of the wave, or how fast it is repeating. Each time the wave repeats it is considered a pulse of energy. Frequency is typically measured in Hertz (Hz), which is another way to count how many pulses per second are occurring. Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional, meaning when the wavelength gets smaller, more waves occur in the same time frame (see Fig. 2). Amplitude tells us the strength, or power of a wave. These characteristics are what make the CMF technology unique.

Fig. 2

CMF Bone Growth Stimulators Combined Magnetic Field (CMF) Signal

The signal is what differentiates the CMF OL1000 and SpinaLogic® from other products. Prior to the CMF OL1000, technologies dated back to the mid-1970’s, and the science behind these technologies remains unexplained. The founder of the CMF OL1000 began research in the 1980’s to understand the dynamics of EMF technology and to identify specifically which signal characteristics stimulate bone cells and in turn promote healing.

The CMF OL1000 signal is actually a combination of two "waves", an alternating EMF superimposed in parallel over a static EMF (Fig. 3). Having these two fields is the main feature that differentiates our products. The frequency of the alternating EMF is exactly 76.6Hz and the amplitude is .2-.4 gauss (a measure of electromagnetic energy).

Fig. 3

In the early 1990’s, a group of researchers conducted a study on the optimal range of frequencies to stimulate bone cells. The researchers found that EMF frequencies in a range from 0-150Hz had the most effect on stimulating bone cells. (McLeod, et al. 1993) Since the frequency of the CMF signal is 76.6Hz, 100% of the signal is within the optimal range of 0-150Hz.

The reason CMF technology is potent (and only requires 30 minutes per day) is because 100% of the signal falls within the optimal range of frequencies. Researchers also found that CMF treatment continued beyond 30 minutes had no statistically significant incremental healing affect.

The 30-minute treatment equates with good patient compliance, which can be linked to overall efficacy. Overall patient compliance will lead to a better overall results and a better tool for the physician to use in practice.

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