The Effect of 5G Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Exposure on Corticospinal and Intracortical Excitability in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Research on the impact of 5G mobile phone electromagnetic exposure on corticospinal excitability and intracortical mechanisms is still poorly understood. Objective: This randomized controlled pilot study explored the effects of 5G mobile phone exposure at 3.6 GHz (power density: 0.0030 W/m2) on corticospinal excitability and intracortical mechanisms in healthy adults. Methods: Nineteen healthy participants (mean age: 36.5 years) were exposed to 5G mobile phone exposure for 5 and 20 min, approximating the typical duration of a phone call. Corticospinal excitability, intracortical facilitation, short intracortical inhibition, and long intracortical inhibition using single- and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation assessed before and immediately after exposure were performed. Results: A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed no significant interactions between exposure condition (5 min, 20 min, sham) and time (pre vs. post) for CSE, ICF, SICI, or LICI (all p > 0.15). Bayesian analyses yielded Bayes factors close to 1, indicating inconclusive evidence for both the null and alternative hypotheses. Conclusion: Short-term exposure to 5G mobile phone electromagnetic fields did not produce detectable changes in corticospinal or intracortical excitability. Bayesian evidence was similarly inconclusive (Bayes factors ≈ 1), suggesting that the data provide limited support for either the presence or absence of a detectable effect. Any potential influence of 5G exposure on neural function is therefore likely to be subtle with the present methods. As a pilot study, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and underscore the need for further research using more sensitive outcome measures, extended exposure durations, and vulnerable populations.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

No significant exposure condition × time interactions were found for CSE, ICF, SICI, or LICI (all p > 0.15) comparing 5 min, 20 min, and sham exposure. Bayesian analyses produced Bayes factors close to 1, indicating inconclusive evidence for both null and alternative hypotheses.

Outcomes measured

• corticospinal excitability (CSE)
• intracortical facilitation (ICF)
• short intracortical inhibition (SICI)
• long intracortical inhibition (LICI)

Limitations

• Pilot study
• Small sample size (n=19)
• Short-term exposure only (5 and 20 min)
• Outcomes assessed only immediately pre/post exposure
• Bayesian evidence inconclusive (Bayes factors ≈ 1)

Suggested hubs

• 5g-policy (0.35)
  Study evaluates 5G (3.6 GHz) exposure effects in humans.

{
    "study_type": "randomized_trial",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile phone",
        "frequency_mhz": 3600,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "5 and 20 min (plus sham)"
    },
    "population": "Healthy adults",
    "sample_size": 19,
    "outcomes": [
        "corticospinal excitability (CSE)",
        "intracortical facilitation (ICF)",
        "short intracortical inhibition (SICI)",
        "long intracortical inhibition (LICI)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "No significant exposure condition × time interactions were found for CSE, ICF, SICI, or LICI (all p > 0.15) comparing 5 min, 20 min, and sham exposure. Bayesian analyses produced Bayes factors close to 1, indicating inconclusive evidence for both null and alternative hypotheses.",
    "effect_direction": "unclear",
    "limitations": [
        "Pilot study",
        "Small sample size (n=19)",
        "Short-term exposure only (5 and 20 min)",
        "Outcomes assessed only immediately pre/post exposure",
        "Bayesian evidence inconclusive (Bayes factors ≈ 1)"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "very_low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "5G",
        "3.6 GHz",
        "mobile phone",
        "power density 0.0030 W/m2",
        "transcranial magnetic stimulation",
        "corticospinal excitability",
        "intracortical inhibition",
        "intracortical facilitation",
        "sham"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "5g-policy",
            "weight": 0.34999999999999997779553950749686919152736663818359375,
            "reason": "Study evaluates 5G (3.6 GHz) exposure effects in humans."
        }
    ]
}

Comments

Log in to comment.

No comments yet.