Speaker
Description
Low-frequency magnetic fields induce internal electric fields in the body. When these fields are sufficiently strong, they can stimulate nerves, causing muscle contractions or sensory perceptions. Electrostimulation models, which consider the spatial and temporal characteristics of the induced electric field, can be used to determine nerve and muscle excitation thresholds. However, these models require validation with experimental data to optimize their accuracy. These more accurate models can then be used to improve current exposure guidelines. This study combines ten anatomically realistic forearm models and computational modelling with data from an experimental study on magnetic stimulation thresholds from 14 volunteers for a solenoidal coil encircling the forearm (Havel et al. 1997). Havel et al. derived their perception thresholds in terms of the induced electric field from a simplified relationship between forearm circumference and the strength of the applied dB/dt pulse needed to elicit a sensory response. This simplified approach leads to errors in the induced electric fields. We aim to calculate correction coefficients for these simplified estimates by more accurately modelling the induced internal electric fields. We will also use random sampling to account for the uncertainty associated with tissue conductivities, ensuring the results’ robustness.
