Summary
Highlights
Magnetic pulse generation depends on the current applied. There are two basic types: continuous fields and alternating variable fields. Continuous fields maintain the polarity of the electrodes (solenoids), with a fixed north and south pole. Alternating fields vary polarity at the same frequency as the current.
Pulsed fields have a formation and pause time, depending on the current (sinusoidal or rectangular). These are unipolar, meaning poles remain fixed. Train fields involve a continuous exposure to the magnetic field, followed by a pause. This can be an alternating current with pauses or a series of impulses with longer pauses, implying frequency modulation.
Magnetic fields are generated by coils, which are wound conductors that produce a magnetic field when electric current passes through them. These form solenoids, also called tunnels, which allow for treatment. Proximity coils are flattened, enclosed conductors, similar to electrodes.
A magnetotherapy unit consists of a generator, proximity coils, solenoids, and regulatory elements. The generator supplies modified current to the coils and solenoids based on the desired activity, producing various field types. The equipment also includes an oscillometer to measure magnetic intensity, a frequency meter for variable or pulsed fields, a field selector for different pathologies, and a timer for session duration.
Solenoids and proximity coils are essentially copper wires wound around an iron core. Different sized applicators (proximity coils) are used depending on the treatment area. The complete setup (generator, solenoids, and proximity coils) shows that solenoids are connected to specific north and south points, indicating their use for continuous magnetic fields, while proximity coils are often used for variable magnetic fields.