Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (9): 2350-2360.doi: 10.12307/2026.067

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Application effects and mechanisms of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields in muscle repair and growth

Jiang Xianglong1, Li Zhongshan2, Che Tongtong1   

  1. 1School of Physical Education, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, Shandong Province, China; 2Department of Physical Education, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, Liaoning Province, China
  • Received:2024-12-14 Accepted:2025-03-01 Online:2026-03-28 Published:2025-09-29
  • Contact: 车同同,副教授,青岛大学体育学院,山东省青岛市 266071
  • About author:蒋祥龙,男,2000年生,安徽省黄山市人,汉族,在读硕士,主要从事身体运动功能训练和运动与健康促进的研究。

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields, as a non-invasive therapeutic modality, have not only achieved remarkable results in the treatment of bone fractures and arthritis, but have also shown substantial potential in promoting muscle repair and growth. 
OBJECTIVE: To review the application effects and mechanisms of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields in promoting muscle repair and growth.
METHODS: The first author searched the CNKI and PubMed databases from 2000 to 2024 for relevant literature, and the search terms were “low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields, muscle repair, muscle growth, electromagnetic biological effects” in Chinese and English, respectively. The preliminary search yielded 527 papers. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 89 papers were finally included for review.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Although research on low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields has matured in recent years, the specific effects and mechanisms of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields on muscle repair and growth remain to be fully elucidated. While low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields have shown positive effects on increasing muscle mass and strength, enhancing aerobic capacity, preventing disuse-induced muscle atrophy, and accelerating postoperative recovery, significant challenges still exist regarding the elucidation of their underlying mechanisms, optimization of treatment parameters, and comprehensive validation of clinical outcomes. Furthermore, understanding the mechanisms of low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields could provide novel insights into the biological processes underlying muscle repair and growth, thereby contributing to advances in sports medicine and regenerative medicine.

Key words: low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields, muscle repair, muscle growth, electromagnetic biological effects, mechanism of action, review

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