A new study from the Lawson Research Institute finds electromagnetic fields or EMFs may have the potential to be used in therapy for neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Alexandre Legros, a researcher at Lawson says, “We may be able to change a little ebit the pathological rhythm thats occurring in the brain while the symptoms are occurring and if we can do it strong enough then we may be able to improve the symptoms.”

The harmful effects of EMFs from cell phones, medical imaging devices and power lines are a regular subject of debate in North America.

But Legros’ new study looking at their impact on brain activity and physical responses has found they could be used in medical treatments.

Volunteers were exposed to EMFs and then given mental and physical tests. The same tests were then given when they had not been exposed.

The tests showed EMFs had an impact on both touch sensitivity and memory.

While the results will primarily be used to create better guidelines for EMF exposure, Legros is also looking at their use in non-invasive therapies.

“We are seeing effects and if we increase the level of exposure and adapt the signals, we can try to induce predictable effects,” Legros said in a statement.

“Eventually there could be a non-invasive device that delivers specifically designed EMFs to modify brain activity, with the potential to calm neurological symptoms and improve quality of life.”

A third phase of the study is now underway.

While it will focus on a threshold for power-line EMFs, the Lawson Health Research Institute says the potential for additional applications will continue to be explored.