Does a magnetic blanket induce changes in muscular blood flow, skin temperature and muscular tension in horses?

The research aimed to understand whether magnetic blankets could influence muscle blood flow, skin temperature, and muscle tension in healthy horses and found no significant impact.

Research Objective and Methodology

• The objective of the research was to discern if static magnets integrated into a blanket can influence the back muscle blood flow, skin temperature, mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT), and behavior of healthy horses. There were claims around such magnetic blankets enhancing blood flow, reducing muscle tension, and aiding in preventing and treating musculoskeletal injuries in horses.
• The research followed a prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study methodology. The effects of a magnetic blanket (900 gauss) were compared with that of a placebo blanket.
• The outcomes were evaluated through various measures like blood flow using photoplethysmography, skin temperature using thermistors with digital infrared thermography, MNTs using algometry, and observed horse behavior. These measurements were carried out in three phases – 30-minute baseline, 60-minute treatment, and 30-minute post-treatment periods.
• Alternatingly, the magnetic blanket and the placebo blanket were placed on the horses for two consecutive days. Each day, measurement readings were recorded and compared to assess any difference.

Research Findings and Conclusion

• The results demonstrated that there were no significant differences in muscle blood flow, skin temperatures, MNTs, and behavioral traits between horses with active magnetic blankets and those with placebo blankets.
• While skin temperatures did show an increase during both active and placebo blanket treatment, the rise was similar for both, suggesting no additional impact due to magnetism.
• Therefore, the conclusion from the research is that magnetic blankets, when used on healthy horses, do not result in any extra significant effects on muscle blood flow, skin temperature, MNTs, and behavior compared to non-magnetic blankets.