Measuring the Electromagnetic Field of Human Subjects Using Induction Sensors and a Shielded Helmet Without the Need for a Shielded Room

Introduction Neurologic activity is mediated by electrochemical signaling pathways that generate an electric charge. These electrical signals generate electromagnetic fields (EMF) that have been found to be measurable through magnetoencephalography and induction sensors. These technologies typically rely on expensive shielding via shielded rooms to remove influence from the external environment. We aimed to investigate the effects of a lightweight shielded helmet constructed of Mu-metal and interlaced copper mesh and Mu-metal EMF “channels” on shielding externally mediated EMF when measuring cortically generated EMF during human activity. Methods Non-contact, non-invasive, proprietary induction sensors were utilized with a combination of a dual-layer Mu-metal and interlaced copper mesh helmet with sensors placed within EMF channels connected to the helmet. Five human volunteers participated in motor activities, verbalization activities, and visual object naming to evaluate the effectiveness of shielding solely via the helmet and EMF channel construct on generated EMF without placement of individuals within a shielded room. Background data without a subject were obtained. Results Differences in fast Fourier transformed data were noted in the background compared to rest and various activities throughout all trials. There were differences in rest phases and activity phases in each individual identifying active measurement of differences in cortically generated EMF during each activity. Conclusion It appears that eliminating a Mu-metal shielded room is possible when shielding is isolated to the helmet and EMF channels with induction sensors. The external EMF was appropriately excluded with differences in background data in all trials. During the activity, differences were noted between rest phases and activity phases in all activities noting the discernibility of these induction sensors in measuring cortically generated EMF. Measured activity through motor tapping with changes between 4 and 6 Hz appeared to correlate with previously documented changes during motor activity using these sensors in conjunction with shielded rooms.