Gault and Gatens: Use of low intensity Direct Current In Management of Ischemic Skin Ulcers. Physical Therapy, Vol, 56, #3, March 1976.
Summary: 100 patients with skin ulcers were treated with micro current stimulation; six of them had bacterial ulcers with one side used as controls. Stimulation of 200-800 uA was applied, with negative polarity used until Infection cleared, and then polarity reversed.. Patients had diagnosis ranging from quadriplegia, CVA, brain tumor, peripheral vascular disease, burns, diabetes, fracture, and amputation. The lesions with patients treated with currents showed approximately twice as fast a healing rate .
Cheng, et Al: The Effects of Electorcurrent on ATP Generation, Protein Synthesis and Membrane Transport In Rat Skin Clinical Orthopauedics and Related Research, #171, Nov/Dec, 1982
Summary: These researchers used in vitro slices of rat skin to determine some of the biochemical explanations for accelerated wound healing demonstrated In the above studies. By applying various levels of current to the samples, and then chemically analyzing them, they determined that skin treated at currents below 1000 uA showed up to 75% higher amino acids and up to 400% more available ATP than controls, and that skin treated at levels above 1000 uA showed depressed levels of these substances. Often lass than non-treated controls,
Twnoya Ohm (Japan): Experimental Studies of Influences on Healing Process of Mandibular Defect Stimulated by Microcurrent. Shlkwa Gakuhu, #82 1982
Summary: 50 uA micro currents were applied to one side of the Jaws of a group of dogs with lesions in their jaws. The other side was untreated. The dogs were examined at periods of 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42 and 56 days. Results: "It seems likely that direct micro current promotes normal bone formation within the defective area and accelerates the osseous healing process. Prolonged application of electrical stimulus promotes a remarkable bone remodeling mechanism.
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Sinitsyn, Razvozva (Russian): Effects of electrical Microcurrents on Regeneration Processes in Skin Wounds. Ortop Travmatoll Protez, Feb. 1986
Summary: 68 patients with post burn and post traumatic wounds underwent treatment constant and modulated micro current of negative polarity of 1-10 uA/cm2 over a period of 2-20 days. Although both groups showed accelerated regeneration, the modulated electric current group showed more prolonged and marked effect. Better survival of skin grafts was demonstrated compared with untreated patients.
Nessler and Mass: Direct Current Electrical Stimulation of Tendon Healing in Vitro Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research. April 1987
Summary: 80 tendons from white rabbits were surgically transected and removed from the animals after being surgically repaired. They were divided into 4 groups of 20, and cultured with 10 of each group being electrically stimulated, and half were not. A 1.4 volt direct current connected through a 150 kOhm resistor was used for stimulation, at a current of about 7 uA, It was found that currents any higher than this caused discoloration of the tendons. Healing was measured by proline uptake and bridging of the repair site by the epitenon. Results: "a continuous direct current causes increased tendon cell activity within seven days and the increased activity may persist as long as 42 days." The researchers suggested that externally applied micro currents may be preferable in future studies.
Stanish and Gunlaughson: Electrical Energy and Soft Tissue Injury Healing Sportcare and Fitness, Sept/Oct 1988 Summary: This article is a summary of research into tendon healing acceleration, including human injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament and the Achilles tendons: "While the results are subjective, the individuals in both groups appear to have returned to usual activities more quickly, and have greater rnobility, than people treated more conventionally.
Oweye, Splelholz and Nelson: Low Intensity Pulsed Galvanic Current and the Healing of Tenotomized Rat Achilles Tenons: Preliminary Report Using Load-to-Breaking Measurements Archives Physical Med Rehab, Vol. 68 July 1987 Summary: 60 rats were divided into three groups of 20. One was unstimulated, one group had their Achilles tendons stimulated with positive [anodal) current, and the third group's tendons were stimulated with negative (cathodal) currents. A current of 75 micro amps, at 10 Hz was used. Results: The group treated with anodal current withstood significantly greater loads (p<0.001) then did either the group which healed normally (i.e. without stimulation) or the group treated with cathodal currents.".
Reichmanis, Marino, and Becker:Electrical Correlates of Acupuncture Points IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, November, 1975
Summary: Employing a wheatstone bridge, skin conductance was measured over those putative acupuncture points on the large intestine and pericardium rneridians lying between the metacarpophalangeal joints and the elbow. Results were compared to those from anatomically similar locations devoid of acupuncture points, "At most acupuncture points on most subjects, there were greater electrical conductance maxims than at normal control sites.
Reported by Lawrence Altman: Cell Channel Finding Earns Nobel Prize New York Times Medical Science Section;October, 9, 1991
Summery: Two German scientists, Dr. Erwin Neher and Dr. Bert Sakmann, will share the $1 million dollar Nobel prize for their development of the patch-clamp technique that allows the detection of minute electrical currents in cell membranes. This discovery, which "revolutionized modern biology" may shed light on the causes of several diseases, like diabetes and cystic fibrosis. This method allowed the detection of 20 to 40 types of ion channels that allow positive or negatively charged ions into and out of the cells, "This study confirmed that electrical activity is not limited to nerve and muscle tissue , as previously thought, but is intrinsic to all kinds of other cells.
Richez, Chamay and Bieler, U. of Geneva:Bone Changes Due To Pulses of Direct Electrical Microcurrent. Virchows Arch. Abt. A Path Anat. 357, 11-18 (1972)
Summary: 26 rabbits had platinum electrodes surgically implanted into the medullary cavities of their humerus bones. Micro current stimulation was applied at 50 and 250 uA, allowing pause periods of one second between one second treatment: bursts. The scientist found that osteogenesis (bone growth) happened more around the cathode (negative polarity), and that slight tissue necrosis occurred around the anode. The tissues stimulated acted as capacitors, discharging 75% of the current absorbed during the rest periods. They concluded that pulsed current is superior to direct current for bone healing acceleration.
JA. Spadaro, S.EChase, and D.A, Webster:Bacterial Inhibition by Electrical Activation of Percutaneous Silver Implants, Journal of Biomedical materials Research, Vol. 20, 565-577 (1986)
Summary: Percutaneous silver wire implants were placed in rats, and the wounds inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus to test how much infection would spread. Micro current stimulation was passed through the wires, with + anodal current placed into implanted silver wire, and the - cathodal electrode placed an the rat's belly as a ground, It was found that significant inhibition of infection occurred, with the most marked results at 20uA current level, "Metallic silver can be effectively activated to elicit it's antimicrobial activity by the application of microampere electrical current.
Bertolucci and Grey:Clinical Comparative Study of Microcurrent Electrical Stimulation to Mid Laser and placebo Treatment in Degenerative Joint Disease of the Temporomandibular Joint. Journal of Craniomandibular Practice 1995
Summary: 48 patients were divided into three groups, some receiving placebo, some micro current and some laser to treat pain of TMJ sydrome, Both micro current and laser were found to be significantly more effective than placebo, with laser slightly more effective than rnicro current. The author acknowledges that lasers are not legally sold in the United States for this purpose, and that micro currents easy accessibility makes it more practical for practitioners here.
M. Heffernan: Comparative effects of Microcurrent Stimulation on EEG Spectrum and Correlation Dimension , Integrative and Behavioral Science July-Septmber, 1996, Vol. 31, #3
Summery: 30 subjects were selected for a study comparing the effects of micro current on smoothing of EEG measurements of the brain. Subjects were randomly assigned to three groups - micro current (100uA) applied to a earlobe, trapezius area of shoulder, and no stimulation. Electrodes were arranged so subjects could not tell which group they were in. Fast Fourler Transform (FFT) and correlation dimension from chaos analysis were used to measure results. The researcher found that micro current applied to the shoulders was markedly more effective in smoothing EEG patterns than earlobe or placebo. This would represent a possible cost-effective alternative to neurofeedback in treating (anxiety and attention deficit disorders), by raising low regions in the FFT.
DuPont: Trigger Point identification and Treatment with Microcurrent, The Journal of Craniomandibular Practice, October 1999, Vol, 17, #4
Summary: This article gives the authors techniques for locating and stimulating trigger points (TP's) using a micro current stimulator, specifically for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders., He states that electrical conductivity is highest over trigger points, and galvanic skin response (GSR) testing can be used to locate such points. He utilizes probe electrodes to treat: small TP's, and pad electrodes to treat larger ones. Probe treatment is delivered @ 0.3 Hz, 20 - 40 uA, with treatment time of 10 - 30 seconds per site. He suggests administering treatment in 24-48 intervals, and states that results should be seen within 2 - 3 treatments. He acknowledges that these protocols are not necessarily the best ones, but work well for his practice.
Vanable, Joseph: The Role of Endogenous Electrical Fields In Limb regeneration Limb Development and Regeneration, Part A, pgs. 587-596, Alan Liss Publishing, N.Y., 1983 2) Vanable,
Joseph: The Role of Endogenous Electrical Fields in limb Regeneration limb Development and Regeneration, Part A, pgs. 587-596, Alan Liss Publishing, N,Y., 1983
Ohio Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, North Olrnsted, Ohio. - Wieder DL Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine.
Summary; In our six years of experience with muscular electrical nerve stimulation (MENS), we have not had any negative results. MENS has produced consistent, predictable results on a variety of patients.. The results were initially excellent and have improved with our familiarization with the instumentation., We would encourage clinicians who have not utilized MENS to do so. Optimal results with MENS will require a combination of direct, indirect and regional techniques.
Idaho State University Department of Physical & Occupational Therapy: The Effects of Microcurrent Stimulation on Edema Associated with Acute Lateral Ankle Sprains - Authors: Boyd Esplin, Jeff Nasman, Tim Pearson; Advisors: Jim Creelman, PT, Alex Urfer, PhD, PT
Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if the application of micro current stimulation significantly reduces edema in acute lateral ankle sprains.
Subjects: Fifteen local high school and college intramural athletes who sustained lateral ankle sprains within the previous 48 hours participated in the study.
Conclusion and Discussion: The statistically significant pain and edema reduction that was seen over time for all treatment groups was attributed to the effects of the Cryotemp. When considering the design of this study it is possible to conclude that the effects of micro current stimulation on reduction of pain and edema in lateral ankle sprains was not more effective than the results seen with RICE therapy using the Cryotemp. However, rnicro current does appear to have greater carry-over effects than either the control group or the placebo group. Further study needs to be done to make an informed conclusion as to the efficacy of micro current stimulation.
Pilot study of impedance-controlled micro current therapy for managing radiation-induced fibrosis in head and-neck cancer patients.
Arlene J. Lennox Ph.D, Jeffrey P, Shafer Md., Madeline Hatcher R.N., Janice Bell R.N. and Sandra J. Funder R.N. ,
Fermi Naticnal Accelerator laboratory, Batavia, IL, USA
Provena Midwest Institute for Neutron Therapy at Fermilab, Batavia IL, USA
S. J. Funder & Associates Crown Point, IN, USA
Background: Between January 1998 and June 1999, 26 patients who were experiencing late effects of radiotherapy were treated b.l.d, with impedance-controlled micro current therapy for 1 week, Objective range-of-motion measurements were made for cervical rotation, extension/flexion, and lateral flexion before therapy, at the end of each treatment day, and monthly for 3 months, In addition, each patient's subjective complaints were tabulated before treatment and re-evaluated at the last follow-up visit.
No additional physical therapy or electrical stimulation was permitted during the follow-up period. At the end of the course of micro current therapy, 92% of the 26 patients exhibited improved cervical rotation, 85% had improved cervical extension/flexion, and 81% had improved cervical lateral flexion. Twenty-two patients returned for the 3-month follow-up visit. Of these, 91% had maintained a cervical rotation range of motion greater than their pre therapy measurements. Eighty-two percent maintained improved cervical extension/flexion and 77% maintained improved lateral flexion, When the range-of-motion measurements were stratified by pretreatment severity [severe, moderate, mild, or asymptomatic), the degree of improvement directly correlated with the severity.
Thus, patients who had more severe initial symptoms experienced a higher percentage of improvement than did those with milder symptoms. For these patients, the cervical rotation range of motion changed from a baseline of 59 degrees (+-)12 degrees to 83 degrees (+-)14 degrees at 3 months; flexlion/extension improved from 47 degrees (+-) 10 degrees to 73 degrees (+-)13 degrees; and lateral flexion went from 31 degrees (+-) 7 degrees to 48 degrees (+-)9 degrees. Some patients also reported symptom improvement far tongue mobility, facial asymmetry, xerostomia, cervical/facial muscle spasms, trismus, and soft tissue tenderness. No adverse effects were observed.
Conclusion: Impedance-controlled micro current therapy shows promise for re mediation of range of motion limitations arising as late effects of radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancer. Additional studies are needed to validate the preliminary results and to optimize the micro current treatment protocol, particularly with respect to treatment schedules and combining micro current therapy with physical and/or drug therapy.
NLM CIT. ID: 20205430
Ampli pulse phoresis in patients with partial optic nerve atrophy Authors: Basinskil SN; Shtilerman AL; Mlkhal'skii EA Publication Types; REGISTRY NUMBERS.: 9007-34-5 (Collagen)
Abstract: A new complex method for treating partial atrophies of the optic nerve unites surgical, physiotherapeutic, and drug effects. One electrode is attached directly to the anterior segment of the optic nerve by a collagen infusion system and the other is fixed at the back of the neck. The involved optic nerve is exposed to sinusoidal modulated currents in the rectified mode, permitting direct drug electrophoresis in parallel with electric stimulation of nerve fibers.. The efficiency of the method is two times higher than of standard treatment.
NLM PUBMED CIT, ID: 10741257 SOURCE: Vestn Oftatmol 2000 Jan-Feb; 116(1) :18-20
NLM Clf. ID: 97246808 Transdermal electro stimulation of optic nerves in neurosurgical patients with vision disorders. Authors: Ellseeva NM; Serova NK; Gnezditskii W; EoIchilan SA Publication Types:
ABSTRACT; Transcutaneous electrostimilation of optic nerves after Ye, B. Kornpanevets et el. (1985) was used in the treatment of 203 neurosurgical patients aged 5 to 65 years with vision disorders. Improvements of visual functions (vision acuity and/or Visual field) was attained in 112 (55.2%) patients. No changes were observed in 91 (44.8%) patients. The authors investigated the relationship between the efficacy of Transcutaneous electrostimilation of optic nerves and neurosurgical disease, status of visual function, history of vision disorders, ophthatmoscopic picture, and electrophysiological parameters. The best results were achieved in patients with traumatic injuries of the optic route at the base of the brain, with cerebrovascular aneurysms, and the hypertensive hydrocephalic syndrome. The results depended on the history and stage of vision disorders,
NLM PUBMED CIT, ID: 9133037 SOURCE Vestn Oftalmol 1997 Jan-Feb; 113{1): 19-22
