Abstract
Ozcan J, Ward AR, Robertson VJ. A comparison of true and premodulated interferential
currents. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:409–15.
Objective
To compare true and premodulated interferential currents (IFCs) in terms of sensory,
motor, and pain thresholds; maximum electrically induced torque (MEIT); and comfort.
Design
Repeated-measures design.
Setting
Laboratory setting.
Participants
University student and staff volunteers.
Interventions
Participants were exposed to 4 different conditions, chosen to evaluate 2 fundamental
differences between true and premodulated IFCs. The conditions were different combinations
of (1) premodulated or constant-amplitude currents applied at the skin and (2) crossed
or parallel current paths.
Main outcome measures
Sensory, motor, and pain thresholds; MEIT; and subjective reports of relative discomfort
were recorded for each of the 4 conditions. Motor to sensory threshold ratios were
subsequently calculated to assess depth efficiency of stimulation.
Results
The major findings were that crossed currents (true IFC) had no advantage over parallel
currents (premodulated IFC) in terms of motor to sensory threshold ratio, MEIT, or
comfort, and that premodulated currents produced higher torque values and less discomfort
than constant-amplitude currents (true IFC). These results contradict the claimed
superiority of true IFC.
Conclusions
The findings indicate that premodulated IFC, delivered via 2 large electrodes, may
be clinically more effective than the traditional true IFC arrangement in terms of
depth efficiency, torque production, and patient comfort.
Keywords
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Article info
Footnotes
☆Supported by the Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University.
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
