An unusual effect of interferential therapy

Keramat, Keramat Ullah; Gaughran, Aisling

doi:10.1136/bcr-2012-007648

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Regarding the safety of the treatment, a Post Market Surveillance program to ensure the safety, quality, and performance has been conducted by the manufacturer since ANF started to be used in 2012, and several mild and short-term known side effects have been observed, specifically: headache, dry mouth, dizziness, light headedness, light flu-like symptoms, shivers, fatigue, general discomfort, runny nose, hives or skin issues, itching, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. A potential explanation for such symptoms is the overreaction or sensitivity of the body, which has been observed in similar frequency-based treatments 13) or the possibility that the treatment might potentiate medication effects and side effects by its effect on the endogenous opioid system 14) . This is the first study to scientifically assess and report on the effects of ANF, as well as its feasibility and satisfaction.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

ANF therapy<sup>®</sup> for pain management, feasibility, satisfaction, perceived symptom reduction and side effects: a real-world multisite observational study

de la Vega,

Heinisuo,

López-Martínez

et al. 2023

J Phys Ther Sci

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Non-invasive and drug-free interventions for pain are being developed. One of them is ANF (which stands for "Amino Neuro Frequency") Therapy ® , which consists in the application of carbonized metal devices on a patient's skin. We aimed to: 1) test perceived changes in pain intensity after ANF application, 2) record frequency and severity of side effects, 3) assess clinician and patient satisfaction, 4) explore effects on swelling and range of motion (ROM). [Participants and Methods] In this real-world multisite observational study, N=113 physical therapists in 45 countries, applied ANF to N=1,054 patients (Mage=45.2, 56.2% female) with pain complaints. Demographic data, pain intensity (NRS-11), effects of ANF on swelling and ROM, clinician and patient satisfaction and side effects were collected. [Results] Main pain locations were: low back (14.9%), knee (12.4%), neck (10%), and shoulder (9.6%). Pre-treatment pain intensity was high (Mean=7.6, SD=1.9). It significantly decreased posttreatment (Mean=3.1, SD=2.0), t(1053)=7.25, with a large effect size (Cohen's d=2.2). Swelling decreased and ROM increased. Average satisfaction with ANF was 92/100. Patients often experienced mild side effects (42.3%): dry mouth, headache and fatigue. [Conclusion] Results show large effect sizes, high satisfaction, and mild and shortterm side effects. This is very promising but should be interpreted with caution considering the study limitations.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

ANF therapy<sup>®</sup> for pain management, feasibility, satisfaction, perceived symptom reduction and side effects: a real-world multisite observational study

de la Vega,

Heinisuo,

López-Martínez

et al. 2023

J Phys Ther Sci

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…26 This is supported by a case report of a patient taking concurrent tramadol who displayed the effects of opioid use such as drowsiness, decreased alertness and inability to concentrate for several hours after treatment by interferential current therapy. 27 It was hypothesized that interferential current therapy stimulated production of endorphins or enkephalins and that the additive effect of tramadol triggered this response. However, these theories have yet to be confirmed and indeed a placebo response has not been adequately excluded.…”

Section: Potential Actions Of Interferential Current Therapy On Variomentioning

confidence: 99%

Neuromodulation via Interferential Electrical Stimulation as a Novel Therapy in Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Moore

Burgell

2018

J Neurogastroenterol Motil

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The concept of therapeutic percutaneous neuromodulation has, until recently, been limited by the ability to penetrate deeply enough to stimulate internal organs. By utilizing 2 medium frequency, slightly out of phase electrical currents passing diagonally through the abdomen, a third, low frequency current is created at the point of bisection. This interferential current appears to stimulate nerve fibers in the target organs and may have a therapeutic action. The aim of the study is to review the use of transcutaneous interferential electrical stimulation with a focus on its application in gastroenterology, particularly in motility disorders. Studies involving use of interferential current therapy were searched from Medline, PubMed, and Scopus databases, and articles pertaining to history, its application and all those treating abdominal and gastrointestinal disorders were retrieved. Seventeen studies were identified, 13 involved children only. Eleven of these were randomised controlled trials (3 in adults). Four trials were from the one center, where each paper reported on different outcomes such as soiling, defecation frequency, quality of life, and colon transit studies from the one pool of children. All studies found statistically significant improvement in symptom reduction. However, weaknesses in study design were apparent in some. In particular, finding an adequate placebo to interferential current therapy has been difficult. Interferential current therapy shows potential as a novel, non-pharmacological and economical means of treating gastrointestinal dysfunction such as constipation. More studies are needed particularly in the adult population. However, the design of a suitable placebo is challenging. Search MethodA search of Medline, PubMed, and Scopus databases for information on electrical interferential current and its application using search words such as "electrical interferential current," "transcutaneous," "therapeutics or uses," "mechanisms of action," and "gastrointestinal" was performed. Articles that were available in English were included. This review focuses on the use of transcutaneous interferential current therapy in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms. The Nature of Interferential Current TherapyInterferential current therapy has been used in a variety of settings including low back pain 11 and neurological disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome. 12 More recently, interferential current therapy has been found to be effective in small studies in managing conditions such as fecal incontinence and constipation. It has the benefit of being completely non-invasive, cost effective and convenient, as it can be self-administered at home. 13Despite increased convenience to the patient, doctor and payer, the use of transcutaneously-delivered current can be problematic. To stimulate the nerve of interest, the current has to pass through the skin and surrounding muscle to reach its target. This causes resistance to flow, requiring the use of a higher current to achieve the desired resu...

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Rehabilitation Therapy for Vocal Fold Paralysis Caused by Lung Cancer: A Case Report

Zhang²,

Jin

et al. 2020

Physical Therapy

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Objective Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) can be caused by iatrogenic injury or tumor-induced damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Studies of comprehensive rehabilitation therapies for patients suffering from severe UVFP are limited. The purpose of this case report is to describe an improvement in complete aphonia after comprehensive rehabilitation therapies in a patient with severe UVFP due to a lung tumor. Methods An 81-year-old woman with a history of bronchial adenoma had complete aphonia due to compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve by the tumor. Dynamic fibrolaryngoscope revealed paralysis of the left vocal fold. The patient was treated with interferential current therapy, vocal training, and kinesiology taping. Indicators of voice recovery were scored according to the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain scale, and the voice handicap index. Results After 10 days of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment, the patient recovered from complete aphonia to normal communication. The hoarseness and breathiness of patient were significantly improved. In addition, the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain, and the voice handicap index scores changed from severe to mild or absent. Conclusion This case provided a novel comprehensive treatment for a patient with UVFP, which was safe, cost-effective, and easy to implement in clinic.

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An unusual effect of interferential therapy

Cited by 4 publications

References 9 publications

ANF therapy<sup>®</sup> for pain management, feasibility, satisfaction, perceived symptom reduction and side effects: a real-world multisite observational study

ANF therapy<sup>®</sup> for pain management, feasibility, satisfaction, perceived symptom reduction and side effects: a real-world multisite observational study

Neuromodulation via Interferential Electrical Stimulation as a Novel Therapy in Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Rehabilitation Therapy for Vocal Fold Paralysis Caused by Lung Cancer: A Case Report

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