Effect of carrier frequency of interferential current on pressure pain threshold and sensory discomfort

Effect of carrier frequency of interferential current on pressure pain threshold and sensory discomfort in healthy humans.

Status

Completed

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ANZCTR

Registry ID

ACTRN12610001015033

Enrollment

150

Registered

2010-11-19

Start date

2010-06-21

Completion date

2011-08-10

Last updated

2020-01-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

The objective of the current study is to compare the effect of different carrier frequencies of interferential current on pressure pain threshold and sensorial comfort. Our hypothesis is that higher frequencies will be less uncomfortable and there will not be differences on pressure pain thresholds between the carrier frequencies.

Interventions

Participants will be randomised to one of 5 treatment groups: a) Carrier frequency set at 1 KHz b) Carrier frequency set at 2 KHz c) Carrier frequency set at 4 KHz d) Carrier frequency set at 8 KHz e) Carrier frequency set at 10 KHz In all groups the amplitude-modulated frequency (AMF) will be set at 100 Hz. The duration of application will be 20 minutes and the treatment will be applied in a single session for each participant. The electrodes (50 x 90 mm) will be placed on anterior and lateral aspect of the forearm to stimulate the median nerve and the superficial radial nerve. Pressure Pain Thresholds will be recorded from one point at the hand and another point at the forearm, before the treatment (baseline), 10 min and 20min after the beginning of the treatment, and 20 min after the end of the treatment. Visual Analog Scale will be used to assess the discomfort during the electrical stimulation at 10 min and 20min after the beginning of the treatment.

Study design

Allocation

Randomised controlled trial

Intervention model

Parallel

Primary purpose

Treatment

Masking

Blinded (masking used)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

18 Years to 35 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

Healthy subjects, Interferential naïve.

Exclusion criteria

pregnancy, cardiac pacemaker, nerve injury in upper limbs, infection, cancer, skin damage and skin allergies.

Outcome results