Interferential Current Stimulation Research Articles

Cervical percutaneous interferential current stimulation improves citric acid cough tests in patients with Parkinson’s disease on medication

Aspiration pneumonia is the leading cause of death in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The incidence of silent aspiration is high in such patients owing to decreased pharyngeal and laryngeal sensation; thus, interventions for this condition may help prevent pneumonia. In this single-arm, open-label study, we used a cervical percutaneous interferential current stimulation device to activate pharyngeal and laryngeal sensory nerves. We evaluated its effectiveness in patients with Hoehn–Yahr stages 2–4 Parkinson’s disease. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a normal cough reflex after consuming 1% citric acid at the end of the intervention compared with baseline measurements. In total, 25 patients received neck percutaneous interferential current stimulation for 20 min twice weekly for 8 weeks. Afterward, the proportion of patients with a normal cough reflex after 1% citric acid consumption increased significantly (p = 0.001), whereas other indicators, such as tongue pressure, peak expiratory flow, and penetration or aspiration during videofluoroscopic examination, remained unchanged. A longer duration of illness, higher Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale total scores, and higher levodopa equivalent daily doses were significantly associated with improved cough test outcomes. Hence, cervical percutaneous interferential current stimulation significantly improved cough reflexes and may improve silent aspiration. Trial Registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials, jRCTs062220013, first registered 09/05/2022.

Association between motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and swallowing disorders

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) presents with motor symptoms that hinder physical activity. This study aimed to thoroughly investigate swallowing dysfunction in patients with PD using videofluoroscopy (VF) and the Movement Disorder Society (MDS)-Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) sub-scores.MethodsThis study was part of an intervention project to evaluate the effectiveness of cervical percutaneous interferential current stimulation in patients with Hoehn and Yahr stages 2–4 PD. Baseline data, including swallowing-related indicators such as VF, were obtained and compared to the MDS-UPDRS sub-scores including rigidity, tremor, postural instability/gait difficulty, and limb scores.ResultsTwenty-seven patients were included in this study. In the VF analysis, laryngeal penetration/aspiration, oral cavity residue, epiglottic vallecular residue, and pharyngeal residue were observed with remarkable frequency. The multivariate analysis revealed that the mean rigidity score of UPDRS was an independent and significantly correlated factor with laryngeal penetration/aspiration during the ingestion of 10 mL of water (odds ratio 1.294, 95% confidence interval 1.035–1.617; p = 0.024).ConclusionThis study revealed a correlation between muscle rigidity and laryngeal penetration or aspiration risk. The detailed comparative analysis of various individual PD symptoms and swallowing disorders was substantial, which enabled early detection of the risk of swallowing disorder and the implementation of appropriate measures.Trial registration numberjRCTs062220013.

The role of interferential current electrical stimulation in pediatric urology: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

In recent years, interferential current (IFC) electrical stimulation has been studied as a novel treatment for various lower urinary tract dysfunctions in children. As the findings of multiple studies may vary, we aimed to evaluate the current view on IFC in pediatric urology problems based on the findings of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). We performed a systematic search in the Embase, Medline, and SCOPUS databases in accordance with the latest Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eligible studies comprised studies evaluating IFC for lower urinary tract problems in children. The studies' quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) tool 2. A total of 125 articles were initially obtained, among which 40 articles were duplicates. There were six eligible RCTs with an overall low RoB. All subjects underwent 10-18 sessions of treatment. The outcomes measured consisted of the alleviation of symptoms and urodynamic parameters. The trials reported that 61-90% of patients responded positively to the treatment. Both IFC and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation generated improvements in the subjects. However, overall the IFC group showed better immediate and short-term improvement. IFC is a promising therapy for bladder dysfunction and enuresis in children. More comparative RCTs are required in the future to quantitatively determine the superiority of IFC to other alternatives. The safety aspects of the treatment should also be studied further before it can be used in a clinical setting as the standard and protocol for children are still unclear.

Detailed findings of videofluoroscopic examination among patients with Parkinson's disease on the effect of cervical percutaneous interferential current stimulation.

Parkinson's disease (PD) leads to various types of swallowing disorders. We investigated the effect of cervical percutaneous interferential current stimulation on dysphagia. By conducting detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of videofluoroscopic examination, we aimed to understand dysphagia in patients with PD and investigate its effects on swallowing function. Patients received cervical percutaneous interferential current stimulation for 20 min twice a week for 8 weeks. In this exploratory study, we evaluated aspiration/laryngeal penetration, oral cavity residue, vallecular residue, and pharyngeal residue. In addition, we performed temporal analysis. Twenty-five patients were completely evaluated. At baseline, the proportions of laryngeal penetration/aspiration, oral cavity residue, epiglottic vallecula residue, and pharyngeal residue were 40.0, 88.0, 72.0, 60.0, and 16.0%, respectively. Conversely, pharyngeal transit time, laryngeal elevation delay time, pharyngeal delay time, and swallowing reflex delay were nearly within the normal ranges. Cervical percutaneous interferential current sensory stimulation improved only oral cavity residue at the end of the intervention, from 88.0 to 56.0%. Patients with PD demonstrated remarkably high frequencies of residues in the oral and pharyngeal regions. The usefulness of cervical interferential current stimulation was partially demonstrated for oral cavity residue. Considering that PD exhibits diverse symptoms, further accumulation of cases and knowledge is warranted. jRCTs062220013.

Swallowing sound index analysis using electronic stethoscope and artificial intelligence for patients with Parkinson's disease

Background and purposeSeveral noninvasive tools assess swallowing disorders, including electronic stethoscope artificial intelligence (AI) analysis for remote diagnosis, with the potential for telemedicine. This study investigated the swallowing sound index in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). MethodsThis single-arm, open-label trial assessed the impact of cervical percutaneous interferential current stimulation on swallowing in patients with PD classified as Hoehn–Yahr stages 2–4. Stimulation was conducted for 8 weeks. Baseline data were used to examine the link between the swallowing sound index and indicators such as videofluoroscopy (VF). Furthermore, we examined changes in the swallowing sound index after the intervention. ResultsTwenty-five patients were included. The swallowing sound index in patients with PD was higher than that in those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis but considerably lower than that in healthy controls. The number of patients with normal EAT-10 scores positively correlated with the swallowing sound index, whereas elevated C-reactive protein levels were negatively correlated with the swallowing sound index. However, the index displayed no correlation with other indicators, including the VF results. Despite the intervention, the index remained unchanged throughout the study. ConclusionIn patients with PD, a decrease in the swallowing sound index suggests a potential association between swallowing disorders and the risk of aspiration pneumonia.Trial Registration number: jRCTs062220013.

Impact of neck percutaneous interferential current sensory stimulation on swallowing function in patients with Parkinson's disease

Dysphagia is the clinical name for difficulty with swallowing. It can occur with some neurological diseases such as Parkinsonâ–™s disease and, given the rapidly ageing population, the numbers of patients with Parkinsonâ–™s disease and dysphagia is on the rise. Despite being quite commonplace, the complex mechanisms of dysphagia mean that the condition is not well understood. Assistant Professor Masahiro Nakamori is a clinical neurologist investigating the mechanisms of neurological disease, with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases and dysphagia. A current focus is on dysphagia and silent aspiration in people with Parkinsonâ–™s disease. He is based in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Japan. So far, Nakamori has explored several different techniques, including tongue pressure measurement and tongue ultrasonography, which are both used in swallowing evaluation. He is interested in non-invasive techniques that are simple to implement and wants to develop new creative instruments and techniques. In his current research, Nakamori and his collaborators are experimenting with multichannel surface electromyogram to gain a comprehensive understanding of neuromuscular activity. The goal is to develop new techniques and instruments that will help advance clinical neurology and dysphagia research and, of course, benefit patients; improving outcomes and quality of life.

Brain Response to Interferential Current Compared with Alternating Current Stimulation.

Temporal interference (TI) stimulation, which utilizes multiple external electric fields with amplitude modulation for neural modulation, has emerged as a potential noninvasive brain stimulation methodology. However, the clinical application of TI stimulation is inhibited by its uncertain fundamental mechanisms, and research has previously been restricted to numerical simulations and immunohistology without considering the acute in vivo response of the neural circuit. To address the characterization and understanding of the mechanisms underlying the approach, we investigated instantaneous brainwide activation patterns in response to invasive interferential current (IFC) stimulation compared with low-frequency alternative current stimulation (ACS). Results demonstrated that IFC stimulation is capable of inducing regional neural responses and modulating brain networks; however, the activation threshold for significantly recruiting a neural response using IFC was higher (at least twofold) than stimulation via alternating current, and the spatial distribution of the activation signal was restricted. A distinct blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) response pattern was observed, which could be accounted for by the activation of distinct types of cells, such as inhibitory cells, by IFC. These results suggest that IFC stimulation might not be as efficient as conventional brain modulation methods, especially when considering TI stimulation as a potential alternative for stimulating subcortical brain areas. Therefore, we argue that a future transcranial application of TI on human subjects should take these implications into account and consider other stimulation effects using this technique.

Impact of neck percutaneous interferential current sensory stimulation on swallowing function in patients with Parkinson's disease: A single-arm, open-label study protocol

BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) can lead to swallowing dysfunction, resulting in aspiration pneumonia. Among the types of swallowing disorders, a characteristic and serious problem associated with PD is silent aspiration due to pharyngeal and laryngeal hypoesthesia. MethodsThis single-arm, open-label study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of percutaneous neck interferential current sensory stimulation in enhancing swallowing function in patients with PD. The efficacy and safety of percutaneous neck interferential current sensory stimulation will be investigated for patients diagnosed with PD, based on the Movement Disorder Society criteria, of Hoehn–Yahr stages 2–4. The patients will receive neck percutaneous interferential current sensory stimulation for 20 min twice a week for 8 weeks using a Gentle Stim® (FoodCare Co., Ltd., Kanagawa, Japan) device. Once the intervention is initiated, evaluations will be performed every 4 weeks for a 16-week period. The primary endpoint to be assessed is the proportion of patients with normal cough with 1% citric acid at the end of the intervention (8 weeks after intervention initiation) compared with that at the beginning. This clinical trial will examine the usefulness of percutaneous neck interferential current sensory stimulation in patients with PD. In addition, this study will use novel instruments, such as multichannel surface electromyography and electronic stethoscope, to evaluate swallowing function. DiscussionThis novel evaluation can provide insights into dysphagia in patients with PD and the usefulness of percutaneous neck interferential current stimulation. This exploratory study is limited by its single-arm, open-label design and small size. Trial registration numberjRCTs062220013; pre-results.

Effects of interferential current electrical stimulation (IFCS) on mastication and swallowing function in healthy young adults: A preliminary study.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of interferential current electrical stimulation (IFCS) on masticatory and swallowing function. Twenty healthy young adults were enrolled. The measurement items were spontaneous swallowing frequency (SSF), voluntary swallowing frequency (VSF), saliva secretion volume (SSV), glucose elution volume (GEV), and velocity of chew (VOC). All participants underwent both IFCS and sham stimulation (without stimulation, sham). Two sets of independent IFCS electrodes were placed on the bilateral neck. The precise location of the upper electrodes was just below the angle of the mandible, while the lower electrodes were placed at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The intensity of IFCS was determined to be one level below the perceptual threshold that all participants felt discomfort. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. For IFCS, the results of each measurement before and during stimulation were SSF: 1.16 and 1.46, VSF: 8.05 and 8.45, SSV: 5.33 and 5.56 g, GEV: 171.75 and 208.60 mg/dL, and VOC: 87.20 and 95.20, respectively. SSF, GEV, and VOC during stimulation were significantly increased by IFCS (SSF, p = .009; GEV, p = .048; and VOC, p = .007). Following sham stimulation, the results were SSF: 1.24 and 1.34, VSF: 7.75 and 7.90, SSV: 5.65 and 6.04 g, GEV: 176.45 and 187.35 mg/dL, and VOC: 91.35 and 88.25, respectively. While no significant differences were observed in the sham group, our findings suggest that IFCS of the superior laryngeal nerve may impact not only the swallowing function but also the masticatory function.

Temporal interference current stimulation in peripheral nerves is not driven by envelope extraction

Background. Electrical neuromodulation remains an effective therapy for multiple neurological disorders. One strategy to electrically stimulate nerves utilizes the interference of multiple high frequency waveforms. This technique, known as temporal interference stimulation or interferential current stimulation, has recently gained significant attention as a method to improve the state-of-the-art in neurostimulation in both animal studies and human clinical trials. Objective. Here we report our investigation into the fundamental properties of the neuronal response to these types of waveforms—the effects of carrier and envelope frequencies, thresholds, firing behavior, and phase and asymmetric interference patterns. Methods. We utilized a cuff electrode on the rat sciatic nerve to apply a variety of interferential signals. We recorded muscle activity in the plantar muscles and biceps femoris, which are proxies for activity on two of the major branches of the sciatic, which are spatially distinct in the target volume. We tested both fundamental recruitment properties as well as spatial techniques to selectively activate either muscle group. Results. Our data suggest, contrary to the currently accepted explanation, that neurons do not extract envelopes at all, and that the response to these signals is well explained by a resistor–capacitor (i.e. integrator) membrane with a fixed firing threshold. Basic interference techniques do not change recruitment far from electrodes. Techniques can produce regions of both phasic activation and tonic activation/conduction block. Conclusions. An integrator model suggests that interference techniques are less capable of minimally invasive stimulation for a subcortical brain target than previously thought. Human clinical trials using these techniques should reevaluate their methods. Interference stimulation allows significant target selectivity in a peripheral cuff electrode with targets near electrodes. These techniques can allow spatially distinct regions of phasic firing, tonic firing, conduction block, and no effect.

A partially averaged system to model neuron responses to interferential current stimulation.

The interferential current (IFC) therapy is a noninvasive electrical neurostimulation technique intended to activate deep neurons using surface electrodes. In IFC, two independent kilohertz-frequency currents purportedly intersect where an interference field is generated. However, the effects of IFC on neurons within and outside the interference field are not completely understood, and it is unclear whether this technique can reliable activate deep target neurons without side effects. In recent years, realistic computational models of IFC have been introduced to quantify the effects of IFC on brain cells, but they are often complex and computationally costly. Here, we introduce a simplified model of IFC based on the FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) model of a neuron. By considering a modified averaging method, we obtain a non-autonomous approximated system, with explicit representation of relevant IFC parameters. For this approximated system we determine conditions under which it reliably approximates the complete FHN system under IFC stimulation, and we mathematically prove its ability to predict nonspiking states. In addition, we perform numerical simulations that show that the interference effect is observed only for a narrow set of IFC parameters and, in particular, for a beat frequency no higher than about 100[Hz]. Our novel model tailored to the IFC technique contributes to the understanding of neurostimulation modalities using this type of signals, and can have implications in the design of noninvasive electrical stimulation therapies.

Comparison of diadynamic current, interferential current and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapies in patients with chronic low back pain

Comparison of diadynamic current, interferential current and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapies in patients with chronic low back pain

Effect of progressive resistance training on post prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled study

Purpose. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of progressive resistance training on post prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence. Materials and Methods. Sixty male patients who complaint from post prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence were participated in this study, their ages were ranged from 40 to 75 years and they were randomly assigned into two equal groups. Group (A) (Study group): This group included 30 patients who had post prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence and they received progressive resistance training in addition to interferential current stimulation and routine medical treatment three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Group (B) (Control group): This group included 30 patients who had post prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence and they received interferential current stimulation and routine medical treatment three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-treatment assessment using DANTIC UD 5000/5500 Urodynamic investigation system & Severity index scale were done for all patients. Results. The obtained results of the present study indicated significant difference of all measured variables when comparing between pre and post- treatment values of the groups (A and B) and revealed significant difference when comparing between post- treatment values of the groups (A and B) in favor of group (A). Conclusion. Progressive resistance training had an effect on reducing post prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence and there was significant difference when comparing between post-treatment values of the groups (A and B) in favor of group (A).

Feasibility and Efficacy of Transdermal Hypogastric Nerve Stimulation in Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Multiple Sclerosis: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To determine the feasibility and efficacy of transdermal hypogastric nerve stimulation by interferential current stimulation (IFCs) in the treatment of OABs in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Material and Methods: Forty male RRMS patients with moderate overactive bladder symptoms were randomly assigned into two equal groups; the control group (G1) was treated with selected therapeutic exercises for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, and the intervention group (G2) received the same regimen plus hypogastric nerve stimulation at T10-L2 by interferential current (IFC). In both groups, the duration of each session ranged from 40-45 minutes, three days weekly for a month. Pre and post treatment evaluation was done by Overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) included (daytime frequency, nocturia, urgency, and urgency incontinence) and Urodynamics tests included (bladder capacity, maximum flow rate, bladder compliance, detrusor instability) and post voiding residual urine measurement by abdominal ultrasound. The effect of treatment on bladder capacity, maximum flow rate, post void residual, bladder compliance and OVBSS was investigated using a mixed MANOVA. The Mann Whitney test was used to evaluate the detrusor instability between groups, and the Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to compare pre and post treatment in each group. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 for all statistical tests. Results: Showed that a significant increase in bladder capacity, bladder compliance, percentage of detrusor stability and maximal flow rate and a significant decrease in post void residual post treatment in comparison with pretreatment (p < 0.05) in both groups. There was a significant decrease in the daytime and nighttime frequency and urgency post treatment compared with that pretreatment in both groups (p > 0.001) while a significant decrease of urgency incontinence in the study group only post treatment compared with that pretreatment (p > 0.001). Post treatment, there was a significant difference of the intervention group (G2) compared with that of the control group (G1) for all tested variables (P< 0.05) except for the daytime frequency and percentage of detrusor stability (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Transdermal hypogastric nerve stimulation using IFC could be considered a feasible treatment option for neurogenic OABs in multiple sclerosis patients.

Interferential Current Stimulation for Swallowing Disorders in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Preliminary Study.

ABSTRACTObjectives:Swallowing function is affected in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), putting them at risk of exacerbation of COPD. We previously reported the effectiveness of the repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST) in screening for patients at risk of COPD exacerbation. However, evidence on how to improve swallowing function in this population is extremely limited. Interferential current transcutaneous electrical sensory stimulation (IFC-TESS) stimulates the larynx and pharynx, thereby improving their sensory function. IFC-TESS is an emerging tool to enhance airway protection and increase swallowing frequency; however, its safety and efficacy in patients with COPD is unknown. Therefore, we performed a preliminary prospective study focusing on stable COPD patients.Methods:Patients with stable COPD who were hospitalized for yearly evaluation were recruited. Patients were included if their RSST was 5 or less. Nurses carried out IFC-TESS twice daily for 10 days. Swallow screening results were compared before and after the 10-day intervention.Results:Ten patients were included in the study. The IFC-TESS intervention was performed safely. Patients and nurses reported no discomfort or concerns regarding the intervention. The EAT-10 and RSST scores improved significantly after the intervention, and tongue pressure also tended to improve.Conclusions:IFC-TESS may be a promising intervention to improve swallowing in patients with COPD who are easily fatigued and struggle to perform swallowing exercises.

The Effects of an Interferential Current Electrical Stimulation Device on Mastication and Swallowing Function in Healthy Adults

The Effects of an Interferential Current Electrical Stimulation Device on Mastication and Swallowing Function in Healthy Adults

A Method to Improve Swallowing Function by Cervical Interferential Current Electrical Stimulation

A Method to Improve Swallowing Function by Cervical Interferential Current Electrical Stimulation

Cervical Interferential Current Transcutaneous Electrical Sensory Stimulation for Patients with Dysphagia and Dementia in Nursing Homes.

PurposeWe aimed to determine the efficacy of interferential current transcutaneous electrical sensory stimulation (IFC-TESS) in patients with dementia who were being treated for dysphagia in nursing homes under normal living conditions.Patients and MethodsThis study recruited 54 nursing home residents (13 males, 41 females; mean age, 84.5 ± 10.7 years) with dysphagia and dementia. IFC-TESS was performed with Gentle Stim® (Careido Co. Ltd., Kanagawa, Japan) for 15 minutes. Two sessions per day were administered 5 days per week, for 3 weeks. The outcomes included the improvement of the patients’ cough reflexes and nutritional states across the 3 weeks of intervention; the former was evaluated with the cough test based on the changes in cough latency time and cough frequency, while the latter was assessed based on changes in the functional oral intake scale (FOIS) score and oral calorie intake.ResultsThe cough latency times before and after the 3-week intervention were 15.8 (7.0–60.0) and 6.7 (3.6–30.7) s/min, respectively; the cough frequencies were 5.0 (0.0–5.0) and 5.0 (5.0–5.0) t/min, respectively; the FOIS scores were 5.0 (5.0–6.0) and 5.0 (5.0–6.0), respectively; and oral calorie intakes were 1300.0 (862.5–1420.0) and 1300.0 (1005.0–1462.5) kcal/day, respectively. All parameters significantly improved across the intervention (p < 0.05). When the results were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, mini nutritional assessment results, Barthel index, and mini-mental state examination scores, IFC-TESS improved the cough reflex and oral calorie intake in older nursing home residents with dementia.ConclusionCervical IFC-TESS can improve the cough reflexes and nutritional states of patients with dysphagia and dementia in nursing homes. As it has previously been difficult to perform active rehabilitation with dementia patients, IFC-TESS may be effective and practicable for the rehabilitation of this patient population.

Changes in Electroencephalography by Modulation of Interferential Current Stimulation

Interferential current (IFC) stimulation can alter pain perception. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IFC stimulation on motor cortex signals and observe how electroencephalography changes depend on IFC stimulation parameters. Forty-five healthy adults were divided into high frequency (HF)–low intensity (LI), HF–high intensity (HI), and low frequency (LF)–HI groups to compare their electroencephalography before, immediately after, and 30 min after current stimulation. The changes in relative beta power according to the intervention time showed significant differences between the HF–LI and HF–HI, as well as the LF–HI and HF–HI, groups in the C3 and P3 regions immediately after IFC stimulation. Similarly, the gamma band showed significant differences according to the intervention time between the LF–HI and HF–HI groups in the P3 region immediately following IFC intervention. For relative theta power, the interaction between group and time was significantly different in the Fp2, F3, F4, C3, C4, and P4 regions. Based on these results, we were able to map the activation in cerebral cortex regions according to the stimulation level, confirming changes in electroencephalogram activation through peripheral nerve stimulation. This study provides a foundation for future applications for selectively controlling feedback at a proper stimulation level in young adults.

Electrical interferential current stimulation versus electrical acupuncture in management of hemiplegic shoulder pain and disability following ischemic stroke-a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundHemiplegic Shoulder Pain (HSP) is among common complications occurring after stroke leading to disability. This study was conducted to compare the effects of electrical Interferential Current stimulation (IFC) and Electrical Acupuncture (EAC) on pain intensity, range of motion, and functional ability in patients with HSP and also comparing the two modalities regarding improvement of above indices.MethodsIn this randomized clinical trial, 46 patients with HSP caused by ischemic stroke were recruited and assigned into 2 groups. Conventional exercise trainings were applied for both groups. Group A received additional IFC with medium frequency of 4000 HZ, and Group B received additional EAC two times a week for a total of 10 sessions. Pain severity, daily function, and shoulder Range of Motion (ROM) were evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and goniometry, respectively before and 5 weeks after the treatment.ResultsBoth groups showed relative improvement in pain severity, SPADI score, and its subscales, and also active and passive shoulder ROM after the treatment. However, IFC group compared to EAC group had higher mean changes of active ROM in abduction (28.00 ± 3.81 vs. 12.25 ± 2.39) and functional subscale of SPADI (11.45 ± 1.88 vs. 5.80 ± 1.66) after the treatment. On the contrary, EAC group showed higher percentage of VAS changes (46.14 ± 6.88 vs. 34.28 ± 5.52), indicating better pain improvement compared to IFC group. Other parameters did not show significant difference between two groups.ConclusionBoth IFC and EAC caused short term improvement in functional state, increased motion, and decreased pain in patients with HSP. Although pain control was more evident in acupuncture group, IFC resulted in better effects on function and active ROM of abduction, and seems to have higher efficacy.Trial registrationThis clinical trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials at 2016-07-16 with a registry number of IRCT201602153217N10.