Low-intensity Electric Current Research Articles

Future Technology: Targeted Implant Chip for Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (TIC-tACS)

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder and a progressive form of dementia that hinders patients’ cognitive functions, causing memory loss, confusion, and brain atrophy. One treatment for the disease is transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), which stimulates the degenerating parts of the brain using low-intensity electrical currents. Currently, tACS is applied solely through external machinery. This paper will propose and discuss the implications of one type of novel innovation, which has not yet been created, designed to mazimize patient comfort. The Targeted Implant Chip with Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (TIC-tACS) device will be a compact self-contained unit capable of applying tACS through electrodes while granting the patient unparalleled mobility and freedom. TIC-tACS will help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for Alzheimer’s disease patients.

Balancing Act: Acute and Contextual Vestibular Sensations of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation Using Survey and Sensor Outcomes in a Non-Clinical Sample.

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) delivers low-intensity electrical currents to the brain to treat anxiety, depression, and pain. Though CES is considered safe and cost-effective, little is known about side effects emerging across different contexts. Our objective was to investigate how varying physical and cognitive demands impact the frequency and intensity of CES vestibular sensations in a sample of healthy young adults. We used a 2 (stimulation: sham, active) × 2 (physical demand: static sway, dynamic sit-to-stand) × 2 (cognitive demand: single-task remain silent, dual-task count backward) repeated measures design. Vestibular sensations were measured with surveys and wearable sensors capturing balance changes. Active stimulation did not influence reported vestibular sensations. Instead, high physical demand predicted more sensation reports. High cognitive demand, but not active stimulation, predicted postural sway unsteadiness. Significant effects of active stimulation on balance were observed only during the dynamic sit-to-stand transitions. In summary, CES induces vestibular sensations only for a specific outcome under certain circumstances. Our findings imply that consumers can safely maximize the benefits of CES while ensuring they are taking steps to minimize any potential side effects by considering their context and circumstances.

Empowering pelvic floor rehabilitation: Unveiling technological innovations in the pelvic floor muscle chair; insights and hurdles in the pakistani context

Owing to the expeditious advancement of research and technology, the Physical therapy and rehabilitation sciences have made a remarkable pace in recent years. This blooming enhancement has metamorphosed pelvic floor dysfunction treatment and has a great impression on the medical and allied health sciences field. In this article, technological advancements in pelvic floor muscles are explored. It also overviews Pakistan- specific challenges and considerations[1]. Intending to help and manage patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, biofeedback training uses sensors to put forward real-time feedback on pelvic floor muscle activity. It has illustrated Potential enhancement in pelvic floor muscle functioning and curtailing symptoms of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction[2]. The pelvic floor muscles are stimulated using low-intensity electrical currents, resulting in solid muscle contraction, and strengthening. It is promising in improving pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and urine incontinence[3]. Behavioral therapy aims to modify the routines and behavior open to pelvic floor dysfunction. It necessitates lifestyle modifications, bladder retraining, and pelvic floor muscle exercises. It has victoriously improved pelvic floor muscle weakness and urinary incontinence as well[4]. Manual treatment methods that include physical manipulation of the pelvic floor muscles and associated tissues include trigger point release and myofascial release. These methods reduce muscular stress, enhance blood flow, and increase muscle function[5]. While developed nations have successfully incorporated modern technology into rehabilitation practices, the Pakistani context presents unique insights and challenges. The lack of updated curriculum, limited training opportunities, and budgetary constraints hinder the adoption of the latest technological advancements in pelvic floor rehabilitation in Pakistan. To overcome these hurdles, the following steps are recommended; Curriculum Update: Rehabilitation degree programs should revise their curricula to align with global advancements in technology. The inclusion of courses focusing on pelvic floor rehabilitation and modern technological interventions would better equip future professionals. Continuous Professional Development: Continuous professional development programs should be designed to upskill already graduated professionals in the field of pelvic floor rehabilitation technology. These programs will ensure that healthcare practitioners stay updated with the latest innovations and can effectively incorporate them into their practice. Increased Budget Allocation: Allocating a higher budget to the rehabilitation sector, specifically for technological advancements, is crucial. Adequate financial resources would enable the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, infrastructure development, and research initiatives, thereby facilitating the integration of technological innovations in pelvic floor rehabilitation. Finally, technological innovations have transformed the landscape of pelvic floor rehabilitation, offering new possibilities for improved outcomes. In the Pakistani context, addressing the insights and hurdles specific to the country is vital for empowering pelvic floor rehabilitation and ensuring that individuals with pelvic floor disorders receive the benefits of modern technology.

Investigation of the antimicrobial effect of anodic iontophoresis on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for skin infections treatment

Iontophoresis, a non-invasive application of a constant low-intensity electric current, is a promising strategy to accelerate wound healing. Although its mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated, part of its action seems related to inhibiting bacteria growth. This work aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effect of iontophoresis using Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli strains, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Anodic iontophoresis was applied to each bacterial suspension using Ag/AgCl electrodes, and bacteria viability was evaluated after 24 h incubation by counting colony-forming units. A Quality-by-Design approach was performed to assess the influence of the iontophoresis’ intensity and application time on bacterial viability. Cell morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Iontophoresis showed antimicrobial effects on the Gram-positive bacteria only at 5 mA and 60 min application. However, a linear relationship was observed between intensity and application time for the Gram-negative one, causing drastic morphological changes and up to 98 % death. The cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria seems more susceptible to disorganization triggered by iontophoresis-induced ion transport than Gram-positive ones. Therefore, anodic iontophoresis can be a powerful ally in controlling Gram-negative bacteria proliferation in wounds.

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) for Major Depressive Disorder

Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is a noninvasive neuromodulation technique that has potential for treating several psychiatric diseases. This method consists of delivering bilateral low-intensity electrical current, via a pair of electrodes, to different anatomical targets around the head. This kind of stimulation is believed to interact with brain oscillation patterns, resulting in changes in connectivity of brain networks. CES has been observed to be a safe intervention with no serious side effects reported in randomized controlled trials. Unequivocal efficiency of CES has not been demonstrated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD); however, some data suggest that CES could be an effective therapy for MDD, either as a standalone or in combination with pharmacological treatment and psychological therapy. CES devices are portable devices that do not required trained personnel to administer the treatment and therefore allow the patients to self-administer the treatment at home. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2022;52(11):461–465.]

Metrological characterization of instruments for body impedance analysis

<p>Body impedance analysis (BIA) is used to evaluate the human body composition by measuring the resistance and reactance of human tissues with a high-frequency, low-intensity electric current. Nonetheless, the estimation of the body composition is influenced by many factors: body status, environmental conditions, instrumentation, and measurement procedure. This work studies the effect of the connection cables, conductive electrodes, adhesive gel, and BIA device characteristics on the measurement uncertainty. Tests were initially performed on electric circuits with passive elements and on a jelly phantom simulating the body characteristics. Results showed that the cables mainly contribute to increase the error on the resistance measurement, while the electrodes and the adhesive introduce a negligible disturbance on the measurement chain. This paper also proposes a calibration procedure based on a multivariate linear regression to compensate for the systematic error effect of BIA devices.</p>

The Application of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Sports Psychology.

The problem of sports psychological fatigue has become one of the focal points of common concern among scholars at home and abroad. Athletes will face many problems and challenges in competition or training, and if they are not handled properly, they will have negative experiences, which will affect the training benefits and develop psychological fatigue. Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES), which contains transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, and transcranial random noise stimulation, is a noninvasive brain stimulation method. By applying specific patterns of low-intensity electrical currents to specific brain regions through electrodes of different sizes, it modulates cortical neural activity and/or excitability and enhances the connections between the brain and nerves and muscles to achieve improved motor performance. TES technology is currently making the transition from laboratory research to applied research in sports science. In this paper, we first describe the neural mechanisms of TES action on the cerebral cortex, including five aspects of body balance, endurance performance, exercise fatigue, muscle strength, and motor learning ability; then, we review the relevant studies on the application of TES in functional connectivity of brain networks and explore the importance of this field for TES to improve athletic performance. This research provides a machine learning-based and transcranial electrical stimulation model for the locomotor psychological fatigue problem in rock climbers since rock climbing is a sport that places great demands on athletes' psychological quality. The research on the factors influencing the psychological fatigue of climbers and the intervention measures is beneficial to the early diagnosis and the prevention and intervention of it.

Transcranial electrical stimulation of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in substance use disorder therapy

There is a growing interest in therapeutic applications of non-invasive brain stimulation methods. Transcranial electrical stimulation is a non-invasive brain stimulation method used to modulate central nervous system excitability. The procedure involves placing two electrodes on the patient’s head through which very low-intensity electrical current is sent. Transcranial electrical stimulation methods include transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial alternating current stimulation. These methods are considered to be safe and relatively inexpensive, and can be used in home settings. Research conducted in recent years suggests that transcranial electrical stimulation can be applied to support substance use disorder therapy. The positive effects of stimulation include decreased craving and frequency of substance use, an improved quality of life and changes in the activity of functional brain networks. Transcranial direct current stimulation with the anode being placed over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the cathode being placed over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is considered to be of a particularly high therapeutic potential. There are a limited number of studies which indicate that not only direct current stimulation, but also alternating current stimulation can be used for substance use disorder therapy.

Sensory electrical stimulation and postural balance: a comprehensive review.

Sensory electrical stimulation (SES)-i.e., low-intensity electrical currents below, at, or just above the sensory threshold but below the motor threshold-is mainly used to restore/improve postural balance in pathological and healthy subjects. However, the ins and outs of its application as well as the neurophysiological effects induced are not yet well known. Hence, the aim of this paper was to address the effects of SES on postural balance based on these considerations. The immediate/concurrent effects (SES applied during postural balance measurements), the acute effects (SES durably applied before measuring postural balance) and the chronic effects (SES included in training/rehabilitation programs, i.e., measurements performed before and after the programs) were analysed with a comprehensive review. SES can lead to the improvement of postural balance using any of the three applications (immediate/concurrent, acute and chronic), notably in pathological subjects. The beneficial effects of SES can take place at the peripheral (sensory receptors sensitivity), spinal (spinal motoneural excitablity) and supra-spinal (cortex reorganisation or adaptation) levels. In healthy subjects, SES appears interesting, but too few studies have been conducted with this population to report clear results. Moreover, the literature is relatively devoid of comparative studies about the characteristics of the stimulation current (e.g., location, current parameters, duration). In practice, SES appears to be particularly useful to reinforce or restore the postural function in the immediate/concurrent, acute or chronic application in pathlogical populations while its effects should be confirmed in healthy sujects by future studies. Moreover, future research should focus on the different characteristics of stimulation.

A novel technique for the reduction of pesticide residues by a combination of low-intensity electrical current and ultrasound applications: A study on lettuce samples

In this study, effects of low-intensity electrical currents (200, 800 and 1400 mA), ultrasound frequencies (24 and 40 kHz) and their combinations were applied at the duration period of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min for the degradation of captan, thiamethoxam and metalaxyl residues in lettuce samples. Residues of the pesticides were determined by gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and electron capture detector. The results indicated that the combination of low-intensity electrical current and ultrasound was found to be effective for the reduction of the pesticides. The most effective combination was obtained to be current of 1400 mA and ultrasound frequency of 24 kHz at 10 min. Under this circumstance, 92.57, 81.99 and 93.09% of captan, thiamethoxam and metalaxyl residues were decreased, respectively. The findings suggest that the combination of low-intensity electrical current and ultrasound applications has an important potential for the degradation of pesticide residues.

Alterations in Aspergillus brasiliensis (niger) ATCC 9642 membranes associated to metabolism modifications during application of low-intensity electric current

The effects of electric current on membranes associated with metabolism modifications in Aspergillus brasiliensis (niger) ATCC 9642 were studied. A 450-mL electrochemical cell with titanium ruthenium-oxide coated electrodes and packed with 15g of perlite, as inert support, was inoculated with A. brasiliensis spores and incubated in a solid inert-substrate culture (12 d; 30°C). Then, 4.5days after starting the culture, a current of 0.42mAcm−2 was applied for 24h. The application of low-intensity electric current increased the molecular oxygen consumption rate in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, resulting in high concentrations of reactive oxygen species, promoting high lipoperoxidation levels, according to measured malondialdehyde, and consequent alterations in membrane permeability explained the high n-hexadecane (HXD) degradation rates observed here (4.7-fold higher than cultures without current). Finally, cell differentiation and spore production were strongly stimulated. The study contributes to the understanding of the effect of current on the cell membrane and its association with HXD metabolism.

Acute effects of physical exercise with microcurrent in the adipose tissue of the abdominal region: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionIncreased abdominal fat and sedentary lifestyles contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. Low-intensity electrical current (microcurrent) on the abdominal region, associated with physical exercise, appears to be an innovative method to increase the lipolytic rate of abdominal adipocytes, in order to reduce abdominal fat. This study aimed to analyze the acute effects of microcurrent associated with an aerobic exercise program in healthy subjects in lipolysis. MethodA double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was developed and conducted in a higher education school. Eighty-three healthy subjects, aged between 18 and 30 years old and with a 18.5 to 29.9kg/m2 body mass index were randomly assigned either to an experimental or to a placebo group. Subjects received a trans-abdominal microcurrent stimulation for 40min with (experimental group) or without (placebo group) electrical current, followed by a single aerobic exercise session (60min at 45–55% VO2max intensity). Lipolytic activity (serum glycerol), abdominal fat (waist circumference, abdominal skinfold, ultrasonography), and serum lipid profile (serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were evaluated in all subjects. Physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and dietary intake (food-frequency questionnaire) questionnaires were applied. ResultsAfter the intervention, lipolytic rate was significantly higher (p=0.003) in the experimental group (mean=0.15) than in the placebo group (mean=0.09). Glycerol results showed a statistically significant increase between baseline and after the intervention for both experimental group (p=0.001) and the placebo group (p=0.001). ConclusionCombined use of microcurrent and physical aerobic exercise had an acute effect enhancing lipolytic rate comparing to exercise alone, in young healthy subjects.

Transcranial Brain Stimulation Techniques For Major Depression: Should We Extend TMS Lessons to tDCS?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are non-invasive brain stimulation techniques that, by means of magnetic fields and low intensity electrical current, respectively, aim to interefere with and modulate cortical excitability, at the level of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, in patients with major depression and poor response to standard antidepressants. While the clinical efficacy of TMS in major depression has been extensively investigated over the last 10 years, tDCS has attracted research interest only in the last years, with fewer randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in the field. Nevertheless, in spite of the different rationale and mechanism of action of the two techniques, tDCS recent acquisitions, in relation to the treatment of major depression, seem to parallel those previously obtained with TMS, in terms of treatment duration to achieve optimal benefit and patient's history of drug-resistance. After briefly introducing the two techniques, the article examines possible common pathways of clinical use for TMS and tDCS, emerging from recent RCTs and likely orienting future investigation with non invasive brain stimulation for the treatment of major depression.

Alternating current cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) for depression.

Depression is a mood disorder with a prevalence of approximately 1% to 3% worldwide, representing the fourth leading cause of disease burden globally. The current standard treatments of psychological therapy and antidepressant medications are not effective for everyone, and psychotropic drugs may be associated with significant adverse effects. Cranial electrical stimulation (CES) treatment, in which a low intensity electrical current is administered through the use of a small, portable electrical device, has been reported to have efficacy in the treatment of depression with minimal adverse effects. This systematic review investigated the scientific evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of CES in treatment of acute depression compared to sham, or simulated, CES treatment. To assess the effectiveness and safety of alternating current cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) compared with sham CES for acute depression. We searched The Cochrane Collaboration Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis review group's specialized register (CCDANCTR-Studies and CCDANCTR-References) to February 24, 2014 This register contains relevant randomized controlled trials from: The Cochrane Library (all years), MEDLINE (1950 to date), EMBASE (1974 to date), and PsycINFO (1967 to date). We examined reference lists of review papers and books on CES. We contacted authors, other experts in the field and CES manufacturing companies for knowledge of suitable published or unpublished trials. Randomized controlled trials of CES versus sham CES for the acute treatment of depressive disorder in adults aged 18 to 75 years. We planned to extract data from the original reports of included studies independently by two authors. The main outcomes to be assessed were:(1) the efficacy of CES in reducing symptoms of depression as reflected in change scores on standardized depression rating scales.(2) the tolerability of CES treatment to participants, as reflected in rates of discontinuation due to adverse effects.We planned to analyze data using Review Manager 5. No studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. There are insufficient methodologically rigorous studies of CES in treatment of acute depression. There is a need for double-blind randomized controlled trials of CES in the treatment of acute depression.

Syncing your brain: electric currents to enhance cognition

Contemporary studies in cognitive neuroscience demonstrate that cognitive performance can be enhanced by applying exogenous low-intensity electric currents to the brain. These findings have resulted in a widespread interest from both scientists and popular media, particularly, regarding the host of possible applications in everyday life functioning. I discuss here the significance and current challenges of low-intensity electric current stimulation in enhancing cognitive performance.

Trials and tribulations of skin iontophoresis in therapeutics

Iontophoresis is a method of non-invasive transdermal drug delivery based on the transfer of charged molecules using a low-intensity electric current. Both local and systemic administration are possible; however, the skin pharmacokinetics of iontophoretically delivered drugs is complex and difficult to anticipate. The unquestionable theoretical advantages of the technique make it attractive in several potential applications. After a brief review of the factors influencing iontophoresis, we detail the current applications of iontophoresis in therapeutics and the main potential applications under investigation, including systemic and topical drugs and focusing on the treatment of scleroderma-related ulcerations. Finally, we address the issue of safety, which could be a limitation to the routine clinical use of iontophoresis.

Platelet link of the hemostasis system in modeling chronic stress situations

Changes in the morphofunctional state of platelets were studied in a model of emotional-painful stress that was reproduced in rabbits weighing from 2.5 to 3 kg by the irregular action of a low-intensity electric current. Platelets were isolated from venous blood by successive centrifugation. The obtained material was investigated supravitally using the luminescent dye acridine orange, tests with siliconized glass, and by electron microscopy. Uncompensated negative charges of glycosaminoglycans, Ca2+, activities of ATPase, alkaline phosphatase, adenylate cyclase, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, and monoamine oxidase were detected cytochemically. As a result, morphofunctional equivalents of the destabilizing effect of a chronic stress situation on blood plates were established, and membranotropic and receptor-mediated mechanisms of its implementation were analyzed.

Cell-Stimulation Therapy of Lateral Epicondylitis with Frequency-Modulated Low-Intensity Electric Current

In addition to the routine therapy, the patients with lateral epicondylitis included into experimental group were subjected to a 12-week cell-stimulation therapy with low-intensity frequency-modulated electric current. The control group received the same routine therapy and sham stimulation (the therapeutic apparatus was not energized). The efficiency of this microcurrent therapy was estimated by comparing medical indices before therapy and at the end of a 12-week therapeutic course using a 10-point pain severity numeric rating scale (NRS) and Roles-Maudsley pain score. The study revealed high therapeutic efficiency of cell-stimulation with low-intensity electric current resulting probably from up-regulation of intracellular transmitters, interleukins, and prostaglandins playing the key role in the regulation of inflammation.

Microcurrent Therapy in the Management of Chronic Tennis Elbow: Pilot Studies to Optimize Parameters

In microcurrent therapy (MCT), low-intensity electric current is applied to promote tissue healing and relieve symptoms. MCT is used with recalcitrant skin and bone lesions, but little is known about its effects on tendinopathy, and optimal treatment parameters are uncertain. Two studies were conducted to ascertain whether varying (i) current intensity and (ii) waveform and treatment duration affect outcomes of MCT for chronic tennis elbow. Two trials compared the effects of different MCT parameters on pain and function, grip strength, and sonographically graded tendon structure and hyperaemia. Trial 1 compared monophasic MCT of intensity 50 and 500 μA applied for 35 h; trial 2 compared devices delivering approximately 25 μA but with different waveforms and durations of 15 and 189 h, respectively. Treatment was applied over 3 weeks. Assessments were at baseline and 3, 6 and 15 weeks. For each trial, n = 31. In trial 1, 50 μA was more effective than 500 μA, with 93% of participants 'much better' or 'fully recovered' at 15 weeks, compared with 47% in the 500 μA group. Tendon structural normalization was superior at 50 μA, but no significant differences were found in other outcomes. In trial 2, success rates for the two groups at 15 weeks were 75% and 73%, respectively, but group improvements did not differ significantly on any measure. Pooled analysis of data from both trials showed that, immediately following treatment, blood flow had fallen in the subgroup with high baseline scores and risen in the subgroup with low scores. Low baseline score correlated significantly with treatment success. Monophasic MCT of peak current intensity 50 μA applied for tens of hours may be effective in reducing symptoms and promoting tendon normalization in chronic tennis elbow. Hyperaemia may help predict treatment outcome. A full-scale trial of the therapy is warranted.

Electrical impedance myography: Background, current state, and future directions

Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a non-invasive technique for the evaluation of neuromuscular disease that relies upon the application and measurement of high-frequency, low-intensity electrical current. EIM assesses disease-induced changes to the normal composition and architecture of muscle, including myocyte atrophy and loss, edema, reinnervation, and deposition of endomysial connective tissue and fat. With application of single-frequency electrical current, EIM can be used to help grade the severity of neuromuscular disease. Assessing electrical impedance across a spectrum of applied frequencies and with current flow at multiple orientations relative to major muscle fiber direction can provide a more complete picture of the condition of muscle. EIM holds the promise of serving as an indicator of disease status. It may be useful in clinical trials and in monitoring effectiveness of treatment in individual patients; ultimately, it may also find diagnostic application. Ongoing efforts have been focused on obtaining a deeper understanding of the basic mechanisms of impedance change, studying EIM in a variety of clinical contexts, and further refining the methods of EIM data acquisition and analysis.