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5
The four main clinical applications for which
interferential therapy is commonly used are:
pain relief, muscle stimulation, increase of
blood flow and reduction of oedema.
An Amplitude Modulation Frequency (AMF) in
the range of 100-200Hz is generally accepted
to stimulate the pain gate mechanisms,
thereby masking pain symptoms. Stimulation
with lower AMF (1-10Hz) is used to activate
opoid mechanisms. Relief of pain may also be
achieved by blocking C fibre transmission at
AMF higher than 50Hz.
Stimulation of the motor nerves is possible
with a range of AMF. Stimulation at low
frequency (e.g. 1Hz) results in repeated short
contractions, while stimulation at 50Hz will
result in a sustained tetanic contraction. Mild
stimulation below that of sustained tetanic
contraction, with a sweep of 0-25Hz, has been
observed to provide a combination of muscle
stimulation, increase in blood flow and
reduction in oedema.
Pain Relief
Muscle Stimulation
Interferential Mode
Clinical Applications Therapy Modes
Name Carrier Base AMF Peak AMF Pattern Typical Application
PROG2 4kHz 0 25 6^6 Muscle Stimulation
PROG4 4kHz 10 150 6^6 Acute & Chronic Pain
PROG6 4kHz 100 150 6^6 Acute Pain
PROG8 2kHz 0 25 6^6 Muscle Stimulation
PROG1 4kHz 0 10 6^6 Chronic Pain
PROG3 4kHz 0 100 6^6 Increased Circulation
PROG5 4kHz 50 200 6^6 Acute Pain
PROG7 2kHz 0 10 6^6 Muscle Stimulation
VAR 2kHz or 4kHz 0Hz to 250Hz 0Hz to 250Hz 1/1 6/6 6^6
Acticare IC provides two channels of pre-
modulated (two-pole) Interferential Current.
The electronic pre-modulation ensures 100%
modulation across the treatment zone. There
is no quadripolar (four-pole) mode, although
four electrodes can be employed to cover a
large area with the pre-modulated waveform.
Available modes include eight preset
programs plus one fully user programmable
mode as summarised in the table below.
Maximum output is 100mA peak current
(70mA RMS) shared between the two
channels.
For guidance on the use of interferential
therapy consult www.electrotherapy.org.
Typical Interferential Waveform
Programs Available (AMF= Amplitude Modulation Frequency)
-100
-50
0
50
100
Current [mA]
Time [2.5mS/div]
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