ArticleJournal of neural engineering2019
Transcutaneous high-frequency alternating current for rapid reversible muscle force reduction below pain threshold.
Article in Journal of neural engineering, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Altius electrical nerve stimulation for post-amputation pain treatment: a comprehensive review.Pain management · 2025Review
- Temporal properties of transcutaneous direct current motor conduction block.Journal of neural engineering · 2025Article
- Kilohertz-frequency interferential current induces hypoalgesic effects more comfortably than TENS.Scientific reports · 2023Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
Abstract
objectiveThe development of non-invasive, quickly reversible techniques for controlling undesired muscle force production (e.g. spasticity) could expand rehabilitation approaches in those with pathology by increasing the type and intensity of exercises that can be performed. High-frequency alternating current (HFAC) has been previously established as a viable method for blocking neural conduction in peripheral nerves. However, clinical application of HFAC for nerve conduction block is limited due to the invasiveness of surgical procedures and the painful onset response. This study aimed to examine the use of transcutaneous HFAC (tHFAC) at various stimulation frequencies to address these shortfalls. APPROACH: Ten individuals participated in the study. Surface electrodes were utilized to apply tHFAC (0.5-12 kHz) to the median and ulnar nerves. Individual pain threshold was determined by gradual increase of stimulation amplitude. Subjects then performed a force-matching task by producing grip forces up to the maximal voluntary contraction level with and without application of tHFAC below the pain threshold. MAIN
resultsPain threshold current amplitude increased linearly with stimulation frequency. Statistical analysis showed that both stimulation frequency and charge injected per phase had significant effects (p < 0.05) on grip force reduction. At the group level, application of tHFAC below pain threshold reduced grip force by a maximum of 40.7% ± 8.1%. Baseline grip force trials interspersed between tHFAC trials showed consistent grip force, indicating that fatigue was not a factor in force reduction. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of tHFAC at reducing muscle force when applied below the pain threshold, suggesting its potential clinical viability. Future studies are necessary to further elucidate the mechanism of force reduction before clinical application.
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Registered trials
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