Earticle

본 연구는 단시간 들기·내리기 작업을 실시한 누적피로 대상자에게 미세전류자극 및 휴식을 적용하여 피로 지수에 미치는 영향을 비교하였다. 2012년 12월부터 2013년 2월까지 S대학에서 연구가 진행되었으며, 말초질환 및 근골격계 질환이 없고 오른손을 사용하는 20대의 신체 건강한 남자 22명을 대상자로 선정하였다. 모든 대상자는 10 kg 상자를 15분 동안 들기·내리기를 100회 실시한 직후, 표면근전도기를 이용한 근피로지수(Median Frequency : MF) 와 혈액피로지수(Creatine Kinase Lactate : CK, Lactate Dehydrogenase : LDH)를 측정하였다. 두 그룹으로 나누어 실 험군에는 미세전류자극을 대조군에는 휴식을 각각 20분간 중재하였다. 중재 후, 근피로지수와 혈액피로지수를 측정하 여 누적 피로지수의 변화를 비교하였다. 그 결과 휴식그룹의 왼쪽 척주세움근 피로지수를 제외한 두 그룹 모두에서 중재방법 적용 전보다 적용 후 유의한 누적피로의 감소(p＜.05)가 있었고, 미세전류의 자극은 휴식과 비교했을 때, 근피로지수의 유의한 감소(p＜.05)를 보였지만, 혈액피로지수는 차이가 없었다. 본 연구의 결과를 토대로 미세전류자 극은 반복적인 들기와 내리기 작업 종사자들의 근피로회복에 도움이 될 것이라 사료되며, 장시간 피로지수 추적조사 및 중재 적용시간에 따른 피로회복의 상관관계 대한 추가적인 연구가 필요하다.

This study aimed to compare the effects of microcurrent stimulation and rest on the fatigue index by applying both to subjects who had accumulated fatigue after performing short-duration physical activity. The experiment was performed at S University from December 2012 to February 2013, on 22 healthy men in their 20s, who were right-handed, and without peripheral or musculoskeletal diseases. All subjects lifted a 10-kg box lift and lower 100 times in 15 minutes. Immediately after that, muscle fatigue index (Median Frequency: MF) and blood fatigue index (Creatine Kinase Lactate: CK, Lactate Dehydrogenase: LDH) were measured by using surface electromyography. The subjects were divided into two groups, and microcurrent stimulation and rest were mediated to the experimental and control groups, respectively, for 20 minutes. After intervention, muscle fatigue index and blood fatigue index were measured and the changes in the accumulated fatigue index were compared. Both groups manifested significantly decreased cumulative fatigue after applying the mediation compared to the pre-intervention level (p ＜ .05), the only exception being the fatigue index of the left erector spinae in the rest group. Compared to the rest group, the microcurrent stimulation group showed a significant decrease in muscle fatigue index (p ＜ .05) but no significant differences were found in the blood fatigue index. Given the results of this study, microcurrent stimulation is considered to be helpful in muscle fatigue recovery for workers who have to perform repetitive movements lifting weights, and additional studies on the correlations of the fatigue recovery with respect to the long-term follow-up of fatigue index and mediation time are necessary.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the treatment effect of LED and microcurrent therapy on gastrocnemius muscle performance and activity and fatigue in the gastrocnemius muscle during moderate aerobic exercise. This study included 20 students of G university, and the subjects were randomized into a control group (n=10) and an experimental group (n=10). Both groups walked on a treadmill for 30 minutes with a set speed of 5 km/hr with a 10% incline. Participants in the experience group used a treatment device combining LED and microcurrent therapy attached to the gastrocnemius muscle of the main shaft leg, while the control group performed the same exercise without any intervention. One-leg vertical jump and surface electromyography were performed with BTS FREE EMG 300 to measure muscle activity and muscle fatigue. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0, and repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to determine the significance between the two groups. The statistical significance was determined at α = .05. There was a significant decrease in the one-leg vertical jump in the control group, whereas the experimental group showed a slight increase. There was no significant difference in gastrocnemius muscle activity between the groups; however, both groups showed an increase in muscle activity. There were significant differences between the two groups in muscle fatigue. Additionally, there was a significant difference in the test time between the pre- and post-test results between the groups; however, there was a significant difference between pre- and post-test results. This treatment may improve comfort in daily life by applying this device to areas of the body that sustain a heavy workload.

Purpose : This study investigated the effects of osteoarthritis therapy using images and histological diagnosis after microcurrents were applied to osteoarthritic rats. Methods : Osteoarthritis was induced with a mixture of 2% carrageenan and 2% kaolin. The mixture (0.1 ㎖) was injected into the knee joints of rats. Osteoarthritis with articulation received microcurrent stimulation for four weeks (15 min/day, 5 days/week): treated with pulsation frequency of 5 pps and a stimulation intensity of 25 ㎂ Results : Osteoarthritis of the control group constantly changed. The group with a stimulation intensity of 25 ㎂ applied to the surface of the articular cartilage experienced near normal recovery according to image diagnosis. The result of histological and immunohistochemistry inspection confirms that microcurrent stimulation had a positive effect on the treatment of osteoarthritis. Conclusion : The differences among images and histological diagnoses show that steoarthritis will experience constant progression from stimulation.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of portable microcurrent therapy device (PMTD) of the hip internal rotators in the treatment of in-toeing gait caused by increased femoral anteversion in children over 8 years of age.Methods Eleven children (22 legs; 4 boys and 7 girls; mean age, 10.4±1.6 years) with in-toeing gait caused by increased femoral anteversion were included in the present study. All children received 60 minutes of PMTD (intensity, 25 mA; frequency, 8 Hz) applied to the hip internal rotators daily for 4 weeks. Hip internal rotation (IR) angle, external rotation (ER) angle, and midmalleolar-second toe angle (MSTA) measurement during stance phase at transverse plane and Family Satisfaction Questionnaire, frequency of tripping and fatigue like pains about the PMTD were performed before treatment and at 4 weeks after initial PMTD treatment. Paired t-test and Fisher exact test were used for statistical analysis.Results Hip IR/ER/MSTA was 70.3o±5.4o/20.1o±5.5o/?11.4o±2.7o, and 55.7o±7.8o/33.6o±8.2o/?2.6o±3.8o before treatment and at 4 weeks after initial PMTD treatment, respectively (p<0.01). Ten of 11 (91%) children’s family stated that they were generally satisfied with the PMTD treatment. The frequency of tripping and fatigue like pains was significantly lower at 4 weeks after PMTD treatment (p<0.05). Excellent inter-rater and intra-rater reliability was observed for repeated MSTA measurements between the examiners (k=0.91?0.96 and k=0.93?0.99), respectively.Conclusion PMTD of the hip internal rotators can be effective in improving the gait pattern of children with in-toeing gait caused by increased femoral anteversion.

This study investigated the effects of micro-current stimulation therapy on gastrocnemius function. Twelve subjects participated in the study (average age: 28.58±3.37 years). Gastrocnemius function was measured pre- and post-intervention using a Myoton device. Muscle tone, dynamic stiffness, and elasticity of the gastrocnemius muscles were measured. The dominant leg gastrocnemius tone and dynamic stiffness showed significant improvement after microcurrent stimulation therapy, but elasticity showed no significant change. There was also no significant difference between dominant and nondominant gastrocnemius function. We concluded that microcurrent stimulation therapy improved gastrocnemius function.

This study aimed to confirm the effects of microcurrent stimulation applied to both gastrocnemius muscles on body temperature. The experiment was performed on 13 women wearing high heels, who had no metallic materials in their body and had no peripheral or musculoskeletal disease. The subjects were subjected to microcurrent stimulation using microcurrent stimulation equipment for 15 minutes on each muscle. The temperature of the gastrocnemius was measured pre- and post-intervention using an infrared body heat analyzer. Both gastrocnemius body temperatures showed a significant improvement after microcurrent stimulation (p<.05). Given the results of this study, microcurrent stimulation is considered to be helpful in body temperature changes, restrictively.

This study aimed to confirm the effects of microcurrent stimulation of the rectus abdominisand erector spinae muscles on changes in trunk position. The experiment was performed on 10 healthy men with no metallic material in their bodies and without any peripheral or musculoskeletal disease. The subjects underwent microcurrent stimulation on each muscle with energy therapy equipment (300 μA, 50 pps, R4U, HumanDream, co., ltd., South Korea) for 10 minutes. After the intervention, front and back muscle positions were measured using 3D Moire Muscle and Body Type Inspector. There was no significant difference in the change in rectus abdominis position along vertical and horizontal lines (p>.05). However, the erector spinae position showed significant changes along horizontal lines (p<.05). Thus, microcurrent stimulation could be helpful in restricting muscle position changes. Further study is needed to evaluate the effect of microcurrent stimulation in a larger number of subjects with a longer intervention time.

최근 의료, 나노 기술 분야에서는 미세한 전류 측정에 대한 요구가 계속 증가하고 있다. 이러한 분야에서는 미세 한 전류(μA 단위)가 주로 사용되며, 이는 환자의 생리적인 신호를 감지하거나 나노 스케일에서 물질의 특성을 이해하는 데 주로 사용된다. 하지만 현재의 미세전류 측정 방식은 주로 고성능 전류측정기, 전압-전류 변환기, 홀 센서, 증폭기와 같은 전통적인 기술에 의존하고 있다. 또한 이러한 기술들은 높은 비용, 정확성, 회로의 복잡함, 비선형성 등 여러 가지 문제점을 가지고 있다. 따라서 본 논문에서는 이러한 문제점을 극복하고자 지자기 센서를 활용하여 미세한 전류를 효과 적으로 측정하는 방법을 제안하며 차폐 여부를 통해 전류의 증가에 따른 비선형 특성을 개선하고자 한다. 그리고 지자기 센서를 활용하여 미세전류를 측정하는 데 있어서 전자파환경의 생활 주변에서 사용하고 있는 전자기기로부터 방출되는 전자기장(EMF)의 특성에 대해 고찰하고자 한다.

In recent years, the demand for microscopic current measurements has been increasing in the medical and nanotechnology fields. In these fields, very small currents (in the order of μA) are mainly used, which are mainly used to detect physiological signals of patients or to understand the properties of materials at the nanoscale. However, current microcurrent measurement methods mainly rely on traditional technologies such as high-performance current meters, voltage-to-current converters, Hall sensors, and amplifiers. Additionally, these technologies have several problems, including high cost, accuracy, circuit complexity, and nonlinearity. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a method to effectively measure minute currents using a geomagnetic sensor to overcome these problems and improve nonlinear characteristics according to the increase in current through the presence or absence of shielding. And, in measuring microcurrents using a geomagnetic sensor, we intend to examine the characteristics of electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from electronic devices used in everyday life in an electromagnetic environment.

Purpose : The purpose of this study was investigated to find the approach in the various method for patients with chronic low back pain. Methods : For research purposes that meet the search was focused papers. Treatments include PNF, chiropractic, joint mobilization, microcurrent, electroacupuncture, stabilizing exercise, resistance exercise, aquatic rehabilitation exercise, lumbar flexion and extension exercise were included as Gymball exercise. Results : Treatment with the three major manual therapy, electrical therapy and therapeutic exercise were divided. The result of applying manual therapy increased balance, increased strength ,stability increased and decreased pain. The result of applying the electrical therapy increased flexibility, and decreased pain. The result of applying therapeutic exercise increases muscle strength, reduced pain, and decreased body fat. Conclusion : Previous studies by examining the effects of chronic low back pain treatment was intended to help in the selection and application Aquatic therapy, manual therapy, electrical therapy for patients with chronic low back pain with pain reduction was found to be effective.

Background: This study examined the Immediate effects of IASTM using microcurrent and the flossing band on the lower extremity fascia thickness in subjects with Intrinsic patellofemoral pain syndrome. Methods: Sixty-six subjects with patellofemoral pain syndrome were randomized into three groups (22 each in the microcurrent IASTM (instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization) group, and flossing band group, and combined microcurrent IASTM and flossing band group) to evaluate the immediate effects of the lower extremity fascia thickness before and after intervention. The thickness of the lower extremity fascia was measured using an ultrasound machine. Using SPSS Window. 22.0, a Shapiro Wilk was conducted to test the normality of all variables; within-group comparisons were made with a paired-samples t-test, and between-group interventions were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance. Results: Changes in the thickness of the fascia in the thigh area were observed before and after intervention in all three groups. There was a significant decrease, and in the combined group, there was a significant decrease in fascia thickness compared to when the IASTM group and the flossing band group were applied separately (p<.05). Conclusion: Through this study, the effect on fascia thickness was confirmed when IASTM and flossing band intervention were combined, and it is believed that it can be used as basic clinical data for patients with knee-thigh pain syndrome.

연구목적 : 미세전류 자극이 아주반트로 류마티스 관절염을 유발한 실험동물의 염증반응과 통증에 미치는 효과를 알아보기 위하여 실험동물의 발허리발가락관절내 염증반응 정도를 나타내는 인터루킨-6(interleukin-6)의 발현과 핫플레이트(hot plate)를 이용한 발도피지연시를 측정하여 미세전류의 효과에 대하여 알아보고자 하는데 목적이 있다. 연구방법 : 실험동물은 무작위로 대조군(n=18)과 미세전류를 적용한 실험군(n=18)으로 구분하였고, 각 군당 6마리씩 1일군, 7일군, 14일군으로 배정하였다. 류마티스 관절염 유발후 1일, 7일, 14일에 모든 실험동물의 열통각 역치를 나타내는 발도피지연시와 발허리발가락관절내 인터루킨-6의 발현정도를 측정하였다. 각 집단 내의 기간에 따른 발도피지연시와 인터루킨-6의 면역반응성은 일원배치 분산분석을 실시하였고, 사후분석으로는 Duncan의 다중범위검정을 실시하였다. 실험군과 대조군을 비교하기 위하여 독립표본 t-test를 실시하였다. 연구결과 : 실험결과는 다음과 같다. 1) 아주반트 주사 1일후, 실험군과 대조군에서 인터루킨-6 면역반응성과 발도피지연시는 비슷한 양상을 보였다. 2) 인터루킨-6 면역반응성은 아주반트 주사 7일, 14일 후 대조군이 실험군보다 유의하게 증가되었다(p<.05). 3) 발도피지연시는 아주반트 주사 7일, 14일 후 실험군이 대조군보다 유의하게 증가되었다(p<.05). 결론 : 이상의 결과로부터, 미세전류 자극이 아주반트로 유발된 류마티스관절염 모델에서 활액 조직내 염증반응을 감소시키고 열통각역치는 증가되는 것을 알 수 있었다.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the potential benefits of microcurrent stimulation as a non-invasive therapeutic approach for managing pain and improving the quality of life in women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea. Design: A case study. Methods: This study was conducted, involving a cohort of 6 women diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea, aged between 20 to 30 years. Participants were received microcurrent stimulation using low-intensity microcurrents for 30 minutes every day for 4 weeks. The intensity of microcurrent stimulation was 25 μA and the frequency was 8 Hz. The intervention was administered between the menstruations, with pain intensity and quality of life being assessed at baseline, and then at the end of menstrual cycle. Pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) and menstrual symptom questionnaire (MSQ), while the quality of life was assessed through the stress response inventory (SRI), state trait anxiety inventory (STAI), center for epidemiologic studies depression (CES-D), and menstrual distress questionnaire (MEDI-Q). Results: After the intervention, participants demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity, as evidenced by improved VAS scores (p<0.05). However, the changes in MSQ scores did not reach statistical significance. Regarding quality of life measures, no statistically significant differences were found in the SRI, STAI, CES-D, and MEDI-Q scores after the intervention (p>0.05). Conclusions: This study suggest that microcurrent stimulation holds promise as a potential treatment option for alleviating pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea.

The purpose of this study is to verify the effect of toothbrushing using a microcurrent toothbrush on the fluoride concentration on the enamel surface of teeth. Sixty samples were produced with sound cattle teeth and divided into control and experimental groups (ordinary and microcurrent toothbrush groups) to perform the brushing for four minutes using an automatic toothbrushing machine in a 2% NaF solution for each type of toothbrush. The specimen measured the microhardness of enamel surface after the pH cycling treatment, and the fluoride ratio of the enamel surface was identified by scanning electron microscope observation and EDS analysis. The microhardness of the enamel surface of the microcurrent toothbrush group was higher after brushing (279.64) than before brushing (267.74) (p=0.008). In scanning electron microscopic observation, it was confirmed that the enamel surface after brushing with a microcurrent toothbrush appeared a slight irregular spherical crystals, forming fluoroapatite. According to the EDS analysis of the scanning electron microscopy, the fluoride content of the enamel surface was 1.76% in the control group, while 22.29% in the microcurrent toothbrush group. In sum, it has been found that toothbrushing using microcurrent toothbrushes is effective in preventing tooth decay by increasing the formation of fluoroapatite in the enamel.

Objective: To determine the efficacy and reliability of measuring direct current microcurrent applied through the skin to determine injury in the underlying tissues. Design: Case control study. Methods: First, microcurrent was measured as decreased blood flow induced hypoxia in healthy subjects. Next, reliability was assessed by measuring over ten days with set variations in pressure and distance between the electrodes. Finally, measurements over sprained ankle were compared to measurements over comparable uninjured areas on the same injured subject. Results: For the blood flow test phase, microcurrent significantly decreased an average of 17% after 5 minutes (p<0.05), remained decreased for 30 seconds, and returned to non-occlusive levels after 2 minutes of normal circulation. The results indicate that the microcurrent decrease was not due to blood flow, and most likely from hypoxic cellular damage. For the reliability phase, the coefficients of variation averaged 10.3% for the shoulder, 14.8% for the low back, and 29.1% for the knee. Changing distance 2.5 cm between the electrodes resulted in insignificant changes. Changes in pressure had some significant effect after an increase in force of 2.6 N, affirming the need for consistent pressure for measurement. For the injury test phase, a significant 69% decrease occurred comparing injured areas to the same area on the uninjured side, and a significant 74% occurred comparing injured and non-injured areas on the same limb. Conclusions: Microcurrent through the skin shows promise as an objective method of assessing a soft tissue injury by detecting damage likely due to hypoxia.

Treatment techniques that affect homeostasis by non-invasive regulation in peripheral organs will advance disease research. Here, we demonstrate a non-invasive method of conditioning within an organ using a low-frequency stimulator superposition of alternating microcurrent wave in stages. It is first applied to the inflammatory response in H3N2-infected sinusitis mice. To check the progress of the treatment, mice were sacrificed every week for 3 weeks, nasal tissue was removed, and the inflammatory response was investigated through H & E staining. The low-frequency stimulation treatment group was found to alleviate the proliferation of epithelial cells and invasion of inflammatory cells compared to the control group as the passage of treatment time. The reduction of inflammatory cytokines in the nasal lavage fluid was observed in H3N2-infected sinusitis mice treated with of low-frequency stimulation using superposition of alternating microcurrent wave compared to H3N2-infected sinusitis mice after 3 weeks. These data demonstrate that low-frequency stimulation device in the form of using alternating current wave superposition on within organs provides a new method to regulate specific physiological functions. Therefore, it is necessary to prove the inhibitory effect of low-frequency stimulation using alternating current wave superposition on inflammatory diseases by various methods through further studies and clinical studies.