Development of an Algorithm to Enhance the Analgesic Effects of Low-Intensity Galvanic Current: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Nathaly Durán, Carlos Girasol, Santiago D'Almeida, Oscar Ronzio
Purpose:

This work aims to compare the effects of dry needling therapy and low-intensity galvanic current, with or without the proposed algorithm, on pain levels in individuals with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.

Methods:

Eighty-eight participants (55 women) with active MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle were recruited and monitored using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and algometry with the outcome measurement Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT). The presence of MTrPs was confirmed through physical examination and algometric measurement pre-intervention. Both measures were taken pre-intervention, 10 minutes post-intervention, 24- and 48-hours post-intervention, and seven days after a single intervention. Following the initial assessment, participants were allocated into six possible groups: Control, Dynamic Dry Needling, Static Dry Needling, Dynamic LIGC, Static LIGC, or LIGC Algorithm. Participants received a single session according to the conditions of their assigned group. The active groups were treated with 0.30 mm x 25 mm acupuncture needles.

Results:

Significant reductions in NRS (p 0.05) were observed post-intervention in all groups except the Dynamic Dry Needling group, compared to the control group. The only group with a score of 0 on the NRS by day 7 was the LIGC Algorithm group. For PPT, the LIGC groups (Static, Dynamic, and Algorithm) exhibited lower values compared to other groups.

Conclusion(s):

Needling techniques provide analgesic effects on myofascial trigger points, with enhanced outcomes when combined with the proposed algorithm for low-intensity galvanic current. However, the association with LIGC did not demonstrate superiority in improving Pressure Pain Threshold.

Implications:

Needling techniques have been shown to produce analgesic effects on myofascial trigger points, contributing to pain relief. The application of the proposed algorithm, in conjunction with low-intensity galvanic current, enhances analgesic effects in the management of myofascial pain, highlighting its potential as an effective intervention.

Funding acknowledgements:
The study did not receive any funding.
Keywords:
galvanic current
myofascial pain syndromes
pain management
Primary topic:
Musculoskeletal
Second topic:
Pain and pain management
Did this work require ethics approval?:
Yes
Name the institution and ethics committee that approved your work:
Comité de Ética la Universidad Maimónides, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Provide the ethics approval number:
863 (A-01-CEBBAD-20)
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
No

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