FARADIC CURRENTS

-Dr. SOFIA CHETTIAR

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
INTRODUCTION
• The term faradism was originally used to signify the type of current
produced by a faradic coil, which is a type of induction coil.
• The current provided by the first faradic coil was an unevenly
alternating current, each cycle consisting of 2 unequal phases, the 1st
of low intensity and long duration, the 2nd of high intensity and short
duration.
• The frequency was approximately 50 cycles per second.
• The duration of the 2nd phase which was the effective one, was about
1 millisecond.
FARADIC TYPE CURRENT
• Is a short - duration interrupted direct current with a pulse duration of
0.1-1 ms and a frequency of 50-100 Hz.
FARADIC CURRENTS IN MUSCLE
STIMULATORS
• These supply currents which produce the same physiological effects
as the original faradic current, although often differing considerably
from them in the wave form.
• The features essential for the production of the physiological effects
are that impulses with a duration of between 0.1 and 1 ms are
repeated 50-100 times per second.
MODIFIED FARADIC CURRENTS
• Faradic-type currents are always surged for treatment purposes to
produce a near-normal tetanic-like contraction and relaxation of
muscle.
• The current is ‘surged’ so that the intensity of successive impulses
gradually, each impulse reaching a peak value greater then the
preceding one.
• Then falls, either suddenly or gradually.
• The current can be modified to give surges of various durations,
frequencies and wave forms
• It is desirable that the durations of the surges and the intervals
between them should be regulated by separate controls in order that
the most satisfactory muscle contractions and rest periods can be
obtained for each patient.
• Various forms of surge available are:
1. Trapezoidal
2. Triangular
3. Saw-tooth
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
• Stimulation of sensory nerves – a mild prickling sensation is
experienced. Due to stimulation sensory nerves
• Stimulation of motor nerves – faradic-type current stimulates the
motor nerves and, if the intensity is sufficient causes muscle
contraction. In this type the contractions are maintained for short
duration therefore muscle fatigue is produced.
• Effects of muscle contraction
• Chemical effects of faradic-type current – when a direct current is
passed through an electrolyte, chemical changes take place at the
electrodes.
INDICATIONS
• Facilitation of muscle contraction – when a patient is unable to
produce a muscle contraction, or finds it difficult in doing so, electrical
stimulation may be of use in assisting voluntary contraction.
• Reeducation of muscle-action
• Training of new muscle-action
• Neuropraxia
• Severed motor nerve
• Improved venous and lymphatic drainage
• Prevention and loosening of adhesion
TECHNIQUES OF TREATMENT
• Method of Application
1. Labile Techniques - here one electrode is fixed over the origin of
muscle group and other electrode over the lower end of the muscle
belly to be stimullated or is stroke down it.
The movement of the electrode ensures proper contraction or
stimulation of all the muscle fibres.
2. Stabile Techniques - two disc electrodes or pen electrodes are placed
over the muscle to be stimulated. Both the electrodes are fixed over
the muscle belly.
Advantage that it permits large number of contraction
3. Group Stimulation - in this technique active electrode is placed over
the muscle group to be stimulated (Eg. extensor muscles of wrist in
case of radial nerve palsy) and large indifferent electrode is placed over
convenient site to complete the circuit.
• Preparation of Equipment :
The apparatus is tested and the other equipment prepared as for the
treatment.
No metal should be allowed to come in contact with the patient’s
tissues.
• Preparation of the Patient :
The skin is prepared by washing and protecting abrasions as for other
electrical treatment.
It is often an advantage to soak the part in warm water before the
treatment to lower the resistance of the skin and to warm the muscles,
although if extensive loss of sensation care must be taken that the
water is not too hot.
• Application of Faradic Current :
Muscle contractions are often obtained most easily if the active
electrode is connected to the anode, but this is not always the case.
When the electrodes have been applied the intensity of current is
increased until a good muscle contraction is obtsined.
Signs of fatigue, such as weakening of contraction, is an indication for
limiting the length of the treatment.
Contractions are usually produced ingroups, allowing rest periods in
between.
FARADIC APPLICATION
• Modes of faradic stimulation
1. Continuous mode
2. Surged mode
3. Interrupted or pulsed mode
• Parameters: must be selected according to treatment goals (pain
control or healing).
1. Time.
2. Intensity levels
3. Frequency.
4. Polarity
TYPES OF ELECTRODES AND THEIR
ATTACHMENT
1. Polymer electrode: carbon-rubber electrode. It is coupled to skin
through conductive gel.
2. More traditional tin plate or aluminum they are coupled to skin
with saline water.
3. Pen electrode which is used in facial palsy
ELECTRODE PLACEMENT
1. Unilateral placement: causes stimulation of one half of a muscle
pair.
2. Bilateral placement: causes stimulation of both halves of a muscle
pair.
3. Unipolar placement: stimulating electrode on target muscle ,and
the indifferent electrode at elsewhere (motor point stimulation).
4. Bipolar placement: two electrodes are placed on origin and
insertion of target muscle.
Faradic Currents can be used in the Treatment
of
1. Chondromalacia patellae.
2. Quadriceps rehabilitation.
3. Faradic foot bath for flatfoot.
4. Pelvic floor muscle.
5. Reduction of limb edema.
6. Muscular education.
7. Prevention of atrophy.
8. Peripheral nerve.
9. Treatment of spinal curvature (idiopathic scoliosis).
HAZARDS OF ELECTRICAL
STIMULATION
1. Chemical damage due to inadequate skin protection.
2. Disruption or altering of stimulating output.
3. Electrical shock.
4. Muscle fibrosis ( due to prolonged use)
STIMULATION OF
MOTOR POINTS
• There are certain points on our body where faradic stimulation of
enervated muscle can be elicited with least intensity.
• These points are called motor points
• It is located over the belly of the muscle.
• Located at junction between upper and middle third
• This method has the advantage that each muscle performs its own
individual action and the optimum contraction of each can be
obtained.
Motor Point for Axillary Nerve
Motor Points for Musculocutaneous Nerve
Motor Points for Radial Nerve
Motor Points for Median Nerve
PRECAUTIONS AND DANGERS
• If the skin sensation is not normal, it is preferable to position the electrodes at
an alternative site which ensures effective circulation.
• Avoid active epiphyseal regions in children.
• Select stimulation parameters appropriate to the effect desired.
• Inappropriate stimulation parameters may cause muscle damage, reduction in
blood flow through the muscle and low frequency muscle fatigue.
• Appropriate care should be taken to ensure that the level of muscle contraction
initiated does not compromise the muscle nor the joint(s) over which it acts.
• Patients with a history of epilepsy should be treated at the discretion of the
physiotherapist in consultation with the appropriate medical practitioner.