Modification of Patients’ Sensitivity to Galvanic Current After the Administered Systemic Cryotherapy

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity of patients to galvanic current after systemic cryotherapy. Material and Methods: Study group: 77 physiotherapists – hospital employees, aged 21-64 (AVG 29.4±9.5). The sensitivity was evaluated four times: before and immediately after the systemic cryotherapy procedure (1 session, 2 minutes, temperature -120°C), after exercising on a vertical cycle ergometer (20 minutes) and 4 hours after the procedure. The intensity of the galvanic current, which caused a slight tingling, was recorded. Two electrode placements were used: longitudinal on the upper limbs and transverse over the knee joints. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the mean sensitivity to the galvanic current measured on both upper limbs or over the knee joints increases statistically significantly after systemic cryotherapy treatments. This effect persists even after 4 hours (Friedman’s ANOVA, p<0.001). Statistically significant increases in sensitivity to galvanic current were found compared to initial values for each pair of measurements, irrespective of electrode placement and test position (Wilcoxon test, p<0.01). The increase in sensitivity according to the measuring position concerned 68.8; 63.6; 72.7% of the participants on the left upper limb, on the right 61.0; 68.8; 74.0%, over the left knee joint 61.0; 68.8; 72.7% and over the right 58.4, 75.3 and 80.5% of the subjects in the study group. Conclusions: 1. After the administered systemic cryotherapy, sensitivity to galvanic current increases in most patients. 2. The increase in sensitivity to galvanic current depends on the time difference between treatments and is individually variable.