Percutaneous High Frequency Alternating Current Stimulation in Healthy Volunteers With 30kHz

Percutaneous High Frequency Alternating Current Stimulation: Effects on Somatosensory and Motor Threshold in Healthy Volunteers With 30 kHz

High-frequency alternating currents of greater than 1 kHz applied on peripheral nerves has been used in animal studies to produce a motor nerve block. It has been evidenced that frequencies higher than 5 kHz are necessary to produce a complete peripheral nerve block in primates, whose nerve thickness is more similar to humans.

The previous studies with transcutaneous and percutaneous HFAC, suggest high-frequency stimulation (10 and 20 kHz) have an inhibitory effect over muscle strength and somatosensory threshold.

However, the 30 kHz frequency has never been applied, and the hypothesis is that it can produce a greater blockage at the sensitive level and be a more comfortable application for the patient. The purpose of the present work is to determine if a greater blockage of the sensory component of the nerve occurs with this frequency and is to reduce the amount of current intensity needed using a percutaneous approach by apply two acupuncture needles near the nerve as electrodes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy volunteers
• Ability to perform all clinical tests and understand the study process, as well as obtaining informed consent.
• Tolerance to the application of electrotherapy.
• That they have not diagnosed any pathology.
• They do not present a contraindication to puncture and / or the application of electric currents.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neuromuscular disease.
• Epilepsy.
• Trauma, surgery or pain affecting the upper limb
• Osteosynthesis material in the upper limb.
• Diabetes.
• Cancer.
• Cardiovascular disease.
• Pacemaker or other implanted electrical device.
• Take any drug (NSAIDs, corticosteroids, antidepressants, analgesics, antiepileptics, ...) during the study and in the previous 7 days.
• Presence of tattoos or other external agent introduced into the treatment or assessment area.
• Pregnancy