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πŸ”΄ Electrotherapy πŸ”΄ > Interferential Current IFC > Flashcards

Interferential Current IFC Flashcards

1
Q

True or false
IFC is one of the WIDELY USED electrophysical agents by physical therapists

A

True

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2
Q

Definition of IFC

How is it produced

A

Low frequency, amplitude-modulated electrical current
(Less than 1000 cps)

Technical term: beat amplitude-modulated sinusoidal alternating current

It results from the interference caused by the crossing of two or three MEDIUM frequency (3000 - 5000 cps) alternating sine-wave currents with different carrier frequencies.
(Within 200 Hz difference between the two waves)

The currents intercept at the site of pathology to produce LOW frequency AC current

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3
Q

What is a beat?

What does it result from?

What is beat frequency + its range ?

A

Beat: a group of pulses or cycles separated by a time interval during which no electrical activity occurs (used for IFC)

Result from interference between two currents of different frequencies

Beat frequency: difference between the carrier frequency of the two circuits (1 - 200 beats per second)

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4
Q

Advantage of medium frequency current

A

Overcomes skin resistance and discomfort better than low frequency

Examples:
( 3200 Ξ© at 50 Hz)
( 40 Ξ© at 4000 Hz )
- so the higher the frequency = the less the skin resistance

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5
Q

Methods of delivery

A
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6
Q

Bipolar (premodulated) mode

A

Bipolar: 2 electrodes applied on target area

Premodulated: electronic interference occurs WITHIN THE DEVICE

(ONLY method that is modulated, meaning interference does not occur at the tissue)

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7
Q

Quadripolar (true interferential mode)

  • electrodes
  • shape
A

Quadripolar: 4 electrodes (2 pair of electrodes)

True interferential : interference occurs WITHIN soft tissues

Resultant current field = four-leaf clover shape

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8
Q

Quadripolar with automatic vector scan mode

What is a vector scan?

What are the advantages & disadvantages of vector scan ?

A

Similar to Quadripolar true interferential mode
BUT it covers MORE tissue area using a vector scan.

Vector scan:
- current in one circuit is allowed to vary (50-100%) of its maximum value
- current in the other circuit has fixed value
- field is rotated at an angle of 45 Β° in each direction (nearly circular shape)

Advantage:
- equal distribution
- prevent nerve habituation

Disadvantage:
- effective time is not enough for target tissue due to distribution of current

(ONLY method that is DYNAMIC, the others are all STATIC)

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9
Q

Stereodynamic mode

  • electrodes
  • shape
  • advantage
A

Three medium frequency allows for 3D interferential field

Total of 6 electrodes:
- 3 pairs of 2 electrodes
- 2 pairs of Y-shaped electrodes

Shape : six-petal flower

Advanatge: less adaptation and more effectiveness

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10
Q

Indications for IFC (hint: 10)

A

Pain
- acute pain
- post-operative pain
- chronic pain

Urinary and rectal incontinence
Muscle spasm
Trigger spots in myofascial syndrome
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Re-educate muscles
Delayed fracture union
Swelling or hematoma

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11
Q

Contraindications for IFC

A

Abdomen, pelvic, lumbar region of pregnant woman (induces labor + affect fetal development)

Anterior transcervical area (vagus/phrenic/carotid sinuses)

Venous thrombosis (embolism)

Arterial disease (embolism)

Malignancy (metastasis)

Impaired sensation

(More in picture)

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12
Q

Therapeutic uses (hint : 4)

A
  1. Increase local circulation
    - vasodilation (parasympathetic activity + muscle contractions)
    - used to treat circulatory disorders (ex: Raynaud’s disease)
  2. Soft tissue healing
    - fracture healing
    - wound healing
  3. Decrease incontinence
    - re-educate pelvic floor muscles PFM and sphincters
  4. Muscle stimulation:
    - (1-10 Hz) = series of twitches
    - (50 Hz) =- tetanic contractions
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13
Q

Theoretical mechanisms support the analgesic effects of IFC

What are these mechanisms?
- explain
- frequency

A

Gate control theory
- A-beta fiber activity will block the synaptic transmission of small A delta and C fibers = blocking pain
- Frequency: 90-100 Hz

Central biasing theory
- direct block of nociceptive activity by intense stimulation of small C fibers = stimulation of descending neurons
- Frequency: 90-100 Hz

Opiate control theory
- stimulate sensory nerves will lead to the release of enkephalin, B-endorphins = inhibits pain
(NOTE: enkephalin is an opiate-like chemical)
- Frequency: 10 Hz

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14
Q

Factors governing the success of IFC treatment

A
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15
Q

Considerations for application

A
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16
Q

Stimulator type

A
17
Q

Electrode types

A
18
Q

Another name for glove electrode ?

Frequency ?

Used for what?

A

Electrokinesy
50 Hz
Pain and muscle spasm

19
Q

How are the electrodes attached/fixated to the treatment area?

A
20
Q

Coupling media for IFC

A

Electro conductive gel
Water (wet sponges)

21
Q

Suggested parameters for the following

A
22
Q

Precautions when using IFC include

A
  • greater the heat produced = higher the risk for irritation, damage, burn ( can be avoided with enough medium)
  • avoid high currents
23
Q

Dangers with IFC

A

Stimulator electronic interference
( at least 3 meters away from SWD)

Contact dermatitis
- prolonged electrode use
- conductive gel
- adhesive tape

Burns
- exposed metal electrode against skin
- high intensity
- insufficient moisture
- reduced/impaired sensation
- unreliable patient

Temporary bruising / hematoma
(Strong suction force)

Muscle damage
- repeated mechanical stress on same motor units

24
Q

What do you warn the patient for IFC treatment

A

Expected feeling:
- mild pleasant tingling feeling

  • should not feel heat or burning sensation
  • should not be pinching sensation from electrode
  • symptoms should not increase
  • patient should call you if they need anything
  • should not move or touch electrodes or equipment
25
Q

What are some practical problems

A

πŸ”΄ Electrotherapy πŸ”΄ (6 decks)

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