Page 53 - Micro5 Brochure 2017

Summary
Background
The healing processes of tendon tissue are not well understood and the difficulty in clinical management of its
pathology reflects this. Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated that application of microcurrent can
promote protein production (collagen) in fibroblasts and tenocytes. In vivo studies, using animal models, have
demonstrated that tendon and ligament tissue responds particularly well to this application. Thus the purpose of
this study was to evaluate functional outcome in patients presenting with chronic pathology in the Achilles
tendon, following application of microcurrent compared with conservative management.
Method
A prospective comparative study was undertaken using a blocked randomisation method. Subjects were
allocated either to group A and exposed to current clinical management or to group B, the experimental
microcurrent regime. Classification and subsequent evaluation of pathology were assessed employing clinical
assessment tests, self-assessment and assessment by diagnostic ultrasound. Baseline characteristics were similar
in both groups. Subjects were assessed at three, six and 12 months after entry into the study.
Forty-eight subjects, 24 in each group, completed the study. A statistical analysis was performed, calculating the
differences between the two groups and between each interval assessment. Categorical variables were compared
between the two groups using the chi-squared test. The Mann-Whitney test was performed to assess changes in
ordinal variables.
Results
Statistically significant differences were found in favour of group B, the experimental group, in four out of the
five clinical markers used at the 0.1% level of significance.
Conclusion
The application of microcurrent treatment to patients presenting with chronic Achilles tendon pathology can
make a significant contribution to improvement of the condition.
Key Words
Achilles tendon; microcurrent; soft tissue; pathology
This study was conducted at Chase Farm NHS Trust Hospital, The Middlesex Hospital, and St Bartholomew's
Hospital, London, in conjunction with the Centre for Measurement and Information in Medicine, City
University.
Corresponding author contact information
Author and Address for Correspondence, Dr David Chapman-Jones, Senior Lecturer, Musculoskeletal Imaging,
Faculty of Health and Science, Christ Church University College, Canterbury
1
Dr David Chapman-Jones PhD MD is a senior lecturer in musculoskeletal imaging in the Faculty of Health and
Science, Christ Church University College, Canterbury CT1 1QU.
2
Professor Dennis Hill DMS is visiting professor in measurement and information in medicine, City University,
London.