BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Diadynamic currents are alternate currents rectified in complete waves or half waves and were developed by Pierre Bernard. These currents are used in the clinical practice for analgesia and soft tissue healing; however, without scientific evidences. This study aimed at investigating the hypoalgesic effect of Bernard's diadynamic currents in healthy individuals and the sensory discomfort of each current. METHOD: Participated in this study 75 healthy volunteers, being 35 males and 40 females aged from 18 to 60 years. Volunteers were randomly distributed in five study groups (15 participants per group), as follows: fixed diphase (DF), fixed monophasic (MF), short periods (CP), long periods (LP) and control group (CG). Diadynamic currents were applied for 15 minutes to the non-dominant forearm and pressure pain thresholds were measured on hand and forearm before, during and 15 minutes after currents application. RESULTS: There has been no statistically significant difference among groups on hand pressure pain threshold in the 5th minute (p = 0.490), 10th minute (p = 0.590), 15th minute (p = 0.996) and 30th minute (p = 0.489). There has also been no significant differences among groups on forearm in the 5th minute (p = 0.767), 10th minute (p = 0.439), 15th minute (p = 0.395) and 30th minute (p = 0.915). There has been no statistically significant difference in discomfort evaluated in the 5th minute (p = 0.087) and 10th minute (p = 0.055). However, in the 15th minute, SP current has shown a lower discomfort index as compared to FM (p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: There has been no difference in pressure pain threshold among studied groups.
Electrical stimulation therapy; Pain; Pain threshold
