Assist. Prof.

Baha NACI
2022-2023 Spring Semester
11.04.2023
 Superimposition of one alternating current on another is referred to as
interference.

 Currents obtained by the interference of two or more alternating currents

of slightly differing medium frequency.

 Amplitude modulated at low frequency for therapeutic purposes.

 The ITF depends upon the interferencial
effect of two medium frequency currents
crossing in the patient tissue.
 Beat frequency: The interference produced
by the two current in the tissue is called beat
frequency.
 Modulation: process of varying one or more
properties of a periodic waveform

 Frequency of one of the alternating currents

may be fixed at 4000 Hz and the other can
be set between 4000 and 4250 Hz.
 The two medium-frequency currents
“interfere” within the tissues and produce an
amplitude-modulated low “beat” frequency
(0–250 Hz), which is the difference between
the values of the two currents applied

 The frequency of the resulting current is

equal to the difference of the frequencies of
two medium frequency sinusoidal
alternating currents applied simultaneously
at the point of intersection in a given
medium.
 The frequency varies between 0-100 or 0-250 Hz depending on the
interference current device used.

 One of the most important features of the IC is that the skin resistance is
very low against the current.

 ICs generate a low frequency current in the body without the problem of
overcoming skin resistance.
 When two or more sinusoidal
currents alternate at the same
frequency, rising and falling at
exactly the same time, they are said
to be in phase.
 Waves become out of phase when
they are a half wavelength out of
step and the rising segment of one
coincides with the falling segment
of the other.
 Waves in phase interfere
constructively to produce a
resultant wave with an amplitude
greater than that of either of the
originals.
 Waves out of phase interact in a
similar way but interfere
destructively to cancel each other
out.
https://quizlet.com/549730696/interferential-
current-ifc-flash-cards/
 Direct current and low-frequency alternating currents encounter a high
electrical resistance in the outer layers of the skin.
 This makes the treatment of deep structures painful because a large
transcutaneous current must flow so that adequate current passes deeply.
 Alternating currents of medium or high frequency meet little resistance
and penetrate the tissues easily, although such currents generally oscillate
too rapidly to stimulate the tissues directly.
Physiological Effects
➢ EC leads to increased ionic exchanges in the intracellular and intercellular
spaces.
➢ It increases cell permeability and stimulates the lymphatic system. Major effects:
1. Pain relief with gate control theory (90-150 Hz)
2. Increased blood flow
3. Reduction of edema.
4. Muscle stimulation 0-10 cycle/sec most effective. Recommended for new
training of muscle (very effective method in the treatment of urinary
incontinence)
5. Increased production of chemical substances that are important for tissue
healing
6. Placebo effect; no thermal effect
Physiological Effects
➢ Stimulation of the motor
nerves can be achieved with
a wide range of frequencies.
➢ Low frequency (ex 1-5 Hz) –
twitches
➢ (5-20 Hz) Partial tetany
➢ 30-100 Hz Tetanic
contraction
https://www.slideshare.net/riaz6849/interferential-current
Electrode types
 Application is performed with different
sized plaque or vacuum electrodes.

 Especially ease of application is considered

for the selection of electrodes.

 Vacuum electrodes are preferred for the

treatment of large or irregular areas.
Application Techniques
1. Skin must be clean and clear before the start of the treatment
2. The electrodes should be placed in such a way that the crossing point of
two currents lie above or around the affected part.
3. The convenient frequency current should be applied for different
conditions.
4. Increase the power gently and cautiously until the patient starts feeling
the current. It can be increased until the patient tolerance.
Application Techniques
1. Bipolar application

 The current is created using one circuit.

 Amplitude modulation occurs within the stimulator.

 In the bipolar application, the maximum effect occurs in the superficial

tissues close to the electrodes.
2. Tetrapolar (Quadripolar) application

 The current is applied using two different circuits.

 Interference occurs within the tissues.

 The region of maximum interference develops at 45 degrees diagonally between the

two sets of electrodes, representing the region of therapeutic effect

 The resultant current, which is formed by the crossing of the two circuits in the
tissue, is stated to
 be tolerated better by the patient than bipolar application,
 reveal more effects in deep tissues.
■ Vacuum application:

■ Bell-shaped rubber electrodes connected to a vacuum pump are

used.

■ A massage-like effect may occur as the pressure inside the bell

increases and decreases rhythmically.

■ It can be used if there is significant edema in the treatment area.

Treatment frequencies
 Current intensity: As low as possible-generally 1-100 mA

 The frequencies used in the treatment can be constant or rhythmic.

 When rhythmic application is preferred, the frequency continuously changes

from low frequency to high frequency and then returns to the beginning (ex. 90-
100 Hz)

 For muscle stimulation applications, the current is increased until a good visible
contraction of the muscle is achieved.

 The application time is usually 20-30 minutes.

 Fr. 0-10 Hz → muscle stimulation – muscle rehabilitation

 Fr. 0-100 Hz→ increase in skin, blood and lymph circulation –

treatment of edema

 Fr. 90-100 Hz→ sedative effect –pain relief

 Fr. constant 100 Hz→ analgesic effect – pain relief

 INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS

 Stress incontinence  Pregnancy

 Osteoarthritis knee  Cervical transition zone
 Periarthritis shoulder  Thoracic transition zone
 Cranial transition zone
 Low back pain
 Hemorrhage
 Fracture healing  Electronic implant
 Musculoskeletal problems  Arterial-venous thrombus, fever
 Fibromyalgia  Malignant tumors
 Muscle atrophy  Conditions where active movement is
contraindicated
 Psoriasis
 Severe renal and cardiac failure
 Absorption of exudates  Epileptic patients
 Loss of sensation
 ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
 Low skin resistance, no burns.
 Not used for denervated muscles.
 High tolerance and comfort

 The current occurs within the body.

 Effective for deep tissues.

Thank you..