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Pulsed short-wave diathermy effects on human fibroblast proliferation
Jonathan Hill1, Martyn Lewis, Pauline Mills
1Department of Physiotherapy Studies, University of Keele, Staffordshire, UK. j.hill@physio.keele.ac.uk
Objectives:
To investigate the influence of pulsed short-wave diathermy (PSWD) on fibroblast and chondrocyte cell proliferation rates and to establish the influences of different dosages applied.
Design:
Four single-blind trials.
Setting:
Laboratory, in vitro study.
Specimens:
Human adult dermal fibroblast and chondrocyte cells were plated at known concentrations and incubated for 5 days.
Intervention:
Exposure to PSWD, twice daily, on days 2, 3, and 4.
Main Outcome Measure:
After crystal violet staining (day 5), optical density (cell number) was determined spectrophotometrically.
Results:
PSWD, given at mean power of 48W for 10 minutes, increased fibroblast proliferation compared with control groups (P<.001). There was a relationship between cell proliferation and the amount of energy given (P<0.001). The optimal mean power for proliferation was estimated to be 13.8W. While keeping mean power constant at 6W, altering pulse duration and pulse repetition rate dosage parameters did not have a significant effect on proliferation (P=.519). Chondrocyte proliferation also increased with PSWD exposure of 6W at 10 minutes duration (P=.015). In addition, treatment time was significantly associated with chondrocyte proliferation (P<.001).
Conclusion:
PSWD is associated with increased rates of fibroblast and chondrocyte proliferation in vitro, which is dose dependent. These results contribute to an understanding of the physiologic mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of PSWD.