Pulsed galvanic stimulation: effects of current frequency and polarity on blood flow in healthy subjects

The effects of pulsed galvanic stimulation on peripheral blood flow were studied in ten healthy volunteers. Electrodes were placed over vascular channels of the upper extremity and stimulation was carried out at several frequencies on two occasions with polarity reversed. Changes in blood flow and cutaneous temperature were measured by photoplethysmography and cutaneous thermistors, respectively. A trend toward greater blood flow was seen at the highest frequencies and negative polarity. There were no significant temperature variations from baseline with any frequencies. This study suggests that, based on clinical evidence, able-bodied volunteers may vary in response from patients with vasospastic disorders.