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Sternal interferential current stimulation after sternotomy: A randomized, sham-controlled trial on pain and wound
Nils Schulz1, Gian Vo2, Pascal Van Wijnen3
1Department of Rheumatology, Immunology, Osteology and Physical Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Campus Kerckhoff, Kerckhoff Klinik, Bad Nauheim, Germany. n.schulz@kerckhoff-klinik.de.
Objective:
To evaluate the effect and safety of serial interferential current stimulation on postoperative pain and wound healing after sternotomy in cardiac rehabilitation.
Design:
Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial.
Subjects/Patients:
200 patients undergoing open-heart surgery via sternotomy were enrolled during inpatient cardiac rehabilitation, 8 to 12 days postoperatively.
Methods:
Patients were randomized into an intervention group receiving interferential current stimulation over the sternum (six sessions across 21 days) or a control group receiving sham stimulation. All participants underwent the same standardized cardiac rehabilitation program. The primary outcome was pain reduction over 21 days. Secondary outcomes included analgesic use, inflammatory cytokine levels, pulmonary function, wound healing, and adverse events.
Results:
Interferential current stimulation significantly reduced pain scores compared to sham treatment. Analgesic use decreased more in the intervention group. A greater reduction in tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6 levels was observed. Pulmonary function and quality of life improved in both groups without significant between-group differences. No adverse effects or wound infections occurred in the intervention group.
Conclusion:
Serial interferential current stimulation is a safe, effective non-pharmacological therapy for reducing post-sternotomy pain and analgesic use in cardiac rehabilitation. The effect may be mediated by modulation of inflammatory cytokines.
