The effects of three electrotherapeutic methods on blood velocities in human peripheral arteries.

The blood velocities in peripheral arteries were measured by pulsed Doppler ultrasound before, during and after electrotherapy treatment. 43 experiments with "Diadynamic", "High Voltage" and "Interference" treatment were performed on 22 healthy subjects aged 21-65 years. This treatment did not lead to an increase in mean blood velocities in the arteries supplying the area concerned. The intensities of stimulation were below the threshold for inducing muscle contractions. As discomfort due to the sensation of the electrical stimulation arose, a transitory decrease in velocities occurred. Simultaneous measurements from corresponding arteries on the treated and untreated sides showed no difference in blood velocity variation pattern. It is thus likely that the transient vasoconstrictor effect related to treatment is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system.