High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Current

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Definition[edit | edit source]

High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Current (or High Voltage Galvanic Stimulation) is a type of electrical current in which high voltage is applied with low frequency and low pulse duration. [1] It has been widely used in physiotherapy for its analgesic and muscle strengthening (for innervated muscle) effect. [2][3]

Clinical Usage[edit | edit source]

Evidence for the effect of High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Current (HVPCG) for various diagnoses exists:

  • Wound Healing: The application of HVPCG is safe and effective in treating stage II chronic dermal ulcer [4], and stage IV decubitis ulcers [5] in human.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A non-randomized controlled trial showed that spasticity-associated weakness in knee flexors and ankle dorsiflexors, and fatigue can be improved after HVPCG treatment in MS patients. [6]
  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome: HVPCG is effective in the treatment of trigger points in myofascial pain syndrome and its useful effects continue in the midterm follow-up. [7]
  • Levator Ani Syndrome: A study showed that 50% of 28 patients with Levator Ani Syndrome had pain or symptom relief, or both, after an average of eight treatment sessions consisting one hour of HVPCG applied through a rectal probe, at a frequency of 120 Hz, and at an intensity to the patient's maximum tolerance. [8]
  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Additional HVPCG application in PFPS rehabilitation may decrease pain levels during activities including step up and down while functional status remains the same. [9]


There is also evidence regarding choosing the best parameter to apply HVPCG:

  • The application of HVPCG for 60 and for 120 min, seven days a week proved to be the optimal duration for treating chronic dermal ulcers. [10]

The video below is about correct parameter selection and electrode placement in the use of HVPCG in wound care and oedema control.

[11]

According to some studies that compared the HVPCG to other treatment methods;

  • The HVPCG treatment caused a significant reduction in burn wound surface and hydroxyproline content compared to ultrasound treatment which has been widely used for wound healing. [12]
  • HVPCG is not as effective as isometric exercise in increasing strength in quadriceps femoris muscle. [13]

Resources[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Tanrkut A, özaras N, Kaptan HA, Güven Z, Kayhan Ö. High voltage galvanic stimulation in myofascial pain syndrome. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain. 2003 Jan 1;11(2):11-5.
  2. ↑ Powers CM. Rehabilitation of patellofemoral joint disorders: a critical review. Journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy. 1998 Nov;28(5):345-54.Low J, Reed A. Electrotherapy explained: principles and practice. (No Title). 2000.
  3. ↑ Powers CM. Rehabilitation of patellofemoral joint disorders: a critical review. Journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy. 1998 Nov;28(5):345-54.
  4. ↑ Ahmad ET. High-voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation: effect of treatment duration on healing of chronic pressure ulcers. Annals of burns and fire disasters. 2008 Sep 9;21(3):124.
  5. ↑ Kloth LC, Feedar JA. Acceleration of wound healing with high voltage, monophasic, pulsed current. Physical Therapy. 1988 Apr 1;68(4):503-8.
  6. ↑ Korkmaz NC, Kirdi N, Temucin CM, Armutlu K, Yakut Y, Karabudak R. Improvement of muscle strength and fatigue with high voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation in multiple sclerosis patients—a non-randomized controlled trial. JPMA-Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. 2011 Aug 1;61(8):736.
  7. ↑ Tanrkut A, özaras N, Kaptan HA, Güven Z, Kayhan Ö. High voltage galvanic stimulation in myofascial pain syndrome. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain. 2003 Jan 1;11(2):11-5.
  8. ↑ Morris L, Newton RA. Use of high voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation for patients with levator ani syndrome. Physical Therapy. 1987 Oct 1;67(10):1522-5.
  9. ↑ Kaya D, Yüksel İ, Callaghan MJ, Güney H, Atay ÖA, Çitaker S, HURI G, Bilge O, DORAL MN. High voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation adjunct to rehabilitation program for patellofemoral pain syndrome: a prospective randomized controlled trial. Turk J Physiother Rehabil. 2013;24(1):1-8.
  10. ↑ Ahmad ET. High-voltage pulsed galvanic stimulation: effect of treatment duration on healing of chronic pressure ulcers. Annals of burns and fire disasters. 2008 Sep 9;21(3):124.
  11. ↑ Catalyst University. High-Voltage Pulsed Current [HVPC] | Theory, Use, & Parameters . Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gabR0603Xcw
  12. ↑ Ahmed ET, Khalaf MM. Comparison of the Effect of High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Stimulation versus Ultrasonic on the Acceleration of Burn Wound Healing.
  13. ↑ Mohr T, Carlson B, Sulentic C, Landry R. Comparison of isometric exercise and high volt galvanic stimulation on quadriceps femoris muscle strength. Physical therapy. 1985 May 1;65(5):606-9.
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