[Circulatory changes in local and segmental use of shortwave diathermy]

Abstract

6 healthy volunteers were examined for dose-effect relations, with a view to obtaining substantiated information for dosage in medical short-wave therapy. Venous occlusion plethysmography was used to measure total blood flow in the legs. So-called segmental treatment was checked, in addition to locally delimited high-frequency action. Low, medium, and high amounts of energy were therapeutically applied to the probands for 5, 10 and 20 minutes. Close correlations were found to exist between magnitude of blood flow, length of treatment and therapeutic intensity. The 20-minute variant proved to be the most effective application which differed from the literature according to which maximum intensification of blood flow was recorded at 10 minutes. The medium level of energy application was considered to be a highly favorable approach in terms of intensity. While higher doses usually provide the highest increase in blood flow, they may well cause discomfort. Blood flow remained increased after termination of therapy, usually for up to 60 minutes, in response to 20-minute medium-intensity short-wave treatment. Segmental high-frequency application likewise resulted in increased blood flow in both legs, though intensity values thus achieved were below results of locally delimited calf treatment.