Frequency-specific microcurrent improves hand function and Raynaud's symptoms in scleroderma: results of two pilot studies.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of frequency-specific microcurrent as a treatment designed to improve hand function and alleviate Raynaud's symptoms in patients with systemic sclerosis.

METHODS

Seventeen patients were treated in two separate pilot studies for 60 and 45 min, respectively, over 1 or 2 days with microcurrent frequencies specific to scarring in the hands and capillaries, and to Raynaud's disease. Efficacy was evaluated using the Cochin hand function score questionnaire before and after treatment, and a visual analogue scale to evaluate the severity of the Raynaud's symptoms.

RESULTS

Improvement in hand function was observed in both studies, being significant in the second pilot study with an average improvement of 38% (95% CI 22%-55%, P = 0.002) and in both studies combined with an average improvement of 40% (95% CI 26%-55%, P = 0.0001). There was a significant improvement in mean Raynaud's VAS scores pre- and post-treatment of 18 points (out of 100), 95% CI 3.3-33 points, P = 0.016. A proportion of patients achieved very substantial improvements in hand function, with particular tasks improving from being nearly impossible to do to being able to be performed without difficulty.

CONCLUSIONS

The degree of improvement in hand function obtained over a very short treatment period of 45 min to 1 h was significant. Further randomized, controlled studies are needed to confirm these results, and longer-term follow-up will be required to establish whether the changes are maintained and whether repeated treatments can produce further improvements.