Summary
Highlights
Diadynamic currents, also known as Bernard's modulated currents, are low-frequency currents oscillating between 50 and 100 Hz. They originate from an electrical transformer that removes the negative phase of alternating current, leaving only the positive phase and producing sinusoidal currents.
The basic diadynamic currents include monophasic and diphastic types. Monophasic currents are 50 Hz sinusoidal currents. Diphastic currents are formed by the superposition of two 50 Hz phases, resulting in a 100 Hz current.
Monophasic fixed currents (50 Hz) stimulate circulation, providing a slight motor effect by increasing circulatory motor value and a trophic action by boosting metabolism. Diphastic fixed currents (100 Hz) offer analgesic and antispasmodic effects, relaxing smooth muscle fibers.
Modulated diadynamic currents include 'Short Period' (CP) and 'Long Period' (LP). Short Period currents alternate between 1 second of fixed monophasic and 1 second of fixed diphastic, maintaining constant intensity, providing analgesic and trophic actions. Long Period currents alternate between 10 seconds of monophasic and 10 seconds of diphastic with modulated intensity, focusing on analgesia and spasmolytic action.
The syncopated rhythm current is another modulated type, characterized by an alternation of 1 second of monophasic current and 1 second of electrical silence. This current primarily stimulates blood circulation by affecting smooth muscle fibers in blood vessels, leading to a motor effect.
Diadynamic currents are typically found in multi-wave devices, offering various currents like galvanic, diphastic, monophasic, short period, long period, and syncopated rhythm, alongside exponential and square currents. For diadynamic currents, pressing a button automatically programs the specific frequency, periods, and modulations. These devices usually have two channels (positive and negative) for patient application.