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BIOELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE ANALYSIS (BIA) CHANGES FOLLOWING FREQUENCY-SPECIFIC MICROCURRENT (FSM) USE: A CASE SERIES BACKGROUND INFORMATION Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive, easily-applied methodology for evaluating body composition, in which a low-level alternating current is passed through the body and impedance or opposition to this current flow is measured. BIA’s primary role is to give an indication of the cellular health and body composition of the client. One of the most well-researched indicators of cellular health is the phase angle, which can provide information on fluid status and cell membrane integrity. Cellular fluid balance (CFB) is another indicator of the ability of the cells to regulate fluid levels and represents the ratio of intracellular water to extracellular water, based on the patient’s individual body composition. Frequency-Specific Microcurrent (FSM) was first introduced in the 1970s as a clinical tool for physical therapy. Pairs of frequencies of microampere-level electrical stimulation are applied via patches on the skin of a client. Traditional FSM use has focused on, but has not been limited to, stimulation of acupuncture points, pain control and increased healing in injured athletes. However research spanning the last decade has indicated FSM treatment for various somatic and visceral conditions including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. 1 CASE SERIES Over a four month timeframe, 34 clients were treated with individualised FSM protocols, with follow-up BIA assessment. Specific treatment with FSM was undertaken with each client for 32 to 54 minutes. BIA was conducted before and after treatment. There were 21 male and 14 female clients included, aged 17 to 63 years. Clients spanned from being overweight and obese on ketogenic weight loss programs to high performance athletes and athletes recovering from injury. Image Two: Frequency Specific Microcurrent Image One: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis RESULTS Phase angle and CFB were the primary focus to determine if individualised FSM treatment positively influences BIA results. Across the 34 test subjects positive and promising results were observed. 91% of clients had moderate to significant changes in BIA parameters after treatment, such as: • Increase in phase angle; • Reduction in cellular fluid balance; • Reduction in extracellular fluid; • Increase in intracellular fluid. Sample Client Results- Before and After FSM Treatment Number of clients with changes in ECW, ICW and Phase Angle DISCUSSION This case series showed positive changes in BIA results following individualised FSM treatment over four months. FSM treatment influenced cellular health parameters including intracellular and extracellular fluid, phase angle and cellular fluid balance. FSM may potentially act via a range of mechanisms, including alterations of cell membrane function or fluid balance. The results encourage further investigation from larger, clinical study to confirm the results seen. The client and condition diversity present in this case series increase the likelihood of clinically-realistic and reproducible results in follow-up studies. As client motivation is key to clinic success, having tangible results from devices such as BIA where clients can see positive changes occurring from the inside out will further increase compliance and clinical outcomes. References 1. McMakin C, Oschman J. Visceral and Somatic Disorders: Tissue Softening with Frequency-Specific Microcurrent. J Altern Complement Med. 2013; 19(2):170-177 CONTACT DETAILS Shane Gilroy, BHSC (Acu, Nutr) Zone3 Therapies, Shop 4/15 Dennis Road, Springwood, QLD 4127 Telephone: 07 3299 4264 E-mail: [email protected] Test Date Phase Angle % of Avg Phase Angle ATM Quality Index Cellular Fluid Balance Biomarker Index ICW (litres) ECW (litres) Hydration 20-Dec-12 BEFORE 7.22 96.28 0.87 12.25 19 29.73 21.64 Marginal 20-Dec-12 AFTER 7.36 98.16 0.89 10.09 18 29.92 21.38 Marginal AUTHOR: Shane Gilroy, ND1 1 Zone3 Therapies, Springwood, QLD
