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, inwhich a low-level alternating current is passed through thebody and impedance or opposition to this current flow ismeasured. BIA’s primary role is to give an indication of thecellular health and body composition of the client. One of themost well-researched indicators of cellular health is the phaseangle, which can provide information on fluid status and cellmembrane integrity. Cellular fluid balance (CFB) is anotherindicator of the ability of the cells to regulate fluid levels andrepresents the ratio of intracellular water to extracellular water,based on the patient’s individual body composition.

Frequency-Specific Microcurrent (FSM) was first introduced inthe 1970s as a clinical tool for physical therapy. Pairs offrequencies of microampere-level electrical stimulation areapplied via patches on the skin of a client. Traditional FSM usehas focused on, but has not been limited to, stimulation ofacupuncture points, pain control and increased healing ininjured athletes. However research spanning the last decadehas indicated FSM treatment for various somatic and visceralconditions including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.1

CASE SERIES

Over a four month timeframe, 34 clients were treated withindividualised FSM protocols, with follow-up BIA assessment.Specific treatment with FSM was undertaken with each clientfor 32 to 54 minutes. BIA was conducted before and aftertreatment. There were 21 male and 14 female clients included,aged 17 to 63 years. Clients spanned from being overweightand obese on ketogenic weight loss programs to highperformance 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 individualisedFSM treatment positively influences BIA results. Across the 34 test subjectspositive and promising results were observed. 91% of clients had moderateto 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 followingindividualised FSM treatment over four months. FSM treatmentinfluenced cellular health parameters including intracellular andextracellular fluid, phase angle and cellular fluid balance. FSM maypotentially act via a range of mechanisms, including alterations of cellmembrane function or fluid balance. The results encourage furtherinvestigation from larger, clinical study to confirm the results seen. Theclient and condition diversity present in this case series increase thelikelihood of clinically-realistic and reproducible results in follow-upstudies.As client motivation is key to clinic success, having tangible results fromdevices such as BIA where clients can see positive changes occurringfrom the inside out will further increase compliance and clinicaloutcomes.

References1. McMakin C, Oschman J. Visceral and Somatic Disorders: Tissue Softening with Frequency-Specific Microcurrent. J Altern Complement Med. 2013; 19(2):170-177

CONTACT DETAILSShane Gilroy, BHSC (Acu, Nutr)Zone3 Therapies, Shop 4/15 Dennis Road, Springwood, QLD 4127Telephone: 07 3299 4264E-mail: info@zone3therapies.com.au

Test Date

Phase Angle

% of AvgPhase Angle

ATM Quality Index

Cellular Fluid

Balance

Biomarker Index

ICW (litres)

ECW (litres)

Hydration

20-Dec-12BEFORE

7.22 96.28 0.87 12.25 19 29.73 21.64 Marginal

20-Dec-12AFTER

7.36 98.16 0.89 10.09 18 29.92 21.38 Marginal

AUTHOR: Shane Gilroy, ND11Zone3 Therapies, Springwood, QLD