Abstract
Purpose : This research inquires into the effect of applying microcurrent (MC) according to various frequency levels on the pain and functional recovery of patients with chronic back pain. Methods : Thirty participants with chronic lower back pain disease were divided equally into three experimenta l groups. The MC frequency used in the first experimental group was 0.5Hz, the second experimental group was 50Hz, and the third experimental group was 100Hz for 20 minute sessions. A hot pack and ultrasound were applied to all groups as the general physical therapy. Measurements were taken using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the face pain rating scale (FPRS), and the Oswestry disability index (001). The analysis used the paired t-test in order to compare pretest and posttest results. A one-way ANOVA was performed to make comparisons with regards to frequency levels. Results : VAS, FPRS, and 001 showed significant pain decrease in all groups except for the 001 measurement in the 0.5 Hz group. There were no significant differences according to frequency levels. Conclusion: For chronic pain and functional recovery, a microcurrent produces an effect after treatment. However, results did not show a significant difference in change obtained from differing frequency levels.