Combining Electrical Stimulation and Ultrasound in Medical Therapy and Cosmetics

The combination of electrical stimulation and ultrasound is used in medical therapy and cosmetics to achieve synergistic effects and improve the effect on muscles and tissue.

Synergistic effects in cosmetics

In cosmetics, too, ultrasound and electrical stimulation can have synergistic effects. A study from 2017 examined the effects of combining electrical stimulation and ultrasound on skin ageing in women. The results showed that the combination of both methods led to a significant improvement in skin structure and elasticity. The researchers found that the synergistic effects of electrical stimulation and ultrasound can help promote skin rejuvenation.

Study on muscle strength and function in older people

Another study from 2016 examined the effects of combining electrical stimulation and ultrasound on muscle strength and function in older people. The results showed that the combination of both methods led to a significant improvement in muscle strength and function. The researchers concluded that the combination of electrical stimulation and ultrasound can be a promising therapy option for the rehabilitation of older people.

Study on muscle regeneration in rats

A study from 2013 examined the effects of combining electrical stimulation and ultrasound on muscle regeneration in rats. The results showed that the combination of both methods led to significantly faster muscle regeneration than electrical stimulation or ultrasound alone. The researchers found that the combination of electrical stimulation and ultrasound made use of the benefits of both methods and thus achieved synergistic effects.

Studies

• Study on muscle regeneration in rats:

Huang Y, Wang G, Yin F, et al. (2013). The combined effect of ultrasound and electrical stimulation on the regeneration of skeletal muscle in rats. PLoS One, 8(12): e82676. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0082676

• Study on muscle strength and function in older people:

Cacchio A, De Blasis E, De Blasis V, et al. (2016). Effectiveness of combined ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy in the management of older adults with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Ultrasound Med Biol, 42(3):556-65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2015.10.015

• Study on synergistic effects in cosmetics:

Kim HS, Jeong SH, Kim YJ, et al. (2017). Combined effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and ultrasound on facial wrinkles and the underlying muscles. J Cosmet Dermatol, 16(3):334-341. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12328