Interferential Current Stimulation
DESCRIPTION
Interferential current stimulation (IFCS) is a type of electrical stimulation that uses paired electrodes of two independent circuits carrying high-frequency (4,000 Hz) and medium-frequency (150 Hz) alternating currents. The superficial electrodes are aligned on the skin around the affected area. There are no standardized protocols for the use of interferential current therapy. The therapy may vary according to the frequency of stimulation, the pulse duration, treatment time, and electrode-placement technique.
IFCS has been investigated primarily as a technique to reduce pain. IFCS has also been proposed to increase function of individuals with osteoarthritis and to treat other conditions such as dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation. Examples of interferential current stimulation devices include the: Medstar™ 100 (MedNet Services), the RS-4i® (RS Medical), and neoGen-Series® system (RST Sanexas, Inc).
POLICY
Interferential current stimulation is considered investigational.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Any specific products referenced in this policy are just examples and are intended for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to be a recommendation of one product over another and is not intended to represent a complete listing of all products available. These examples are contained in the parenthetical e.g. statement.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There is insufficient evidence from well-designed trials that interferential current stimulation (IFCS) improves health outcomes.
SOURCES
Albornoz-Cabello, M., Barrios-Quinta, C. J., Espejo-Antúnez, L., Escobio-Prieto, I., Casuso-Holgado, M. J., & Heredia-Rizo, A. M. (2021). Immediate clinical benefits of combining therapeutic exercise and interferential therapy in adults with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 57 (5), 767-774. (Level 2 evidence)
Almeida, C.C., Silva, V.Z.M.D., Júnior, G.C., Liebano, R.E., & Durigan, J.L.Q. (2018). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and interferential current demonstrate similar effects in relieving acute and chronic pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 22 (5), 347-354. (Level 2 evidence)
American College of Physicians. (2017). Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Retrieved December 21, 2018 from https://www.acponline.org/clinical-information/guidelines.
BlueCross BlueShield Association. Evidence Positioning System. (7:2023). Interferential current stimulation (1.01.24). Retrieved November 29, 2023 from https://www.bcbsaoca.com/eps/. (19 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)
Dias, L. V., Cordeiro, M. A., Schmidt de Sales, R., Dos Santos, M., Korelo, R., Vojciechowski, A. S., & de Mace do, A. (2021). Immediate analgesic effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential current (IFC) on chronic low back pain: Randomised placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 27, 181-190. Abstract retrieved September 2, 2021 from PubMed database.
Elnaggar, R. K., & Elshafey, M. A. (2016). Effects of combined resistive underwater exercises and interferential current therapy in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95 (2), 96-102. Abstract retrieved March 3, 2017 from PubMed database.
Hussein, H. M., Alshammari, R. S., Al-Barak, S. S., Alshammari, N. D., Alajlan, S. N., & Althomali, O. W. (2022). A systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the pain-relieving effect of interferential current on muspuloskeletal Pain. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 101 (7), 624-633. Abstract retrieved November 30, 2023 from PubMed database.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2016, November; last update search December 2020). Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management. Retrieved September 30, 2022 from https://www.nice.org.uk/.
Nazligul, T., Akpinar, P., Aktas, I, Ozkan, F.U., & Hartevioglu, H.C. (2018). The effect of interferential current therapy on patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 54 (3), 351-357. (Level 1 evidence)
Rajfur, J., Pasternok, M., Rajfur, K., Walewicz, K., Fras, B., Bolach, B., et al. (2017). Efficacy of selected electrical therapies on chronic low back pain: a comparative clinical pilot study. Medical Science Monitor, (23), 85-100. (Level 2 evidence)
Samhan, A. F., Abdelbasset, W. K., & Elnaggar, R. K. (2020). Clinical evaluation of the effectiveness of interferential current therapy in the treatment of children with pelvic floor dyssynergia-type constipation: a randomized controlled study. The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics, 62 (6), 1002-1011. (Level 2 evidence)
Samuel, S. R., & Maiya, G. A. (2015). Application of low frequency and medium frequency currents in the management of acute and chronic pain - a narrative review. Indian Journal of Palliative Care, 21 (1), 116-120. (Level 2 evidence)
Suh, H.R., Han, H.C., & Cho, H.Y. (2014). Immediate therapeutic effect of interferential current therapy on spasticity, balance, and gait function in chronic stroke patients: a randomized control trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 28 (9), 885-891. Abstract retrieved January 13, 2020 from PubMed database.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2001, November). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Pre-market Notification Database. K013082 (MEDSTAR 100). Retrieved December 21, 2018 from http://www.fda.gov.
Zeng, C., Li, H., Yang, T., Deng, Z. H., Yang, Y., Zhang, Y., et al. (2015). Electrical stimulation for pain relief in knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and network meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 23 (2), 189-202. (Level 1 evidence)
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 3/1/2000
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 1/11/2024
ID_BT
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