Acticare IC is a fully portable Electrotherapy Centre that provides multiple treatment modalities and a fully programmable advanced user mode.

Acticare IC is unique in that it delivers the power output of a professional desktop electrotherapy machine in a battery powered device that you can carry in your pocket.

This is achieved using a revolutionary method of digital waveform synthesis that is far more efficient than traditional designs.

Standard electrotherapy modalities incorporated in Acticare IC are:

• Interferential Current (IC)
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
• High Frequency TENS (HFT)
• Transcutaneous Spinal Electroanalgesia (TSE)

In addition, the waveform is quickly programmed via Acticare's menu system to provide additional TENS frequencies and the following modalities:

• Acupuncture-like TENS (AL-TENS) down to 1Hz
• Neuromuscular stimulation (NMES)
• Transcutaneous Pulsed Radio-frequency (PRF) therapy up to 0.5MHz

Acticare's Interferential Modes

Acticare IC provides two channels of pre-modulated (two-pole) Interferential Current. The electronic pre-modulation ensures 100% modulation across the treatment zone. There is no quadripolar (four-pole) mode, although four electrodes can be employed to cover a large area with the pre-modulated waveform.

Available modes on Actcare IC include eight preset programs plus one fully user programmable mode as summarised in the table below. Maximum output is 100mA peak current (70mA RMS) shared between the two channels.

The four main clinical applications for which interferential therapy is commonly used are: pain relief, muscle stimulation, increase of blood flow and reduction of oedema.

An Amplitude Modulation Frequency (AMF) in the range of 100-200Hz is generally accepted to stimulate the pain gate mechanisms, thereby masking pain symptoms. Stimulation with lower AMF (1-10Hz) is used to activate opoid mechanisms. Relief of pain may also be achieved by blocking C fibre transmission at AMF higher than 50Hz.

Stimulation of the motor nerves is possible with a range of AMF. Stimulation at low frequency (e.g. 1Hz) results in repeated short contractions, while stimulation at 50Hz will result in a sustained tetanic contraction. Mild stimulation below that of sustained tetanic contraction, with a sweep of 0-25Hz, has been observed to provide a combination of muscle stimulation, increase in blood flow and reduction in oedema.

For guidance on the use of interferential therapy consult www.electrotherapy.org.