The Literature Behind Aussie Current

Aussie Current is a relatively new development compared with its counterpart, Russian Current.  As such, there is limited literature available on the effects of the specific parameters that define Aussie Current.  During our literature search we found only 3 studies, which used Aussie Current explicitly, investigating torque production (Ward, Robertson & Ioannou, 2003; Ward, Oliver & Buccella, 2006) and hypoalgesic efficacy (Ward & Oliver, 2007).  However, from indirect research exploring the analgesic effects (Ward & Lucas-Toumbourou, 2007) and fatigue (Ward & Robertson, 2000) across a range of kHz frequency in conjunction with background information regarding electrical stimulation (Ozcan, Ward & Robertson, 2004; Ward, 2009) it is evident that Aussie Current has been developed with a sound theoretical basis.  This has resulted in current parameters that maximise torque production whilst minimising participant discomfort.

The positive outcomes thus far of the effectiveness of Aussie Current prompts the further exploration comparing it to other electrical stimulation modalities such as TENS and FES in a variety of conditions, such as analgesic and rehabilitation properties respectively.  To further strengthen the validity of the results would be aided by the reproduction of Ward’s research by a third party.  It will be interesting to see how Aussie Current’s journey as a electrophysical agent continues and how it can be used clinically in the future.

References 

Ozcan, J., Ward, A. R. & Robertston, V. J. (2004). A comparison of true and premodulated interferential currents. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 85: 409-415.
http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0003-9993/PIIS0003999303004787.pdf

Ward, A. R. (2009). Electrical stimulation using kilohertz-frequency alternating current. Physical Therapy. 89(2): 181-190.
http://search.proquest.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/docview/223112446/fulltextPDF?accountid=14543


Ward, A. R., & Lucas-Toumbourou, S. (2007). Lowering of sensory, motor, and pain-tolerance thresholds with burst duration using kilohertz-frequency alternating current electric stimulation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 88: 1036-1041.
http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0003-9993/PIIS0003999307002973.pdf

Ward, A. R. & Oliver, W. G. (2007). Comparison of the hypoalgesic efficacy of low-frequency and burst-modulated kilohertz frequency currents. Physical Therapy. 87(8): 1056-1063.
http://search.proquest.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/docview/223117543/fulltextPDF?accountid=14543

Ward, A. R., Oliver, W. G. & Buccella, D. (2006) Wrist extensor torque production and discomfort associated with low-frequency and burst-modulated kilohertz-frequency currents. Physical Therapy. 86(10): 1360-1367.
http://search.proquest.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/docview/223108762/fulltextPDF?accountid=14543

Ward, A. R. & Robertson, V. (2000). The variation in fatigue rate with frequency using kHz frequency alternating current. Medical Engineering and Physics. 22: 637-646.
http://www.sciencedirect.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/science/article/pii/S1350453300000850

Ward, A. R., Robertson, V. & Ioannou, H. (2004). The effect of duty cycle and frequency on muscle torque production using kilohertz frequency range alternating current. Medical Engineering and Physics. 26: 569-579.
http://www.sciencedirect.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/science/article/pii/S1350453304000700