The use of electric current on the human body largely has been restricted to use by physiotherapists to facilitate the healing of musculoskeletal injuries and control pain. It is fairly arbitrarily applied in two broad categories: • Macrocurrent Stimulation (currents over about 1 milliamp) • Microcurrent Stimulation (currents below about 1 milliamp) The former usually refers to Faradic, Interferential, Galvanic and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) devices, whereas the latter refers to specialised microcurrent devices for application either to the musculoskeletal system or as a non-invasive form of electroacupuncture via the acupuncture points of the body or the auricular points of the ears. The differences between these applications will be discussed later in this article. The concept of electrostimulation for physical conditioning is not new, and for years has been used by physical therapists in clinical applications such as muscle rehabilitation, relief of muscular spasm, reduction of swelling and pain control. Its possible value in sports training is still considered controversial. In strength conditioning, the potential applications of electrostimulation fall into the following broad categories: • Imposition of local physical stress to stimulate supercompensation • Local restoration after exercise or injury • General central nervous and endocrine restoration after exercise or injury • Neuromuscular stimulation for pain control or movement patterning Electrostimulation usually involves feeding the muscles low current electrical impulses via moistened electrode pads placed firmly on the skin. The effectiveness, comfort and depth of excitation depends on factors such as pulse shape, frequency, duration, intensity and modula­tion pattern. The resulting number of possible stimulation combinations immediately empha­sizes how difficult it is to determine the optimum balance of variables and compare the results of different researchers.
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