Neurostimulation Technology

Interactive Neurostimulation Technology:

The technology that supports and facilitates InterX Therapy is called Non-invasive Interactive Neuro-stimulation. The electrode configuration, the waveform and the device electronics are what makes InterX unique and the combination of these aspects allows it to be used in a unique way with the specific aim of optimizing treatment parameters and therefore clinical outcomes.

The InterX device electrically stimulates cutaneous A-Beta, A-Delta and at times C nerve fibers through highly conductive fixed electrodes (fig.2) that are applied to the skin. The output (waveform) is controlled by the electrical property of whatever is connecting the electrodes so the skin becomes part of the circuit (fig.3). Skin impedance, therefore, controls the waveform shape. This continuous feedback loop whereby the stimulation affects skin impedance and skin impedance controls the stimulation is why the technology is interactive.

The Waveform:

The InterX waveform is complex and there are a number of parameters that are affected by changes in skin impedance which mean that the pulse characteristics often vary significantly during the application of the therapy. The basic output of the device is a pulsed, damped, bi-phasic, sinusoidal waveform (fig.4a) and there is a combination of square and sinusoidal, micro-current and milli-current elements in every pulse. The amplitude, symmetry and damping of each individual pulse are controlled by skin impedance (4b, 4c).

Impedance Sensitivity:

The interactive technology allows InterX Therapy to have unique applications which improve the therapeutic outcomes that can be achieved. The interactivity of the waveform not only means that every pulse delivered to the cutaneous nerves is different to the previous depending on the body’s response, but also that relative differences in the impedance of the skin can be identified. This ability to use the device to scan the skin is an important part of InterX Therapy as it is used as the means to identify optimal treatment points.

It is well documented that sympathetic nerve activity causes an increase in the Galvanic response in the skin. This is an increase in sweat gland secretion. The more moisture there is in the skin, the lower the electrical impedance. Therefore by virtue of this secondary skin response, sympathetic activity can be identified using an impedance sensitive device.

The significance of these areas of low impedance or active areas of the dermatome as optimal treatment points has been shown in clinical trials where low skin impedance correlated with myofascial trigger points and with acupuncture points. These points have a high level of correlation and all of them lie along major nerve pathways.

The extensive experience of specialist InterX Therapy providers has also shown that efficient identification of areas of low skin impedance and the targeting of very specific stimulation to those areas substantially improves the efficacy of the treatment.