Interpretation of the results of physiotherapy for low back pain based on the Ryodoraku electrodermal measurements

Andrzej Żytkowski, Henryk Chmielewski, Beata Wrodycka

Andrzej Żytkowski, Henryk Chmielewski, Beata Wrodycka – Interpretation of the results of physiotherapy for low back pain based on the Ryodoraku electrodermal measurements. Fizjoterapia Polska 2007; 7(4); 392-400

Abstract
Background. The aim of this study was to analyse skin conductance of a direct current (galvanic skin response, GSR) in dermatomes corresponding to the level of discopathy and to provide an indirect objective interpretation of several commonly used physiotherapeutic methods: low frequency diadynamic currents, medium frequency interferential currents, low frequency pulsed magnetic therapy and classic acupuncture. Material and methods. Tests of GSR, an indirect measure of sympathetic activity, were carried out in addition to clinical assessment and radiological studies in a group of 164 patients with diagnosed low back pain [65 persons with a pseudoradicular pain syndrome and 99 patients with evident sciatic neuralgia], using the diagnostic component of Yoshio Nakatani’s Ryodoraku method. The essence of the method is the measurement of skin conductance of a 200 uA direct current at 24 points of the body regarded as representative of systemic sympathetic activity. Results. There was no correlation between the clinical characteristics of a pain syndrome and GSR changes. Skin conductance values significantly more often fell within the normal range following exposure to a low frequency magnetic field compared of the other physical therapy methods investigated in the study. Conclusions. The following conclusions can be made on the basis of the observed outcomes: 1. The Ryodoraku method is non-specific and inappropriate as an additional tool for the diagnosis of sciatic neuralgia; 2. Some correlations can be established between conductance measurements and the physical treatment method used.
Key words:
low back pain, electrodermal measurements of Ryodoraku, physiotherapy
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