Purpose: This study investigated the effect of low-intensity wearable ultrasound technology on pain, muscle tension, and body temperature compared to normal medical ultrasounds.
Methods: A total of 36 women volunteered to be in this study. Participants were randomly distributed into a wearable ultrasound group (WUG) (n=10) and a medical ultrasound group (MUG) (n=10). The intervention was conducted on a one-off basis. We measured pain using KSF-MPQ, VAS, and an algometer; muscle tension was measured using a Myoton PRO; body temperature was analyzed using an IRIS-XP. All measurements were evaluated using a paired t-test and an independent t-test.
Results: In this study, low-intensity wearable ultrasound positively affected pain, muscle tone, and body temperature. In the independent t-test, there was a significant difference in muscle tension in both groups (p<0.05); in the case of stiffness, there was a significant difference in the WUG (p< 0.05). For elasticity, there was no significant difference in the MUG (p >0.05), although there was a significant difference in the WUG (p< 0.05). In the stress recovery time, elasticity, relaxation, and creep there were no significant differences in the MUG (p >0.05). For body temperature, and in the KSF-MPQ, VAS, and algometer assessments, there were significant differences noted in both groups (p<0.01).
Conclusion: First, wearable therapeutic devices using low-intensity ultrasound significantly affected pain, tenderness, muscle tension, and body temperature. Second, wearable therapeutic devices using low-intensity ultrasound can be as effective as traditional medical ultrasound devices.