Hierarchical evaluation of electrical stimulation protocols for chronic wound healing: An effect size meta‐analysis

摘要: Electrical stimulation (ES) has been tested for decades to improve chronic wound healing. However, uncertainty remains on the magnitude of efficacy and best applicable protocol. We conducted an effect size meta-analysis assess overall ES healing, compare different modalities electrical stimulation, determine whether differs depending etiology, size, age wound. Twenty-nine randomized clinical trials with 1,510 patients 1,753 ulcers were selected. Overall would healing was a 0.72 SMD (95% CI: 0.48, 1) corresponding moderate large size. found that unidirectional high voltage pulsed current (HVPC) active electrode over evidence-based protocol 0.8 0.38, 1.21), while evaluation direct limited by small number studies. more effective pressure compared venous diabetic ulcers, trended be inversely associated duration. This study confirms enhance wounds highlights superiority HVPC other type currents, which is will enable standardize future practices.