From the Guidelines
Digital stimulation in medical applications is not recommended based on the provided evidence, as the studies focus on digital health interventions promoting physical activity in people with chronic conditions, rather than digital stimulation for bowel movements or other medical applications. The provided evidence discusses the benefits and harms of digital health interventions promoting physical activity in people with chronic conditions, with studies suggesting that digital health interventions can improve physical activity and physical function across various chronic conditions 1. However, these studies do not address digital stimulation in medical applications. Some studies highlight the challenges of designing digital shams for clinical trials assessing digital therapeutics, but this is not directly related to digital stimulation in medical applications 1. In the context of real-life clinical medicine, prioritizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, it is essential to rely on the most recent and highest-quality studies available. Since the provided evidence does not support the use of digital stimulation in medical applications, it is crucial to exercise caution and consider alternative evidence-based practices that prioritize patient safety and well-being. Key considerations in medical decision-making include:
- Prioritizing patient-centered care and individualized treatment plans
- Staying up-to-date with the latest evidence-based guidelines and research
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care
- Fostering open communication with patients and their families to address concerns and preferences.
From the Research
Digital Stimulation in Medical Applications
The recommended practice for digital stimulation in medical applications varies depending on the specific use case.
- For wound healing, electrical stimulation has been shown to accelerate wound healing and increase cutaneous perfusion in human studies 2, 3.
- The type of electrical stimulation, waveform, and duration of therapy vary in the literature, but asymmetric biphasic square-wave pulses have been found to be effective in enhancing healing rates for patients with diabetes and open ulcers 3.
- For muscle impairment, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been found to be effective in addressing muscle impairments associated with various conditions, and recommendations for optimal stimulation parameters and application techniques have been provided 4.
- For pain relief, electrical stimulation can relieve some severe and otherwise persisting pains, particularly in the field of benign persistent pain 5.
Considerations for Digital Stimulation
- The World Health Organisation has released guidance for digital health, emphasizing the need for evidence-based insights for the integration of digital solutions in routine medical care 6.
- When using digital stimulation, it is essential to consider the specific condition being treated, the type of stimulation being used, and the individual patient's needs and responses.
- Technical facilities and expertise are necessary to cater for the many technical problems that can occur with digital stimulation 5.