Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: Interferential and diadynamic currents were commonly used electro therapy modalities in treatment of different cases. During operation of such devices, there were electric and magnetic field exposures to the physiotherapist. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the strength of electric and magnetic field that the physiotherapist is exposed to at different distances during application of selective electrotherapy equipment and to provide the appropriate advice for safe handling of these equipment. Materials and methods: Both of electric and magnetic fields were measured at different distances around the apparatus operating in interferential current "quadripolar and bipolar modes" and diadynamic current "fixed mono phase and diphase modes" using hand held gauss-tesla meter and narda EMR-200. That was applied in two conditions: Without earthing of the apparatus and with earthing of the apparatus. Results: There was considerable high magnetic field surrounding the electrotherapy apparatus which markedly decreased when the equipment was earthed and there was permissible electric field surrounding the equipment with and without earthing. Conclusion: The measured values of magnetic field surrounding the apparatus used for treatment of patient in electrotherapy and used in the current study were higher than the permissible levels identified by international organizations concerned with non-ionizing radiation protection, but the values of electric field were lower than the permissible levels identified by international organizations concerned with non-ionizing radiation protection also it was concluded that the magnetic field and electric field were markedly decreased to the safe limits around the apparatus when it was earthed

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