In electrical stimulation for wound healing, which electrode polarity is typically applied to promote healing?

In electrical stimulation for wound healing, which electrode polarity is typically applied to promote healing?

• A. Negative charge at the active electrode
• B. Positive charge (polarity) at the active electrode
• C. Alternating polarity
• D. No current

Answer: (B)

Polarity matters in wound healing with electrical stimulation because cells respond to the direction of the electric field and the local chemical environment around the active electrode changes with polarity. Placing the active electrode with a positive charge over the wound (the anode) promotes healing by directing cell migration and activity toward the wound bed. Epithelial cells and fibroblasts tend to move in ways that support re-epithelialization and granulation under this positive polarity, and the acidic environment created at the anode can help curb bacteria, supporting the healing process. Using the opposite polarity over the wound would create conditions less favorable for these healing processes, and alternating polarity or no current does not provide the continuous directional cues that potentiate healing.

Polarity matters in wound healing with electrical stimulation because cells respond to the direction of the electric field and the local chemical environment around the active electrode changes with polarity. Placing the active electrode with a positive charge over the wound (the anode) promotes healing by directing cell migration and activity toward the wound bed. Epithelial cells and fibroblasts tend to move in ways that support re-epithelialization and granulation under this positive polarity, and the acidic environment created at the anode can help curb bacteria, supporting the healing process. Using the opposite polarity over the wound would create conditions less favorable for these healing processes, and alternating polarity or no current does not provide the continuous directional cues that potentiate healing.