Comparison of tissue heating using 3MHz ultrasound with T-Prep super(()R) versus Aquasonic super(()R) gel

• Published in: Physical therapy in sport 2005-08, Vol.6 (3), p.131-136
• Main Authors: Gulick, D T, Ingram, N, Krammes, T, Wilds, C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1466-853X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2005.04.001

Objective: The purpose of this research was to compare Aquasonic super(()R) and T-prep super(()R) gel, a 1% methyl nicotinate preparation, in their ability to increase the temperature of soft tissue when used with 3MHz ultrasound. Methods: Thirty healthy participants (21-40 years of age) completed this IRB approved study. In the prone position, a 26gauge, 4cm thermistor was inserted 2.5cm deep in the posterior calf. An OmniSound Unit was used to administer a 3MHz treatment at 1.0w/cm super(2) in a 6cm super(2)-defined area with a 2cm super(2) transducer. Temperature measurements were taken every 30s for 15min. On one calf, 5cm super(3) of Aquasonic super(()R) gel was used as the coupling medium and on the other, 5cm super(3) of T-Prep super(()R) gel was used. Results: A repeated measures ANOVA was used to detect a significant difference over time but no significant difference was found between the coupling mediums. After 15min, the T-Prep super(()R) gel contributed to a 1.8 super(o)C overall temperature increase compared to a 1.5 super(o)C increase with Aquasonic super(()R) gel. Conclusion: The results of this 3MHz study revealed that the acoustic transmission characteristics of the T-Prep super(()R) and Aquasonic super(()R) gels were similar at increasing tissue temperature at a depth of 2.5cm. Given that there are numerous conducting mediums that have been shown to limit the transmission of ultrasonic waves, T-Prep super(()R) may be an option to Aquasonic super(()R) gel when tissue heating is desired. Further research on the depth of heating with T-Prep super(()R) gel would be appropriate.