Abstract
Importance
Tissue healing is a complex physiological process that includes the phases of inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Interruption in these processes may cause delays in the healing process and lead to abnormal scar formation, which may affect the functional and aesthetic outcomes. Microcurrent electrical stimulation, which uses electrical currents in the range of microamperes, similar to the endogenous bioelectric currents, has been developed as a therapeutic technique to modulate tissue healing and abnormal scar formation.
Objective
To assess the clinical effectiveness of microcurrent electrical stimulation in the promotion of tissue healing and the modification of scar formation.
Evidence Review
A systematic review of clinical studies was performed using the PRISMA 2020 approach and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261285174). An electronic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was performed, covering all available literature up to 2024. Clinical studies involving human subjects with wounds, tissue injuries, or scar formations treated with microcurrent electrical stimulation (MES) were included. The study types included randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, and prospective or retrospective clinical studies. The main parameters evaluated were the wound healing rate, time for wound healing, and scar thickness, pliability, and appearance. The risk of bias in the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool.
Results
Eleven studies (2012-2024) suggest MES may enhance wound healing and improve scar outcomes; however, results are inconsistent due to variability in protocols, populations, and assessment methods.
Conclusions
and Relevance: Microcurrent electrical stimulation (MES) may improve wound healing and scar outcomes, but current evidence is limited by study variability and small sample sizes. It should be considered a complementary therapy, with further robust trials needed to confirm efficacy and optimize treatment protocols.
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