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Effects of low frequency electrical stimulation on the change of male sex hormones in normal men

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Abstract

It is widely known that electrotherapy decreases the pain by mechanical and chemical stimulation. However, there have been no studies to find the change in the sex hormones by acupoint electrical stimulation for healthy rehabilitation. This study examines the effects that electrical stimulation of volunteers’ meridian points has on their levels of total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, and other erectile dysfunction-related substances. A serum analysis showed that electrical stimulation using a 1 Hz current significantly increased the subjects’ concentrations of total testosterone and DHEA-S; however, there were no significant differences in the concentrations of FSH, LH, and prolactin in subjects treated with electrical stimulation. These results suggest that the increased responsiveness to electrical stimulation, particularly a current of 1 Hz continue type, may be partially related to an improvement in sexual functions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Health Science & Nanophysiotherapy, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Public Health & Welfare, Yongin University, Yongin, 449-714, Korea

    Junghwan Kim

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  1. Junghwan Kim
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Correspondence to Junghwan Kim.

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Kim, J. Effects of low frequency electrical stimulation on the change of male sex hormones in normal men. Toxicol. Environ. Health Sci. 5, 20–25 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13530-013-0151-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13530-013-0151-z

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