Shockwave versus ultrasound therapy in the enhancement of Aloe vera in cutaneous wound healing

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the healing efficacy of topical Aloe vera enhanced by shockwave or ultrasound therapy on wounds in rats and compare both effects. Method: A total of 75 male albino rats were randomly divided into equal groups A, B, C, D and E. Under anaesthesia, a wound (6cm2) was created on the back of each rat. Group A received topical Aloe vera under occlusive dressing followed by shockwave therapy with the following parameters: 600 shocks, four pulses/second and 0.11mJ/mm2. Group B received topical Aloe vera under occlusive dressing followed by therapeutic ultrasound with the following parameters: pulsed mode, 2:8 duty cycle, 1MHz and 0.5 W/cm2. Group C received the same treatment as group A but in a reversed sequence—the shockwave therapy followed by the Aloe vera gel. Group D received the same treatment as group B but in a reversed sequence—therapeutic ultrasound followed by the Aloe vera gel. And control group E only received topical Aloe vera under occlusive dressing. Each group received three sessions per week, for two weeks. Wound extent and shrinkage rates were measured at study initiation and at the end of each week. Results: There were significant wound reductions in groups A and B compared to C and D, respectively, and in group A compared to group B. Conclusion: Shockwaves and ultrasound were found to amplify the effect of the Aloe vera on the wound, and there was improved wound healing in the shockwave group A compared to the ultrasound group B.