Objective: To investigate gender differences in neuronal sensory threshold (NS) for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) among young adults, and the probable effects of thermotherapy. Methods: 30 young healthy students (15 men and 15 women) with 22±2 years old were divided by gender. TENS was applied in both right and left knees of subjects with a frequency of 20 Hz and pulse duration of 230µs. The amplitude RI WKH HOHFWULF FXUUHQW P ZDV JUDGXDOO\ LQFUHDVHG WR UHFRUG the perception threshold (ST) and tolerance threshold (TT), before/after thermotherapy. The warm R-knee was performed by LQIUDUHG OLJKW : § FP SHUSHQGLFXODU DQG FRROLQJ / NQHH with icepack, both carried out for 15 minutes. The tissue temperature was recorded by digital thermometry. The data were analyzed and differences established at p<0.05. Results: The WLVVXH WHPSHUDWXUH DIWHU KHDW WUHDWPHQWV ZDV GLIIHUHQW S between genders. The basal ST for TENS was not different between genders, however, thermotherapy raised the NS in both PHQ DQG ZRPHQ $W WKH EDVHOLQH 77 ZDV ORZHU S LQ ZRPHQ KRZHYHU DIWHU WKHUPRWKHUDS\ LW LQFUHDVHG S LQ both sexes. Conclusion: Neuronal sensory threshold for TENS is gender-thermo-dependent in healthy young adults.

Low-intensity ultrasound therapy (LIUST) has been described as a plausible treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Aims: To evaluate the short-term effects of continuous 1MHz LIUST on nasal obstruction in subjects with CRS. Material and Method: A cohort placebo-controlled study comprising 26 CRS adults (10 men, 16 women), sequentially allocated into two groups: control-placebo (CP, n= 12) and treated with LIUST (US, n= 14). The treatment consisted of: ISATA = continuous 1MHz, 1W.cm-2 for four minutes in the maxillary sinuses and nasal septum. The equipment was switched off in the CP group. The degree of obstruction was assessed by the total volume of secretion expelled (VSEx) after nasal instillation of 5 mL saline solution (NaCl-0.9%) followed by nasal lavage. The volume of expired air (VEA) was assessed with a Glatzel mirror. Results: The data showed an increase (p<0.01) in VSEx and VEA after ultrasound therapy, suggesting a 64% improvement of nasal obstruction compared with the CP group. Conclusions: Continuous LIUST reduced nasal obstruction and congestionç it may be used effectively in the respiratory therapy of CRS patients.