The impact of electrical currents on cell movements and wound healing has extensive references in literature. One commonly citated example thereof is the Nature article from 2006 by Min Zhao et al (PMID: 16871217). In addition, various in vivo studies demonstrate positive effects of ES therapy for wound healing, including but not limited to, an increase in fibroblast and blood vessels, higher tensile strength, and faster wound healing.

A major burden for efficient wound healing is bacterial invasion potentially leading to chronicity of the wound. Traditionally, systemic antibiotic treatments are used to treat severe infections. However, overuse of antibiotics is problematic as it increases bacterial resistance. Studies have shown that ES kills or inhibits the proliferation of common wound pathogens and might therefore prevent colonisation of wounds.

In conclusion, ES increases the rate of ulcer healing and is proven to be superior to standard care for wound treatment. In fact, ES is the only method for the treatment of chronic wounds to have attained the highest grade of clinical evidence (Oxford CEBM class 1a evidence).