ABSTRACT
Since hydrogalvanic baths have been used for treatment various diseases have been claimed to be positively influenced by the so-called Stanger-bath. Its analgesic properties are generally accepted. It is also common practice to use “ascending” direct currents (cathode near the head, anode near the feet) for the stimulation and the reverse polarization (“descending”) for the relaxation of the patient, although there are hardly any controlled studies on this issue. In three test series “ascending” and “descending” Stanger-baths were compared. The effects on the autonomous nervous system, on the reaction time, on the concentration capability and on the subjective state of relaxation and well-being were evaluated in healthy volunteers. In none of the trials there was a significant difference between “ascending” and “descending” Stanger-baths.<br>The data do not confirm the common practice to use “ascending” Stanger-baths for stimulation and “descending” Stanger-baths for relaxation.