Effects of free electron transference (Earthing) on the cardinal signs of inflammation in intercollegiate athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical scenario - When homeostasis is disrupted, it leads to various health conditions and diseases, and these disruptions can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) or better known as free radicals.1 Every cell produces billions of free radicals, and Earthing permits huge amounts of free negatively charged electrons to enter the body that could neutralize these free radicals.7 In theory, diminishing the effects of free radical production in correlation to chronic inflammation and the signs associated with the inflammation. Athletic trainers (ATs) are trained to mitigate the stages of inflammation that occur upon injury with various modalities that may be expensive, time-consuming, or ineffective. Earthing may provide an alternative to these issues as well as provide a natural way to curb inflammation. Summary of key finding(s) - Six articles were chosen based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. These articles have concluded that the process of connecting the human body to the Earth’s surface and allowing the flow of free electrons does mitigate the cascade of inflammation. Thermal imaging and electronic circuitry show the effect of electrons flowing into the human body, and associated cardinal signs of inflammation decreasing in the affected areas. Clinical question - What are the effects of free electron transference, or Earthing, on the cardinal signs of inflammation in intercollegiate athletes aged 18-26, who suffer from chronic inflammation. Clinical bottom line - ATs should try to integrate an Earthing approach into rehabilitation for athletes suffering from chronic inflammation, and help reduce the cardinal signs of inflammation response at a faster, more efficient, and holistic rate. Strength of recommendation - B Key words Grounding, bioelectric, free radicals