**11. The state of the technology**

The state of the art determines the technological evolution of the equipment. Within the market, there are models with different characteristics and benefits, which present significant differences in energy delivery and, consequently, in obtaining results. It is important to become familiar with the available device options to gauge expectations for therapeutic efficacy.

The first generation of equipment was developed in the 80s. Today, they are still in the market with an exclusively manual use feature. They have a single channel, with a capacitive electrode holder, a resistive electrode holder and a return plate. The power of this equipment varies between 50 and 250 W.

The second generation of equipment was developed in the 2010s. This new technological family was characterized by increasing performance, as well as power, since the supply of electronic components allowed more complicated designs. The equipment of this second generation has an automatic working option, in addition to the classic capacitive and resistive electrode holders; they allow working in multichannel (that is, several channels within the same container), they have a temperature sensor and even allow an intracavitary approach with controlled temperature. The input powers of these devices start at 300 W.

Although it is true that all devices start from the same type of energy, the dosage provided by both technologies makes a difference at the therapeutic level. This factor determines, not only a physiological improvement in obtaining results of 75%, but even that some equipment with temperature sensors avoid the absolute contraindication of its application in sensitivity disorders, when the temperature of the device can be controlled.
