MedWorm: TENS

The Long‐Term Outcome of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment for Patients with Chronic Pain: A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial

Pain Practice — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and sham TENS show similar effects in patients with chronic pain over a period of 1 year. We found support for a long sustained placebo effect. (Source: Pain Practice)

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TENS - an alternative to antiviral drugs for acute herpes zoster treatment and postherpetic neuralgia prevention.

Herpes — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:30:02 +0100

CONCLUSION: Study suggests TENS may be safe adjunct or even alternative to antiviral drugs for treatment of acute HZ. It looks that TENS may be at least as good as antiviral drugs for treatment of HZ, and it may be better in reducing and preventing PHN - such conclusion would necessitate controlled, prospective study. Use of TENS provided pain relief and resolution of skin lesions with no higher rate of other HZ complications compared to antiviral therapy. PMID: 22250036 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Herpes)

Anti-Stress Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on Colonic Motility in Rats

Digestive Diseases and Sciences — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:56:20 +0100

Conclusions It is suggested that TENS upregulates hypothalamic OXT expression which acts as an anti-stressor agent and mediates restored colonic dysmotility following chronic stress. TENS may be useful to treat gastrointestinal symptoms associated with stress. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s10620-012-2040-8Authors Sazu Yoshimoto, Department of Surgery, Zablocki VA Medical Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 5000 West National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USAReji Babygirija, Department of Surgery, Zablocki VA Medical Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 5000 West National Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USAAnthony Dobner, Department of Surgery, Zablocki VA Medical Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, 5000 West National Aven...

Phase 2 results from Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Study 0537

Cancer — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The current results indicated that ALTENS treatment for radiation‐induced xerostomia can be delivered uniformly in a cooperative, multicenter setting and produces possible beneficial treatment response. Given these results, the phase 3 component of this study was initiated. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

The Effect of TENS on Pain, Function, Depression, and Analgesic Consumption in the Early Postoperative Period with Spinal Surgery Patients.

Turkish Neurosurgery — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:00:03 +0100

CONCLUSION: TENS was effective in reducing analgesic agent-related side effects and in reducing analgesic consumption. In addition, TENS also decreased activity related pain. PMID: 22194125 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Turkish Neurosurgery)

Adult norms of the perceptual threshold of touch (PTT) in the hands and feet in relation to age, gender, and right and left side using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The objectives of this study were to establish adult norms of the perceptual threshold of touch (PTT) for the hands and feet according to age and gender and to determine the effect of right/left side, handedness, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) on the PTT. The PTT was assessed by using a high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (Hf/TENS) with self-adhesive skin electrodes in 346 adults. The PTT was identified as the level registered in mA at which the participants perceived a tingling sensation. The PTT for all participants was a median of 3.75 mA (range 2.50-7.25) in the hands and a median of 10.00 (range 5.00-30.00) in the feet. With increasing age an increase of the PTT was found. Men reported higher PTT than women. The right hand had higher PTT than the lef...

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Perceptual Embodiment of Prosthetic Limbs by Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Neuromodulation — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings provide initial evidence that TENS paresthesia can be projected into an artificial limb, and this can enhance the sense of perceptual embodiment of an artificial hand. Further exploratory studies involving an amputee population are warranted. (Source: Neuromodulation)

Effects of spatially targeted transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation using an electrode array that measures skin resistance on pain and mobility in patients with osteoarthritis in the knee: A randomized controlled trial

Pain — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we provide evidence that use of a matrix electrode that spatially targets strong nonpainful TENS for 30 to 45minutes at sites of low resistance can reduce pain intensity at rest and during walking. (Source: Pain)

Comparison of post-treatment effects of conventional and acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): A randomised placebo-controlled study using cold-induced pain and healthy human participants.

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 21:45:28 +0100

In conclusion, AL-TENS but not conventional TENS prolonged post-stimulation hypoalgesia compared to placebo TENS. However, no differences between AL-TENS and conventional TENS were detected in head-to-head comparisons. PMID: 22007892 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice)

Efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for pain relief in women undergoing office endometrial biopsy

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:58:14 +0100

Conclusions TENS appears to be successful in decreasing pain only after the procedure undergoing office endometrial biopsy. It can be used as a simple, cheap, safe, and effective pain relief method. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory General GynecologyPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00404-011-2111-7Authors Mehmet Yilmazer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Afyonkarahisar University Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Kocatepe Universitesi, Tip Fakültesi, Kadin Hastaliklari ve Dogum AD, Izmir Yolu, Afyonkarahisar, TurkeySeda Kose, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Afyonkarahisar University Faculty of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar Kocatepe Universitesi, Tip Fakültesi, Kadin Hastaliklari ve Dogum AD, Izmir Yolu, Afyonkarahisar, TurkeyDagıstan Tolga Arioz, Department...

Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential currents (IFC) in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain: randomized clinical trial.

Sao Paulo Medical Journal — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:20:02 +0100

CONCLUSION: There was no difference between TENS and interferential current for chronic low back pain treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01017913. PMID: 21971895 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Sao Paulo Medical Journal)

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Quality appraisal of clinical practice guidelines on the use of physiotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review

Rheumatology — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. Six of eight clinical practice guidelines addressing physiotherapy interventions were recommended or strongly recommended according to the AGREE instrument. In general, guideline recommendations on physiotherapy intervention, from both the recommended guidelines as well as from the not recommended guidelines, lacked detail concerning mode of delivery, intensity, frequency and duration. (Source: Rheumatology)

“Beating osteoARThritis”: Development of a stepped care strategy to optimize utilization and timing of non-surgical treatment modalities for patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis

Clinical Rheumatology — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 05:50:22 +0100

This study describes the development of an evidence-based, multidisciplinary, patient-centered, stepped care strategy. A national, multidisciplinary, steering group developed the strategy in three phases: (1) consensus among steering group members (first draft); (2) written consultation of 23 representatives of patient organizations and professional associations involved in osteoarthritis care (second draft); (3) consensus of the final draft after discussion in two rounds during a conference with representatives from the different disciplines. The final stepped care strategy presents, in three tiers, the optimal order for non-surgical treatment modalities. It recommends that more advanced options should only be considered if options listed in previous steps failed to produce satisfac...

T605 lower nerve accommodation by applying frequency-modulated transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (tens) in healthy human subjects

European Journal of Pain Supplements — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Source: European Journal of Pain Supplements)

Effects of Burst-Type Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Cervical Range of Motion and Latent Myofascial Trigger Point Pain Sensitivity

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:23:19 +0100

Abstract: Rodríguez-Fernández AL, Garrido-Santofimia V, Güeita-Rodríguez J, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C. Effects of burst-type transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on cervical range of motion and latent myofascial trigger point pain sensitivity.Objective: To assess the effects of a burst application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on cervical range of motion and pressure point sensitivity of latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs).Design: A single-session, single-blind randomized trial.Setting: General community rehabilitation clinic.Participants: Individuals (N=76; 45 men, 31 women) aged 18 to 41 years (mean ± SD, 23±4y) with latent MTrPs in 1 upper trapezius muscle.Interventions: Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: a TENS group that received a...

Pulsed radiofrequency versus conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in painful shoulder: a prospective, randomized study - can you really have the conclusion?

Clinical Rehabilitation — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 10:32:19 +0100

Authors: Peng-Fei S, Yu-Hua J, Eyigor S PMID: 21865447 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical Rehabilitation)

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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at different frequencies on heart rate variability in healthy subjects.

Autonomic Neuroscience — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, TENS modulates sympathetic and parasympathetic activity in a frequency dependent manner. PMID: 21827970 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Autonomic Neuroscience)

NICE issues clinical guideline for the management of stable angina

NeLM - Guidelines — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: NICE Area: Evidence > Guidelines The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has issued a clinical guideline for the management of patients with stable angina. Key clinical issues covered by the guideline are as follows: . Non-invasive and invasive assessments to assess functional status, underlying disease, prognosis and plan management . Education programmes for people with angina (and carers and families as appropriate) that aim to help patients understand and manage their condition. They include self care, symptom management, medication management and lifestyle interventions . Psychological interventions for symptom relief and to improve long-term outcomes . Pharmacological interventions for symptom relief and to improve long-...

Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on muscle metaboreflex in healthy young and older subjects

European Journal of Applied Physiology — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:48:26 +0100

Abstract Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) increases local blood flow. It is not known whether increase in blood flow may be caused by inhibition of sympathetic activity, mediated by muscle metaboreflex activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of TENS on metaboreflex activation and heart rate variability (HRV) in young and older individuals. Eleven healthy young (age 25 ± 1.3 years) and 11 healthy older (age 63 ± 4.2 years) were randomized to TENS (30 min, 80 Hz, 150 μs) or placebo (same protocol without electrical output) applied on the ganglion region. Frequency domain indices of HRV and hemodynamic variables were evaluated during the pressor response to static handgrip exercise at 30% ...

Nociceptive thresholds are controlled through spinal β2-subunit-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Pain — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, acetylcholine signaling through β2∗-nAChRs seems to be essential for setting nociceptive thresholds by controlling GABAergic inhibition in the spinal cord. (Source: Pain)

Comparison of post-treatment effects of conventional and acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): A randomised placebo-controlled study using cold-induced pain and healthy human participants.

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, AL-TENS but not conventional TENS prolonged post-stimulation hypoalgesia compared to placebo TENS. However, no differences between AL-TENS and conventional TENS were detected in head-to-head comparisons. PMID: 21721994 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Physiotherapy Theory and Practice)

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A Comparison of the Hypoalgesic Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Non‐invasive Interactive Neurostimulation (InterX®) on Experimentally Induced Blunt Pressure Pain Using Healthy Human Volunteers

Neuromodulation — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Given the limited power of this study, we show that there were no significant differences in hypoalgesia between non‐invasive interactive neurostimulation and TENS. Unlike our previous studies we also failed to detect a change pain threshold during TENS. Nevertheless, our findings can be used to inform the design of an appropriately powered study on pain patients. (Source: Neuromodulation)

Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TENS) for Psychogenic Movement Disorders [REGULAR ARTICLES]

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Psychogenic movement disorders (PMDs) often result in disability and diminished quality of life, yet medical therapies are presently limited and largely ineffective. On the basis of previous reports that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is helpful for certain patients with organic movement disorders, the authors studied the effects of TENS in 19 patients with PMDs, utilizing the Psychogenic Movement Disorder Rating Scale (PMDRS) as well as patient-rated assessments of PMD magnitude, persistence, and disability. The PMDRS Severity score significantly improved after a mean follow-up of 6.9 months, and short duration of PMD was found to be the only identifiable predictor of a favorable outcome. Although the tingling sensation produced by TENS makes it poorly suited for a con...

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Auricular Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Managing Posthysterectomy Pain

Anesthesiology Research and Practice — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:07:18 +0100

Conclusion. A single session of auricular TENS applied at specific therapeutic points significantly reduced resting (VAS-rest) and movement-evoked pain (VAS-huff, VAS-cough), and the effects lasted for at least 30 minutes after the stimulation. The analgesic effects of auricular TENS appeared to be point specific and could not be attributed to the placebo effect alone. However, auricular TENS did not produce any significant improvement in the performance of PEFR. (Source: Anesthesiology Research and Practice)

Microcurrent Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation in Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Study

Pain Medicine — Mon, 30 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. The pain reduction with the applied transcutaneous electrotherapy regimen is not superior to a placebo treatment. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Prevalence and Characteristics of Pain in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Compared to the Norwegian General Population

The Journal of Pain — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of pain in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to a sample from the Norwegian general population. This cross-sectional study evaluated 100 COPD patients with and without pain and 333 individuals from the Norwegian population with pain. After controlling for age and sex, a significantly higher percentage of patients with COPD (45%) reported pain than the general population (34%; P = .02). No differences were found in pain intensity scores, pain interference score, or number of pain locations between COPD patients and the general population. COPD patients reported moderate-to-severe pain located primarily in the chest, shoulders, neck, and thorax. For both groups, the most c...

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Non-invasive tools to promote spinal plasticity in humans

Clinical Neurophysiology — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Over the past two decades, a broad repertoire of noninvasive techniques have been developed that are aimed at artificially altering cortical excitability of the human brain cortex (see ). These methods are increasingly used worldwide by physiologists to help understand the implication of the simulated cortical network of interest in a certain behavior/task and by clinicians to improve functions based on the long-lasting aftereffects of such interventions. Artificially-induced cortical plasticity has been well documented in relation to motor learning and there is growing evidence that induced cortical plasticity is paralleled by changes in the excitability of the spinal neural circuitries as demonstrated after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), theta burst stimulation, tra...

Conventional versus acupuncture‐like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on cold‐induced pain in healthy human participants: effects during stimulation

Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 07:27:56 +0100

Conclusions: Unlike some previous studies, the present study detected no differences in hypoalgesia between AL‐TENS, conventional TENS and placebo (no current) TENS during stimulation. (Source: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging)

Cross‐education of muscle strength: cross‐training effects are not confined to untrained contralateral homologous muscle

Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on dominant wrist flexors causes an increase in the muscle strength of the contralateral wrist extensors. Twenty‐three healthy, young, adult men were included in this prospective, double‐blind, controlled study. Participants were randomly allocated to the EMS group or Control group. Electrodes were placed over the flexor aspect of the right forearm in both groups. In the EMS group, passive wrist extension and (EMS) that caused powerful muscle contraction were simultaneously applied. In the Control group, a conventional mode of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was applied without causing any contraction. A group effect (P=0.0001) and group‐by‐time interaction were found (P=0.0001) for both t...

The efficacy, safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of ultrasound and shock wave therapies for low back pain: a systematic review

The Spine Journal — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The available evidence does not support the effectiveness of ultrasound or shock wave for treating LBP. High-quality RCTs are needed to assess their efficacy versus appropriate sham procedures, and their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness versus other procedures shown to be effective for LBP. In the absence of such evidence, the clinical use of these forms of treatment is not justified and should be discouraged. (Source: The Spine Journal)

Hypoalgesia in Response to Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Depends on Stimulation Intensity

The Journal of Pain — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study investigated the dose response of different TENS intensities on experimentally induced pressure pain. One hundred and thirty TENS naïve healthy individuals (18–64 years old; 65 males, 65 females) were randomly allocated to 5 groups (n = 26 per group): Strong Non Painful TENS; Sensory Threshold TENS; Below Sensory Threshold TENS; No Current Placebo TENS; and Transient Placebo TENS. Active TENS (80 Hz) was applied to the forearm for 30 minutes. Transient Placebo TENS was applied for 42 seconds after which the current amplitude automatically reset to 0 mA. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were recorded from 2 points on the hand and forearm before and after TENS to measure hypoalgesia. There were significant differences between groups at both the hand and forearm (ANOVA; P = .005 a...

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Time for a paradigm shift in pain treatment: Reassessing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Pain — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In this issue of the journal, Bennett et al. raise an important question about the validity of some reviews of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) Ref. . But their question also has a broader relevance for what methodology we use to assess physical modalities in pain treatment. From their analysis of three Cochrane reviews and the 38 included trials, they found significant sources of bias in both directions. Traditional sources of bias, such as lack of/inadequate randomization, blinding, and unaccounted withdrawals/dropouts that contribute to inflating effect estimates, are familiar to most pain researchers. But their finding that low fidelity in TENS trials may confound results in a negative direction, (ie indicating lack of efficacy) is new and important. During the nineti...

Methodological quality in randomised controlled trials of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation for pain: Low fidelity may explain negative findings

Pain — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The benefits of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief have not been reliably established, as most systematic reviews find poor methodological quality in many studies. The paradox within the evidence base for TENS is that despite identified sources of bias that may lead to an overestimation of treatment effects, no benefits for TENS can be clearly demonstrated. Conventional assessments of quality assume a single direction of bias, and little work has been undertaken examining other directions of bias. Our hypothesis was that low fidelity in studies (bias leading to an underestimation of treatment effects) may account for inconclusive findings. We included 38 studies from 3 recently published Cochrane systematic reviews that examined TENS for acute, chr...

Current State of Nerve Stimulation Technique for Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Children

The Journal of Urology — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Clinical controlled trials vs sham devices and predictable variables for successful response are urgently needed to address an apparently renewed focus on the use of nerve stimulation in the treatment of pediatric lower urinary tract symptoms. (Source: The Journal of Urology)

Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the postpartum dyspareunia treatment

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Therapy with intravaginal transcutaneous nerve stimulation and pelvic floor relaxation exercises is safe and effective in the improvement of vulvar pain and dyspareunia in women with postpartum perineal trauma due to episiorrhaphy, after spontaneous delivery. (Source: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research)

Alternative headache treatments: nutraceuticals, behavioral and physical treatments.

Headache — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sun-Edelstein C, Mauskop A There is a growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of various complementary and alternative medicine approaches in the management of headache disorders. These treatment modalities include nutraceutical, physical and behavioral therapies. Nutraceutical options comprise vitamins and supplements (magnesium, riboflavin, coenzyme Q(10) , and alpha lipoic acid) and herbal preparations (feverfew, and butterbur). Although controversial, there are some reports demonstrating the benefit of recreational drugs such as marijuana, lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin in headache treatment. Behavioral treatments generally refer to cognitive behavioral therapy and biobehavioral training (biofeedback, relaxation training). Physical treatments in headach...

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Assessment of the influence of Saunders traction and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on hand grip force in patients with neck pain.

Ortopedia, Traumatologia, Rehabilitacja — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. The use of the Saunders cervical traction device produced an increase in painless hand grip strength in patients with cervical spine pain. Both treatments had a limited effect on maximum hand grip strength. <br /> <br /> <br /> PMID: 21393647 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Ortopedia, Traumatologia, Rehabilitacja)

Alternative Headache Treatments: Nutraceuticals, Behavioral and Physical Treatments

Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:23:37 +0100

There is a growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of various complementary and alternative medicine approaches in the management of headache disorders. These treatment modalities include nutraceutical, physical and behavioral therapies. Nutraceutical options comprise vitamins and supplements (magnesium, riboflavin, coenzyme Q10, and alpha lipoic acid) and herbal preparations (feverfew, and butterbur). Although controversial, there are some reports demonstrating the benefit of recreational drugs such as marijuana, lysergic acid diethylamide and psilocybin in headache treatment. Behavioral treatments generally refer to cognitive behavioral therapy and biobehavioral training (biofeedback, relaxation training). Physical treatments in headache management are not as well defined but us...

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for reduction of pruritus in macular amyloidosis and lichen simplex

The Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:29:59 +0100

AbstractLichen simplex (LS) is characterized by circumscribed, lichenified, pruritic patches that may develop on any part of the body. Macular amyloidosis (MA) is the form of primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses a pulsed electric current generated transcutaneously by a device to cause impulses to be carried along large‐diameter afferent nerves. In this article, we report the effects of TENS on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) measures and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores in patients with pruritus, in whom LS and MA were diagnosed. All patients with MA and six (75%) patients with LS had relief of their pruritus with TENS therapy. At week 2, there was a significant difference in median VAS scores between baseline in the...

Adjusting Pulse Amplitude During Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Application Produces Greater Hypoalgesia

The Journal of Pain — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a noninvasive technique used for pain modulation. During application of TENS there is a fading of current sensation. Textbooks of electrophysical agents recommend that pulse amplitude should be constantly adjusted. This seems to be accepted clinically despite the fact that there is no direct experimental evidence. The aim of the current study was to investigate the hypoalgesic effect of adjusting TENS pulse amplitude on pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) in healthy humans. Fifty-six healthy TENS naïve participants were recruited and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups (n = 14 per group): control, placebo TENS, fixed pulse amplitude TENS, and adjusted pulse amplitude TENS. Both active and placebo TENS were applied to the dominant ...

Physical therapy treatment for adhesive capsulitis: clinical evidence and clinical reasoning

British Journal of Sports Medicine — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion There is relatively little high quality evidence in favour of one modality over another for AC. Until the quality and scope of evidence improves, clinicians will continue to rely heavily on their own expertise for treatment. These results are a meaningful guide to clinical practice, and reveal a number of research questions. (Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine)

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Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Therapeutic Exercise on Quadriceps Activation in People With Tibiofemoral Osteoarthritis

The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that TENS applied in conjunction with therapeutic exercise and daily activities increases quadriceps activation in patients with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis and, while function improved for all participants, effects were greatest in the group treated with a combination of TENS and therapeutic exercises. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, level 1b–.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(1):4-12. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3447KEY WORDS: knee, OA, TENS, WOMAC (Source: The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy)

Stimulation-produced analgesia: TENS, acupuncture and alternative techniques

Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 22:31:43 +0100

Abstract: Stimulation is used to provide analgesia in many different ways, via electrical current, heat, needling or pressure. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and acupuncture are the most commonly employed stimulation-based therapies for acute and chronic pain management. Despite weak scientific evidence, clinicians use TENS in the treatment of chronic pain because of its safe application and to promote a ‘self-management’ approach by actively involving patients in their pain control. Acupuncture is a passive analgesic therapy widely used in alternative medicine. It is sometimes offered as a short-term therapy in physical rehabilitation or pain management programmes. (Source: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine)

TENS is harmful in primary writing tremor

Clinical Neurophysiology — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 05:50:27 +0100

Conclusions: TENS is not a new treatment alternative for PWT.Significance: The beneficial effect in WC and the harmful one in PWT of TENS stresses that the two disorders are likely different nosological entities. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

[Cardiac shock wave therapy - a new method for treatment of advanced coronary disease and refractory angina.]

Kardiologia Polska — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 05:10:03 +0100

Authors: Sobczak M, Kasprzak JD Despite continuous progress in pharmacological management and development of myocardial revascularisation techniques, a significant number of patients with advanced ischemic heart disease and refractory angina pectoris cannot be treated successfully. For the group of patients with chronic refractory angina therapeutic options are, however, limited. Several alternative therapies, such as transmyocardial laser revascularisation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or angiogenesis by gene or cell therapy have been clinically tested. This paper presents a new promising method, non-invasive cardiac shock wave therapy with a review of available clinical information on therapeutic potential in advanced ischemic heart disease and refractory angina treatm...

An investigation of the development of analgesic tolerance to TENS in humans

Pain — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a noninvasive modality used to control pain. Animal models show that repeated TENS application produces analgesic tolerance and cross-tolerance at spinal opioid receptors. The aim of the present investigation was to examine whether repeated application of TENS produces analgesic tolerance in humans. One hundred healthy subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: control, placebo, low-frequency (4Hz) or high-frequency (100Hz) TENS. TENS was applied daily for 5days to the nondominant upper limb; pressure-pain threshold (PPT) measurements were recorded before and after TENS. Temporal summation to mechanical stimulation was recorded on days 1 and 5, before and after TENS. Diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC) was tested ...

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Re: Randomized Trial of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation Versus Sham Efficacy in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder Syndrome: Results From the SUmiT Trial: K. M. Peters, D. J. Carrico, R. A. Perez-Marrero, A. U. Khan, L. S. Wooldridge, G. L. Davis and S. A. MacDiarmid J Urol 2010; 183: 1438–1443

The Journal of Urology — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The authors compared percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation based sham intervention, and concluded that PTNS is safe and effective for treating overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome. We welcome the publication of double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trials that evaluate novel treatments. However, we believe that that these conclusions are premature. (Source: The Journal of Urology)

Repeated application of self-adhesive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation electrodes: an assessment of skin microflora

Physiotherapy — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is used by physiotherapists throughout the world to manage acute and chronic pain . During TENS, electrical currents are generated by a portable battery-powered device and delivered through the skin using re-usable self-adhesive electrodes attached to the intact skin surface. TENS electrodes are made of knitted stainless steel fibres which form a conductive surface which is backed with polyurethane film on one side and Multistick adhesive gel on the other. The goal of TENS is to activate underlying nerves, as this has been shown to reduce transmission of pain-related information in the central nervous system. Patients can purchase TENS without prescription to self-administer treatment at home for a wide variety of pains, including wound pa...

[Therapeutic neuromodulation in primary headaches.]

Der Nervenarzt — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: May A, Jürgens TP Neuromodulatory techniques have developed rapidly in the therapeutic management of refractory headaches. Invasive procedures comprise peripheral nerve stimulation (particularly occipital nerve stimulation), vagus nerve stimulation, cervical spinal cord stimulation and hypothalamic deep brain stimulation. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation are noninvasive variants. Based on current neuroimaging, neurophysiological and clinical studies occipital nerve stimulation and hypothalamic deep brain stimulation are recommended for patients with chronic cluster headache. Less convincing evidence can be found for their use in other refractory headaches such as chronic migra...

Poster 109: What are the Benefits/Harms to the Patient (Pain, Range of Motion, Quality of Life, Function) of Noninvasive Treatments Given for Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)?

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:45:40 +0100

Conclusions: In progress. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Reduced Analgesic Effect of Acupuncture-like TENS but Not Conventional TENS in Opioid-Treated Patients

The Journal of Pain — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study shows that patients taking opioids on a regular basis are less susceptible to benefit from acupuncture-like TENS. This phenomenon is probably attributable to the fact that the analgesia induced by acupuncture-like TENS and opioids are mediated by the same receptors (ie, μ opioid receptors). (Source: The Journal of Pain)

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Will I Ever Be the Same Again? Transforming the Face of ECT (Shock Therapy)

Psych Central — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:08:36 +0100

The basis for the scientific method and in many respects for common sense lies in the gathering of data that confirms or denies a hypothesis under question. Carol A. Kivler, in her book Will I Ever Be the Same Again?: Transforming the Face of ECT (Shock Therapy) provides us with such data gathered from her own difficult and disabling experience of major depressive disorder. She offers hope to drug-resistant sufferers of depression through the story of her own successful use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In the first part of her book she tells the story of her battle against “The Beast:” of her first acute depressive episode, the trying times undergoing many failed drug treatments and her own journey of recovery through her successful use of ECT. The second part offers a...

Effects of disinhibitory transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and therapeutic exercise on sagittal plane peak knee kinematics and kinetics in people with knee osteoarthritis during gait: a randomized controlled trial.

Clinical Rehabilitation — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: TENS in conjunction with therapeutic exercise does not seem to affect peak flexion moment and angle during stance over a four-week period in participants with tibiofemoral osteoarthritis. PMID: 20713439 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Rehabilitation)

Rehabilitation: Periodic somatosensory stimulation increases arterial baroreflex sensitivity in chronic heart failure patients

International Journal of Cardiology — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We demonstrated that periodic somatosensory input alone is sufficient and efficient in increasing BRS in CHF patients. This concept constitutes a basis for studies towards more effective exercise training regimens in the diseased/impaired, in whom training aimed at BRS improvement should possibly focus more on the somatosensory aspect. (Source: International Journal of Cardiology)

Multilevel lumbar fusion and postoperative physiotherapy rehabilitation in a patient with persistent pain.

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pons T, Shipton EA There are no comparative randomised controlled trials of physiotherapy modalities for chronic low back and radicular pain associated with multilevel fusion. Physiotherapy-based rehabilitation to control pain and improve activation levels for persistent pain following multilevel fusion can be challenging. This is a case report of a 68-year-old man who was referred for physiotherapy intervention 10 months after a multilevel spinal fusion for spinal stenosis. He reported high levels of persistent postoperative pain with minimal activity as a consequence of his pain following the surgery. The physiotherapy interventions consisted of three phases of rehabilitation starting with pool exercise that progressed to land-based walking. These were all combined with tran...

Primary care randomized clinical trial: Manual therapy effectiveness in comparison with TENS in patients with neck pain

Manual Therapy — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study investigated effectiveness of manual therapy (MT) with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to reduce pain intensity in patients with mechanical neck disorder (MND). A randomized multi-centered controlled clinical trial was performed in 12 Primary Care Physiotherapy Units in Madrid Region. Ninety patients were included with diagnoses of subacute or chronic MND without neurological damage, 47 patients received MT and 43 TENS. The primary outcome was pain intensity measured in millimeters using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Also disability, quality of life, adverse effects and sociodemographic and prognosis variables were measured. Three evaluations were performed (before, when the procedure finished and six months after). Seventy-one patients (79%) completed the...

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Pulsed radiofrequency versus conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in painful shoulder: a prospective, randomized study.

Clinical Rehabilitation — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our results showed that there is no difference in effect between transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and pulsed radiofrequency treatment for shoulder pain. PMID: 20685721 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Rehabilitation)

Quantification of the Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation With Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings showed that TENS treatment significantly decreased the pain-related cortical activations caused by stimulation of the median nerve–innervated fingers up to 35 minutes after treatment. (Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation)

Nerve Stimulation Helps Control Overactive Bladder in Kids

Modern Medicine — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation appears effective for treating overactive bladder in children, according to research published in the August issue of The Journal of Urology. (Source: Modern Medicine)

A systematic review on the effectiveness of physical and rehabilitation interventions for chronic non-specific low back pain

European Spine Journal — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 21:10:56 +0100

The objective of the present study is to determine the effectiveness of physical and rehabilitation interventions (i.e. exercise therapy, back school, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), low level laser therapy, education, massage, behavioural treatment, traction, multidisciplinary treatment, lumbar supports, and heat/cold therapy) for chronic LBP. The primary search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and PEDro up to 22 December 2008. Existing Cochrane reviews for the individual interventions were screened for studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria. The search strategy outlined by the Cochrane Back Review Groups (CBRG) was followed. The following were included for selection criteria: (1) randomized controlled trials, (2) adult (≥18 years) pop...

TENS May Help Children With Overactive Bladder

Medscape Pediatrics Headlines — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:58:30 +0100

When children have overactive bladder, a course of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied to the parasacral area appears to help considerably, according to small study from Brazil. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Pediatrics Headlines)

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TENS is harmful in primary writing tremor.

Clinical Neurophysiology — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: TENS is not a new treatment alternative for PWT. SIGNIFICANCE: The beneficial effect in WC and the harmful one in PWT of TENS stresses that the two disorders are likely different nosological entities. PMID: 20634131 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Hi-TENS combined with PCA-morphine as post caesarean pain relief.

Midwifery — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: pain relief from a combination of Hi-TENS and patient-controlled analgesia with morphine was as effective as patient-controlled analgesia with morphine alone, produced less sedation and reduced morphine use by approximately 50%. Women undergoing a caesarean section should be given the opportunity to make an informed choice about post operative pain relief before surgery. A presumed benefit of this treatment combination is that the mother is more alert and better able to interact with her newborn during the first hours after birth without drowsiness due to large doses of opiates. PMID: 20615594 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Midwifery)

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Children With Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Clinical Trial

The Journal of Urology — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Purpose: We evaluated the effectiveness of parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to treat overactive bladder in children. We designed a prospective randomized trial with sham control for this evaluation.Materials and Methods: We prospectively randomized 25 girls and 12 boys with an average age of 7.6 years (range 4 to 12) into the test (active treatment) or sham (superficial scapular electrical stimulation) group. A total of 20 sessions, 20 minutes each (10 Hz) were performed 3 times weekly. The criteria used to evaluate the rate of success were 1) self-reported cure, or significant, mild or no improvement; 2) visual analogue scale (level of success 0 to 10); 3) percent improvement; 4) modified Toronto score; and 5) maximum voided volume, average voided volume and number o...

Chronic posterior tibial nerve transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to treat fecal incontinence (FI)

International Journal of Colorectal Disease — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:27:05 +0100

Conclusion TENS provides slight improvement in FI. This justifies both neurophysiology assessment and randomized controlled studies before further diffusion of the technique. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00384-010-0960-3Authors Marianne Eléouet, Gastroenterology Unit Pontchaillou University Hospital 35033 Rennes Cedex FranceLaurent Siproudhis, Gastroenterology Unit Pontchaillou University Hospital 35033 Rennes Cedex FranceNelly Guillou, Gastroenterology Unit Pontchaillou University Hospital 35033 Rennes Cedex FranceJocelyne Le Couedic, Gastroenterology Unit Pontchaillou University Hospital 35033 Rennes Cedex FranceGuillaume Bouguen, Gastroenterology Unit Pontchaillou University Hospital 35033 Rennes Cedex FranceJean François Bre...

Pain relief by applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) during unsedated colonoscopy: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

European Journal of Pain — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial was to investigate the pain-relieving effect of a new application of TENS in unsedated screening colonoscopy. Ninety patients undergoing unsedated screening colonoscopy were randomly allocated to one of three groups: a control group (n=30), a group to receive active TENS (n=30), or a group to receive placebo TENS (n=30). A visual analogue scale (VAS) and a five-point Likert scale were used to assess pain 5min into the procedure and at the end of the procedure. The patient’s bloating sensation during colonoscopy and the effect on the duration of the procedure were also evaluated. Throughout the procedure, the active TENS group experienced a VAS pain score reduction ⩾50% compared to the placebo TENS group (P (Source: ...

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The effect of long-term TENS on persistent neuroplastic changes in the human cerebral cortex

Human Brain Mapping — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The long-term effect of daily somatosensory stimulation with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on reorganization of the motor cortex was investigated in a group of neurologically intact humans. The scalp representation of the corticospinal projection to the finger (APB, ADM) and forearm (FCR, ECR) muscles was mapped by means of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) before and after a 3-week intervention period, using map area and volume, and topographical overlaps between the cortical motor representations of these muscles as primary dependent measures. Findings revealed a significant increase in cortical motor representation of all four muscles for the TENS group from pre to posttest (all, P [le] 0.026). No significant changes in cortical motor representations were obse...

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Induces Vasodilation in Healthy Controls But Not in Refractory Angina Patients

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: High-dose TENS induces forearm vasodilation in healthy subjects but not in patients with RAP. These findings suggest that TENS has different vascular effects in patients with severe coronary artery disease compared with healthy controls. (Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management)

Latest updates to the CRD databases

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:16:55 +0100

The following resources were added to the databases from the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination during the last update: Added to DARE (these records are structured abstracts for published systematic reviews and meta-analyses): Biofeedback therapy in fecal incontinence and constipation Chiropractic spinal manipulation for infant colic: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials Diagnostic testing for celiac disease among patients with abdominal symptoms: a systematic review High-dose vs non-high-dose proton pump inhibitors after endoscopic treatment in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Meta-analysis of endoscopic submucosal dissection versus endoscopic mucosal resection for tumors of the gastrointestinal tract...

Long-Term TENS Treatment Improves Tactile Sensitivity in MS Patients

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:24:47 +0100

Conclusions. The findings of this study demonstrated lasting improvements in tactile sensitivity of the fingers as a result of a long-term TENS intervention in MS patients, who ultimately reached a level comparable with that of healthy subjects. (Source: Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair)

A comparison of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) at 3 and 80 pulses per second on cold-pressor pain in healthy human participants

Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging — Mon, 31 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, strong non-painful TENS at 3 pps was superior to 80 pps at reducing experimentally induced cold-pressor pain. The implications of these findings are discussed. (Source: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging)

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Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on symptomatic diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice — Mon, 31 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: TENS therapy may be an effective and safe strategy in treatment of symptomatic DPN. Due to small sample and short-term treatment duration, large multi-centre RCTs are needed to further evaluate the long-term effect of TENS on DPN. (Source: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice)

Effects of electroacupuncture on local anaesthesia for inguinal hernia repair: a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Acupuncture in Medicine — Mon, 31 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The sample size was too small to draw any conclusions about the effect of EA on pain and other parameters following inguinal hernia surgery, but our observations suggest that future studies in this area are justified. PMID: 20615859 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Acupuncture in Medicine)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of upper cervical nerve (C2) for the treatment of somatic tinnitus.

Experimental Brain Research — Thu, 27 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The objective is to verify the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of the upper cervical nerve (C2) in the treatment of somatic tinnitus. As electrical stimulation of C2 increases activation of the DCN through the somatosensory pathway and enlarges the inhibitory role of the DCN on the central nervous system, C2 TENS can be considered for tinnitus modulation. A total of 240 patients in whom tinnitus is modulated by somatosensory events (e.g., tinnitus change with rotation, retro- and antiflexion of neck) or modulated by pressure on head or face were included in this study. Both a real and a sham TENS treatment were applied for 30 min (10 min of 6 Hz, followed by 10 min of 40 Hz and 10 min of sham). Significant tinnitus suppression was found (P < 0.001). Only 17.9% (N =...

High-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) differentially modulates sensorimotor cortices: An MEG study

Clinical Neurophysiology — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:42:31 +0100

Conclusion: High-frequency TENS to the forearm muscle modulates excitability of the limited area of motor cortex but wider area of primary somatosensory cortex.Significance: High-frequency TENS to the forearm muscle modulates excitability of the primary somatosensory cortex and motor cortex in a different manner. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

Assessment: efficacy of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in the treatment of pain in neurologic disorders (an evidence-based review); utility of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in neurologic pain disorders

Neurology — Mon, 24 May 2010 20:01:14 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for phantom pain and stump pain following amputation in adults.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews — Sun, 16 May 2010 06:39:04 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: There were no RCTs on which to judge the effectiveness of TENS for the management of phantom pain and stump pain. The published literature on TENS for phantom pain and stump pain lacks the methodological rigour and robust reporting needed to confidently assess its effectiveness. Further RCT evidence is required before such a judgement can be made. PMID: 20464749 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

10. Thoracic Pain

Pain Practice — Tue, 11 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Approximately 5% of the patients referred to outpatient pain clinics suffer thoracic pain. Thoracic pain in this article is limited to thoracic radicular pain and pain originating from the thoracic facet joints. Thoracic radicular pain is characterized by radiating pain in the localized area of a nervus intercostalis. The diagnosis of thoracic facet pain should be considered if the patient complains of paravertebral pain that is aggravated by prolonged standing, hyperextension, or rotation of the thoracic spinal column. Based on the analyses of the results in the literature combined with experience in pain management, symptoms, assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment possibilities of thoracic radicular pain and thoracic facet pain are described and discussed. Conservative treatme...

Short-duration transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery

Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:18:54 +0100

FUNDAMENTO: A força muscular respiratória tem sido relacionada com a evolução no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca. A estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) tem como principal finalidade terapêutica documentada a redução da dor; beneficio esse que poderia produzir benefícios secundários na força muscular respiratória e, consequentemente, nos volumes e capacidades pulmonares. OBJETIVOS: O presente trabalho procurou avaliar a efetividade da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) de curta duração para redução da dor e possíveis interferências e na força muscular respiratória, volumes e capacidade pulmonar em pacientes no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Vinte e cinco pacientes com idade média de 59,9±10,3 anos, sendo 72% h...

Atrial septal defect closure on cardiopulmonary bypass in a sickle cell anemia: role of hydroxyurea and partial exchange transfusion.

Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gosavi KS, Dash SK, Shah BN, Upasani CB Partial exchange transfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass, while conducting cardiac surgery may be a useful technique in patients with high level of sickle hemoglobin. Along with this preoperative use of hydroxyurea and alternative analgesic modalities such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in postoperative period may be beneficial, in our opinion. A 16-year-old female of Turner's syndrome having sickle cell anemia scheduled for closure of arterial septal defect on cardiopulmonary bypass was managed with partial exchange transfusion and warm cardioplegia. PMID: 20442545 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia)

Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation in bruxism associated with masticatory muscle pain - A comparative study

Table of Contents : Indian Journal of Dental Research : 2006 - 17(3) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:20:42 +0100

Conclusion : MENS could be used as an effective pain-relieving adjunct to TENS in the treatment of masticatory muscle pain due to bruxism. (Source: Table of Contents : Indian Journal of Dental Research : 2006 - 17(3))

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The use of electrothermal and phototherapeutic methods for the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: a systematic review

Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:30:57 +0100

CONCLUSION: There are still limitations on the generalization of the results, adverse reactions and doses of the FMS treatment. Further studies are needed to establish the effectiveness of electrothermal and phototherapy in treating FMS. (Source: Revista Brasileira de Fisioterapia)

Are intra-articular corticosteroid injections better than conventional TENS in treatment of rotator cuff tendinitis in the short run? A randomized study.

European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Intra-articular injection of corticosteroid and conventional TENS are efficient in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinitis. When two treatments are compared, it may be concluded that intra-articular steroid injection was more effective especially in the first weeks regarding pain, ROM and disability. Otherwise, use of TENS allow to patients to increase activity level, improve function and quality of life like that in our study. TENS, as it is cheaper, non-invasive, more easily performed and efficient, may be preferable for the treatment of shoulder pain. Further studies are needed to include these results in the prospective treatment guidelines. PMID: 20386521 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine)

455 effectiveness of auricular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for post-hysterectomy pain

European Journal of Pain Supplements — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: European Journal of Pain Supplements)

Influence of pain reduction by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on somatosensory functions in patients with painful traumatic peripheral partial nerve injury

European Journal of Pain — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Following peripheral nerve injury sensory loss is taken as a sign of denervation. However, based on reports of improved sensitivity following relief of pain it has been suggested that a functional block produced by the activity in the nociceptive system itself may be responsible for at least part of the sensory aberrations. The aim was to examine if pain reduction by high-frequency TENS influenced somatosensory functions in patients with long-term unilateral painful traumatic peripheral partial nerve injury. Eighteen patients with spontaneous ongoing pain and a touch sensation in the innervation territory of the injured nervous structure of at least 5 on an intensity 11-point Likert rating scale compared with contralaterally, participated. Before and following 80Hz TENS with a st...

Conservative Nonsurgical Management of Spina Bifida

Current Urology Reports — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:08:21 +0100

Abstract The nonsurgical management of patients with spina bifida is predicated on maintaining a compliant bladder of adequate size or correcting detrusor sphincter dyssynergy that can lead to progressive bladder damage and ultimately upper tract changes. Pharmacologic management, targeted at the detrusor and/or external sphincter, can be done. Neuromodulation using transcutaneous approaches with interferential electrostimulation, sacral (S2–S3) via digital transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation all have shown varied successes. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11934-010-0096-6Authors Michael C. Carr, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Division of Urology Wood Center, 3rd Floor, 34th Street and Civic Center B...

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The use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief in labour: a review of the evidence.

Midwifery — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: there is only limited evidence that TENS reduces pain in labour and it does not seem to have any impact on other outcomes for mothers or infants. The use of TENS at home in early labour has not been evaluated. Although the guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommend that TENS should not be offered to women in labour, women appear to be choosing it and midwives are supporting them in their choice. Given the absence of adverse effects and the limited evidence base, it seems unreasonable to deny women that choice. More robust studies of effectiveness are needed. PMID: 20170995 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Midwifery)

Immediate effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury.

Clinical Rehabilitation — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study showed that a single session of TENS could immediately reduce spasticity. PMID: 20156983 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Rehabilitation)

High-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) differentially modulates sensorimotor cortices: An MEG study.

Clinical Neurophysiology — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: High-frequency TENS to the forearm muscle modulates excitability of the limited area of motor cortex but wider area of primary somatosensory cortex. SIGNIFICANCE: High-frequency TENS to the forearm muscle modulates excitability of the primary somatosensory cortex and motor cortex in a different manner. PMID: 20149725 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

A New Combination Cream for the Treatment of Severe Neuropathic Pain

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Neuropathic pain may be quite resistant to drug treatment. In the case of intractable pain, rational polypharmacy is now well established. The treatment of patients suffering from neuropathic pain with rational polytherapy seems to have the highest likelihood of success. A variety of treatment modalities, such as percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), can be administered together with drugs, potentially allowing use of lower and better-tolerated doses. The same outcome may be possible with the use of topical therapies. The following case did not respond well to our rational polytherapy until a novel combination topical cream, consisting of isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) 0.4%, capsaicin 0.075%, and lidocaine 3%, was added. (Sourc...

Is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation effective in relieving postoperative pain after thoracotomy? [Best evidence topic - Thoracic non-oncologic]

Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:13:42 +0100

A best evidence topic was constructed according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is effective in reducing post-thoracotomy pain. Of the 74 papers found with a report search, nine prospective randomized controlled trials (RCT), among which three were double-blind, presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. All investigated the effect of TENS as an adjunct therapy for relieving acute post-thoracotomy pain in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, study type, group studied, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are given. We conclude that a vast majority – seven of the nine retrieved studies – were in favor of TEN...

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The Effects of Concentric Ring Electrode Electrical Stimulation on Rat Skin.

Annals of Biomedical Engineering — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we quantitatively analyzed the effects of acute noninvasive electrical stimulation from concentric ring electrodes (CRE) to determine the maximum safe current limit. We developed a three-dimensional multi-layer model and calculated the temperature profile under the CRE and the corresponding energy density with electrical-thermal coupled field analysis. Infrared thermography was used to measure skin temperature during electrical stimulation to verify the computer simulations. We also performed histological analysis to study cell morphology and characterize any resulting tissue damage. The simulation results are accurate for low energy density distributions. It can also be concluded that as long as the specified energy density applied is kept below 0.92 (A(2)/cm(4).s(-1)), the...

Prevention of Venous Stasis in the Lower Limb by Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study aims to investigate the effects of thromboprophylactic transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TpTENS) of the peroneal nerve on venous blood flow in the limbs of volunteers. TpTENS might be considered for use in preventing venous stasis during surgical treatment.Methods: In 10 volunteers, peak venous velocity (PV) and flow volume (FV) in the popliteal vein were measured using duplex ultrasonography during calf-muscle stimulation. The effects of TpTENS of the peroneal nerve were compared with those of other mechanical methods, including electrical muscle stimulation, intermittent pneumatic compression, active ankle motion and calf squeeze, used to prevent venous stasis and achieve thromboprophylaxis.Results: TpTENS had similar effects on popliteal vein blood flow in comparis...

Prevention of Venous Stasis in the Lower Limb by Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.

PubMed: Eur J Vasc Endovasc ... — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: TpTENS is as effective as other electrical and mechanical methods of calf-muscle pump activation in achieving acceleration of venous flow in the lower limb. PMID: 20080421 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: PubMed: Eur J Vasc Endovasc ...)

Comparison of Four Evaluation Approaches in Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Treatment in Two Incomplete Tetraplegic Subjects

Neuromodulation — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. From the comparison of four evaluation methods, it is evident that different assessments and measurements should be used in order to get better picture of patient's upper extremity impairment. (Source: Neuromodulation)

Utility of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in neurologic pain disorders

Neurology — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:02:04 +0100

(Source: Neurology)

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Sacral Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Idiopathic Faecal Incontinence

Colorectal Disease — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Colorectal Disease)

TENS Gets Thumbs Down as Back Pain Treatment

WebMD Health — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100

New guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology recommend against the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the treatment of chronic low-back pain. (Source: WebMD Health)

Choice of treatment modalities was not influenced by pain, severity or co-morbidity in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Physiotherapy Research International — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Factors related to patient characteristics, such as pain severity and co-morbidity, did not seem to explain variation in treatment modalities for patients with knee OA. Variation was associated with the following factors: physiotherapists having Internet access at work, physiotherapists having searched databases for the last six months and the gender of the therapist. There is a need for more studies of determinants for physiotherapy practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Physiotherapy Research International)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the management of tennis elbow: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN 87141084)

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study aims to assess the effectiveness, in terms of pain relief, and cost-effectiveness of a self-management package of treatment that includes TENS. Methods: The design of the study will be a two-group pragmatic randomized clinical trial. 240 participants aged 18 years and over with tennis elbow will be recruited from 20-30 GP practices in Staffordshire, UK. Participants are to be randomized on a 1:1 basis to receive either primary care management (standard GP consultation, medication, advice and education) or primary care management with the addition of TENS, over 6 weeks. Our primary outcome measure is average intensity of elbow pain in the past 24 hours (0-10 point numerical rating scale) at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes include pain and limitation of function, global assessment of ...

High-frequency, high-intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation as treatment of pain after surgical abortion

Pain — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The aim of the study was to compare the pain-relieving effect and the time spent in the recovery ward after treatment with high-frequency, high-intensity transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or intravenous (IV) conventional pharmacological treatment after surgical abortion. Two-hundred women who underwent surgical abortion and postoperatively reported a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score⩾3 were included. The patients were randomised to TENS or conventional pharmacological treatment for their postoperative pain. The TENS treatment was given with a stimulus intensity between 20 and 60mA during 1min and repeated once if insufficient pain relief (VAS⩾3). In the conventional pharmacological treatment group, a maximum dose of 100μg fentanyl was given IV. There wa...

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Quadriceps Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition: Neural Mechanisms and Treatment Perspectives

Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: AMI remains a significant barrier to effective rehabilitation in patients with arthritis and following knee injury and surgery. Gaining a better understanding of AMI's underlying mechanisms will allow the development of improved therapeutic strategies, enhancing the rehabilitation of patients with knee joint pathology. (Source: Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism)

What's the best approach to acute low back pain?

The Journal of Family Practice — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bach SM, Holten KB GRADE A RECOMMENDATIONS (based on good-quality patient-oriented evidence): Advise patients to stay active and continue ordinary activity within the limits permitted by pain, avoid bed rest, and return to work early, which is associated with less disability. Consider McKenzie exercises, which are helpful for pain radiating below the knee. Recommend acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if medication is necessary. COX-2 inhibitors, muscle relaxants, and opiate analgesics have not been shown to be more effective than NSAIDs for acute low back pain. Consider imaging if patients have no improvement after 6 weeks, although diagnostic tests or imaging is not usually required. GRADE B RECOMMENDATIONS (based on inconsistent or limited-quality...

Cholecystokinin receptors mediate tolerance to the analgesic effect of TENS in arthritic rats

Pain — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a treatment for pain that involves placement of electrical stimulation through the skin for pain relief. Previous work from our laboratory shows that repeated application of TENS produces analgesic tolerance by the fourth day and a concomitant cross-tolerance at spinal opioid receptors. Prior pharmacological studies show that blockade of cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors systemically and spinally prevents the development of analgesic tolerance to repeated doses of opioid agonists. We therefore hypothesized that systemic and intrathecal blockade of CCK receptors would prevent the development of analgesic tolerance to TENS, and cross-tolerance at spinal opioid receptors. In animals with knee joint inflammation (3% kaolin/carrageen...

A New Transient Sham TENS Device Allows for Investigator Blinding While Delivering a True Placebo Treatment

The Journal of Pain — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study compared a new transient sham transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) that delivers current for 45 seconds to an inactive sham and active TENS to determine the degree of blinding and influence on pain reduction. Pressure-pain thresholds (PPT), heat-pain thresholds (HPT), and pain intensities to tonic heat and pressure were measured in 69 healthy adults before and after randomization. Allocation investigators and subjects were asked to identify the treatment administered. The transient sham blinded investigators 100% of the time and 40% of subjects compared to the inactive sham that blinded investigators 0% of the time and 21% of subjects. Investigators and subjects were blinded only 7% and 13% of the time, respectively, with active TENS. Neither placebo treatment resu...

Neurostimulation therapy (acupuncture-like) and long-term depression: A challenge for the clinical neurophysiologist

Clinical Neurophysiology — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:35:29 +0100

Neurostimulation therapy is nowadays increasingly being used in several conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, obsessive–compulsive disorder and refractory pain. Particularly in pain, neurostimulation has a long story. Derived from folk tradition, the notion that rubbing the skin over a painful area relieves pain found scientific support in the ‘gate-control theory’, proposed by . Since then, the use of electrical stimulations for pain relief has spread worldwide, with many different techniques and labels – the most well known being transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). A quick search of electronic databases reveals that over 1000 published studies have been dealing with some form of TENS for pain relief. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

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Short-term efficacy of physical interventions in osteoarthritic knee pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials

NeLM - Complementary Medicine — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: DARE Area: Evidence > Complementary Medicine CRD Summary: The review assessed the efficacy of physical therapy in short-term pain management of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The authors' conclusions that electro-acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and low level laser therapy offer clinically meaningful effects, are not fully supported by the evidence presented. Given this, and limitations of the review methodology, the reliability of their conclusions is unclear. CRD Commentary: The review addressed a clearly defined question. Study design, patient, intervention and outcome inclusion criteria were all clearly stated, reducing the likelihood of subjective decisions being made during the study selection process. The search strategy covered many e...

Novel Approach for Peripheral Subcutaneous Field Stimulation for the Treatment of Severe, Chronic Knee Joint Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Neuromodulation — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Introduction of a peripheral subcutaneous field stimulation directly to the painful knee area is a novel and simple procedure that was extremely effective for the relief of pain and may provide a breakthrough in the treatment of chronic intractable knee pain following total knee arthroplasty. The periarticular approach has several advantages, including only small incisions over the lateral and medial knee, proximal thigh and abdomen resulting in minimal strain on the lead array with flexion and extension contributing to overall stability of this system. (Source: Neuromodulation)

Notalgia paresthesica successfully treated with narrow-band UVB: report of five cases

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Given the benefits achieved, we stress the interest of UVB narrow-band as a safe and well tolerated alternative treatment for notalgia paresthetica. (Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology)

Analgesic effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): Implications for acupuncture?

European Journal of Integrative Medicine — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:55:21 +0100

Discussion: In line with neurophysiological theories, considerable TENS effects were shown using the standard experimental pain paradigm of placebo research SETT. The results support the role of DNIC and gate control in TENS and acupuncture like TENS-induced analgesic effects. (Source: European Journal of Integrative Medicine)

Does the use of TENS increase the effectiveness of exercise for improving walking after stroke? A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Clinical Rehabilitation — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: TENS can improve the effectiveness of task-related exercise for increasing walking capacity in hemiparetic stroke survivors. PMID: 19906763 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Rehabilitation)

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Feasibility Study of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Cancer Bone Pain

The Journal of Pain — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study examined the feasibility of evaluating TENS in patients with cancer bone pain in order to optimize methods before a phase III trial. (Source: The Journal of Pain)

Editorial Comment

The Journal of Urology — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This report concerns the prospective study of transcutaneous parasacral electrical stimulation to treat symptoms of overactive bladder in children. The significance of the article is that it is a long-term study from a series first published in 2006. The parasacral cutaneous pads and use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at 10 Hz 3 times weekly for 20 minutes for a maximum of 20 sessions is significantly less onerous than previously published studies. (Source: The Journal of Urology)

Paramedical treatment in primary dystonia: A systematic review

Movement Disorders — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Dystonia is a disabling movement disorder with a significant impact on quality of life. The current therapeutic armamentarium includes various drugs, botulinum toxin injections, and occasionally (neuro)surgery. In addition, many patients are referred for paramedical (including allied health care) interventions. An enormous variation in the paramedical treatment is provided, largely because evidence-based, accepted treatment regimes are not available. We have conducted a systematic review of studies that explored the effect of various paramedical interventions in primary dystonia. Only studies that have used clinical outcome measures were included. There were no class A1 or A2 studies and therefore, level 1 or 2 practice recommendations for a specific intervention could not be deducted. Man...

Successful Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Two Women with Restless Genital Syndrome: The Role of Aδ- and C-Nerve Fibers

The Journal of Sexual Medicine — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Conventional TENS treatment is a promising therapy for ReGS, but further controlled research is warranted. Preorgasmic and orgasmic genital sensations in ReGS are transmitted by A[delta] and C fibers and are inhibited by A[beta] fibers. A neurological hypothesis on the pathophysiology of ReGS encompassing its clinical symptomatology, TENS, and drug treatment is put forward. Waldinger MD, Lint GJ, Venema PL, van Gils AP, and Schweitzer DH. Successful transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in two women with restless genital syndrome: The role of A[delta]- and C-nerve fibers. J Sex Med **;**:**[ndash]**. (Source: The Journal of Sexual Medicine)

An Investigation Into the Effects of Frequency-Modulated Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on Experimentally-Induced Pressure Pain in Healthy Human Participants

The Journal of Pain — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study compared the effects of constant-frequency TENS and frequency-modulated TENS on blunt pressure pain in healthy human volunteers. Thirty-six participants received constant-frequency TENS (80 pps), frequency-modulated TENS (20 to 100 pps), and placebo (no current) TENS at a strong nonpainful intensity in a randomized cross-over manner. Pain threshold was taken from the forearm using pressure algometry. There were no statistical differences between constant-frequency TENS and frequency-modulated TENS after 20 minutes (OR = 1.54; CI, 0.29, 8.23, P = 1.0). Both constant-frequency TENS and frequency-modulated TENS were superior to placebo TENS (OR = 59.5, P < .001 and OR = 38.5, P < .001, respectively). Frequency-modulated TENS does not influence hypoalgesia to any greater extent than...

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Comparison of Continuous and Intermittent Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Postoperative Pain Management after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Prospective Study.

The Heart Surgery Forum — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: CTENS and ITENS after median sternotomy for CABG decreased pain and reduced narcotic requirements more than in the PTENS and control treatments during first postoperative 24 hours. Neither CTENS nor ITENS is superior to the other in decreasing pain; however, CTENS leads to a greater reduction in the narcotic requirement than ITENS. PMID: 19833593 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Heart Surgery Forum)

Electrical Nerve Stimulation May be Effective Complement to the Pharmacological Management of Neuropathic Pain

Diabetes News from dLife.com — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This article is published in JRRD, Volume 46, Issue1, a special issue dedicated to managing pain after spinal cord injury. (Source: Diabetes News from dLife.com)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for treatment of spinal cord injury neuropathic pain.

J Rehabil Res Dev — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:48:03 +0100

In conclusion, TENS merits consideration as a com plementary treatment in patients with SCI and neuropathic pain. PMID: 19533522 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: J Rehabil Res Dev)

A comparison of the analgesic efficacy of medium-frequency alternating current and TENS

Physiotherapy — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: BMAC is as effective as TENS in increasing cold pain thresholds in healthy subjects. Since BMAC has been shown to be more comfortable than TENS in previous studies and is likely to be better accepted and tolerated by patients, clinical investigation is warranted. (Source: Physiotherapy)

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Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Primary Dysmenorrhea

Neuromodulation — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. This result supports that women in our country who suffer from primary dysmenorrhea could benefit by using TENS, which is consistent with the previous studies. In addition to pain-relieving effects, relief of the autonomic symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea also indicated that the mechanism of TENS might be different from the placebo effect of the sham TENS stimulation. These findings indicate the immediate effects of TENS in women with primary dysmenorrheal. (Source: Neuromodulation)

An Investigation Into the Hypoalgesic Effects of High- and Low-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on Experimentally-Induced Blunt Pressure Pain in Healthy Human Participants

The Journal of Pain — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, strong nonpainful TENS at 80 pps was superior to 3 pps at increasing pressure-pain threshold in healthy volunteers. We recommend a follow-up study using pain patients.Perspective: This study provides evidence that high frequency TENS at 80 pulses per second increases pain threshold to pressure algometry in healthy participants over and above that seen with low frequency TENS at 3 pulses per second when a strong nonpainful TENS sensation is experienced within the site of experimental pain. (Source: The Journal of Pain)

[Anti-inflammatory and analgesic electrotherapy : Evidence in rheumatology?]

Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The objective of this article is an assessment of the evidence on antiinflammatory and analgesic current in rheumatology. Three trials on the effects of TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) with RA-patients (rheumatoid arthritis) showed good analgesic effect, while one study on EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) demonstrated a benefit in muscle strength and function. No anti-inflammatory effect could be verified. The overall validity is limited due to the small number of studies and the methodical quality of the analyzed trials. PMID: 19657663 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and transcutaneous spinal electroanalgesia: A preliminary efficacy and mechanisms-based investigation

Physiotherapy — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Objectives: To determine the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and transcutaneous spinal electroanalgesia (TSE) on mechanical pain threshold (MPT) and vibration threshold (VT).Design: A prospective, single-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.Setting: Laboratory based.Participants: Thirty-four healthy volunteers (12 men and 22 women; mean age±standard deviation 30±8 years). Exclusion criteria were conditions affecting upper limb sensation and contraindications to electrical stimulation.Interventions: Participants were allocated at random to receive TENS (n=8), TSE (n=8), placebo (n=9) or control (n=9). Electrical stimulation was applied for 30minutes (from time 18minutes to 48minutes) via electrodes (5cm×5cm) placed centrally above and below ...

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Continuing Education in Anaesthesia, Critical Care — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Continuing Education in Anaesthesia, Critical Care)

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Inexpensive TENS Unit Can Ease Labor Pain

Health Behavior News Service — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:58:52 +0100

05/14/2009, Cochrane Library, There are many ways to deal with the pain of giving birth, but women and their obstetricians can always benefit from having another choice. A Cochrane review has concluded that women in labor should have the option of using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) - a non-drug method of pain management. (Source: Health Behavior News Service)

Physiotherapy and cardiac rhythm devices: a review of the current scope of practice

Europace — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion There are no specific international policies regarding the administration of physiotherapy modalities in CRD patients and, thus, there are no specific guidelines to be implemented at the local level. Review of the literature and of recommendations from CRD manufacturers suggests that TENS, Diathermy, and Interferential Electrical Current Therapy are best avoided in patients with CRDs. However, there is no consensus and it may be possible to safely deliver these modalities in a proper setting with device and patient monitoring. Although further research is required in this regard, active collaboration between physiotherapists and CRD clinic physicians should allow for the safe application of most physiotherapy modalities. (Source: Europace)

[Value of galvanotherapy for localised prostate cancer.]

Der Urologe. Ausg. A — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Arsov C, Winter C, Albers P In recent years electrotherapy has become an accepted treatment option in several medical subfields such as defibrillation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, electroconvulsive shock treatment (ECT) in conjunction with antidepressant therapy, pain management and physical therapy [transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), diathermia, Stanger bath therapy, etc.]. In recent years several groups, especially from Asia, have investigated the therapeutic effect of electricity in the treatment of malignant tumours. They determined basic principles of electrotherapy and developed different theories of tumour destruction. They postulated a multifactorial tissue effect of continuous current based on tumour cell necrosis due to pH shifting and alter...

Facilitating comfort for hospitalized patients using non-pharmacological measures: Preliminary development of clinical practice guidelines

International Journal of Nursing Practice — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Williams AM, Davies A and Griffiths G. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2009; 15: 145[ndash]155Facilitating comfort for hospitalized patient using non-pharmacological measures: Preliminary development of clinical practice guidelines Nurses often use non-pharmacological measures to facilitate comfort for patients within the hospital setting. However, guidelines for use of these measures are commonly inadequate or absent. This paper presents 12 clinical practice guidelines that were developed from the findings of a literature review into non-pharmacological measures that are thought to facilitate patient comfort. The non-pharmacological measures addressed in these guidelines are: Aromotherapy, Distraction, Guided Imagery, Laughter, Massage, Music, Reiki, Heat or Cold, Meditation, Re...

Could acupuncture needle sensation be a predictor of analgesic response?

Acupuncture in Medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We describe how our approach to establish criteria to determine adequacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation interventions in clinical trials has been used to inform our search for markers of adequacy of procedural technique for acupuncture. We describe previous research which has focused on developing tools to capture the nature of the descriptors used by patients when they self-report needle sensation and reveal that little attention has been given to its role in outcome. We demonstrate that needle sensation is a complex phenomenon with subjects using multiple descriptors to report their experience. We argue that the intensity of the overall experience of needle sensation may prove useful as a gross marker of the adequacy of acupuncture. We briefly describe our research which ...

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Immediate Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Focal Knee Joint Cooling on Quadriceps Activation.

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise — Sun, 24 May 2009 08:26:13 +0100

Page: 1175DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181982557Authors: PIETROSIMONE, BRIAN G. 1; HART, JOSEPH M. 2; SALIBA, SUSAN A. 1; HERTEL, JAY 1; INGERSOLL, CHRISTOPHER D. 1 (Source: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise)

Inexpensive TENS Unit Can Ease Labor Pain

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 15 May 2009 09:00:00 +0100

There are many ways to deal with the pain of giving birth, but women and their obstetricians can always benefit from having another choice. A Cochrane review has concluded that women in labor should have the option of using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) a non-drug method of pain management. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

An Investigation of the Hypoalgesic Effects of TENS Delivered by a Glove Electrode

The Journal of Pain — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study presents a comparison of the hypoalgesic effects of 2 different types of TENS electrode, a novel glove electrode and standard self-adhesive rectangular electrodes. The glove electrode provides a larger contact area with the skin, thereby stimulating a greater number of nerve fibers. The results show that both electrodes have similar hypoalgesic effects and therefore give the clinician another choice in electrode. (Source: The Journal of Pain)

TENS and FES for sensory impairment and gait dysfunction following removal of spinal cord ependymoma - a case report

Physiotherapy Research International — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. The use of TENS as a sensory stimulus was an invaluable component of this patient's treatment, allowing her to engage in a more challenging balance and gait programme at an earlier stage in her rehabilitation. Combining FES with TENS was also useful and allowed treatment to address motor and sensory impairments concurrently during functional activity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (Source: Physiotherapy Research International)

Inhibition of Cortical Laser-Evoked Potentials by Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Neuromodulation — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Our data suggest that TENS inhibits nociceptive processing. Ten minutes of TENS exerts a clinically relevant pain reduction. (Source: Neuromodulation)

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A preliminary investigation into the effect of coffee on hypolagesia associated with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive, inexpensive analgesic technique used to relieve pain. It has been suggested that caffeine, an adenosine antagonist, may interfere with TENS action. This double-blind controlled pilot study investigated the effect of coffee on response to TENS in healthy human participants experiencing experimentally induced pain. Twelve participants (7 female, age range = 20[ndash]41 years) took part in two experiments separated by 24 h. Each experiment lasted 80 min and consisted of 3 × 15 min cycles: pre-TENS, during TENS predrink and during TENS postdrink [coffee (100 mg caffeine) or decaffeinated coffee randomized across experiments]. During each cycle, thresholds for electrical (EPT), mechanical (MPT) and cold pressor (CPT) pain we...

A Cochrane Systematic Review of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Cancer Pain

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Cancer-related pain is complex and multi-dimensional; yet, the mainstay of cancer pain management has been the biomedical approach. There is a need for nonpharmacological and innovative pain management strategies. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may have a role. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness of TENS for cancer-related pain in adults. The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, AMED, and PEDro databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of TENS for the management of cancer-related pain in adults. Once relevant studies were identified, two pairs of reviewers assessed eligibility for inclusion in the review based on a study eligibility form and using the 5-point Oxford Q...

UninTENSional pacemaker interactions with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Europace — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Europace)

Interference of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with permanent ventricular stimulation: a new clinical problem?

Europace — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation frequently induces inhibition of the PM function already at the clinically set ventricular sensitivity. Therefore, individual testing is warranted before TENS treatment is considered in patients with a PM. A test protocol for TENS and PM interaction is proposed. (Source: Europace)

Role of health care professionals in multidisciplinary pain treatment facilities in Canada.

Pain Research and Management — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 04:34:27 +0100

CONCLUSION: Different health care professionals play a variety of important roles in MPTF in Canada. However, few of them are involved on a full-time basis and the extent to which pain is assessed and treated in a truly multidisciplinary manner is questionable. PMID: 19225605 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Pain Research and Management)

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Use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Pectoralis Major Tendon Repair.

Techniques in Shoulder & Elbow Surgery — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:33:44 +0100

Page: 1DOI: 10.1097/BTE.0b013e31818ff72eAuthors: Gwinn, David E. MD; Wilson, Kevin MD; Sracic, Michael K. MD; Hebert, Daniel J. MD (Source: Techniques in Shoulder & Elbow Surgery)

The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on postmastectomy skin flap necrosis

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 06:52:43 +0100

This study aimed to delineate the effects of TENS on the viability of skin flaps created during mastectomy in breast cancer patients. Patients treated with modified radical mastectomy were prospectively randomized to receive either TENS or no further local treatment postoperatively. High frequency (70 Hz) and low intensity (2 mA) TENS was applied and areas of flap ecchymosis and necrosis were measured after the completion of TENS application and compared between the two groups. Patients were also compared according to age, comorbid diseases, duration of anesthesia, flap area, amount of wound drainage and seroma, presence of wound infection and abscess. In addition, local and systemic complications related to TENS were recorded. About 173 patients with a median age of 49 (ra...

A pilot study on using acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to treat chronic non-specific low back pain.

Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:02:20 +0100

CONCLUSION: Combined acupuncture and TENS treatment is effective in pain relief and QOL of low back improvement for the sampled patients suffering from chronic LBP. PMID: 19161950 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice)

The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of lichen simplex: a prospective study.

Clinical And Experimental Dermatology — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. From our clinical observation, we suggest that TENS may prove to be a useful and well-tolerated treatment modality for the treatment of pruritus in patients with LS. PMID: 19175614 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical And Experimental Dermatology)

Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for treatment of hyperalgesia and pain

Current Rheumatology Reports — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:12:24 +0100

Abstract Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a nonpharmacologic treatment for pain relief. TENS has been used to treat a variety of painful conditions. This review updates the basic and clinical science regarding the use of TENS that has been published in the past 3 years (ie, 2005–2008). Basic science studies using animal models of inflammation show changes in the peripheral nervous system, as well as in the spinal cord and descending inhibitory pathways, in response to TENS. Translational studies show mechanisms to prevent analgesic tolerance to repeated application of TENS. This review also highlights data from recent randomized, placebo-controlled trials and current systematic reviews. Clinical trials suggest that adequate dosing, particularly inten...

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Control of acute postoperative pain by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation after open cardiac operations: a randomized placebo-controlled prospective study.

The Heart Surgery Forum — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:17:39 +0100

Conclusions: TENS was more effective than placebo TENS or control treatments in decreasing pain and limiting opioid and nonopioid medication intake during the first 24-hour period following MS. PMID: 18948245 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The Heart Surgery Forum)

Letter to Editor: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for cancer bone pain.

Palliative Medicine — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Searle RD, Bennett MI, Johnson MI, Callin S, Radford H PMID: 18772212 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Palliative Medicine)

Investigating the safety of electroacupuncture with a PicoscopeTM.

Acupuncture in Medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Thompson JW, Cummings M Our wish to know more about the paths taken by electrical currents in electroacupuncture (EA) with special reference to the heart, particularly in patients with an implanted pacemaker, prompted us to undertake this study. Using ourselves as subjects, we have developed a safe oscillographic method to detect, visualise and record the EA currents that avoids the use of equipment requiring mains electricity. After two trials with unsatisfactory equipment, we found that the newly developed model 3425 PicoScopeTM (Pico Technology Ltd), with a four channel differential amplifier input connected to a laptop PC operating in battery mode, satisfied our criteria. With this recording system, we carried out two sets of experiments in which EA was provided by a Cefar...

Investigating the safety of electroacupuncture with a Picoscope.

Acupuncture in Medicine — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100