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Alfredo PP, Johnson MI, Bjordal JM, Santos ATS, Peres GB, Junior WS, Casarotto RA. Efficacy of diadynamic currents as an adjunct to exercise to manage symptoms of knee osteoarthritis in adults: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Clin Rehabil 2024; 38:920-931. [PMID: 38533579 DOI: 10.1177/02692155241236611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of diadynamic currents administered prior to exercises on pain and disability in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. DESIGN A randomized-controlled trial. SETTING Special Rehabilitation Services in Taboão da Serra. PARTICIPANTS Patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. INTERVENTION Participants were randomly allocated to Group I (diadynamic currents and exercises; n = 30, 60 knees) or Group II (exercises alone; n = 30, 60 knees) and were treated three times a week for 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measures were change in knee pain evaluated by visual analog scale and disability Index Score (Lequesne). Secondary outcomes included change in mobility (Timed Up and Go test), range of motion (goniometer), muscle strength (dynamometer), a composite score for pain and disability (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis questionnaire), and a drug diary to measure consumption of rescue pain medication (paracetamol). All measurements were collected at baseline, 8 weeks, and 6 months from baseline (follow-up). RESULTS There were 60 participants with a mean (SD) age of 63.40 (8.20) years. Between-group differences in the follow-up (8 weeks and 6 months) were observed for pain at rest, pain during activities of daily living and disability. There was improvement in Group I that was maintained for the three variables 6 months after treatment. Mean difference for pain at rest was -3.08 points (95% confidence interval -4.13; -2.02), p < 0.01 with an effect size of 1.4; mean difference for pain during activities of daily living was -2.40 points (95% confidence interval -3.34; -1.45), p < 0.01 with an effect size of 1.24; and mean difference for disability was -4.08 points (95% confidence interval -5.89; -2.26), p < 0.01 with an effect size of 1.04. CONCLUSION Patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis receiving 8 weeks of treatment with diadynamic currents as an adjunct to a program of exercises had significantly greater improvements in pain and disability than those receiving exercises alone. Beneficial effects were sustained for 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Pereira Alfredo
- Department of Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mark I Johnson
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Health, Portland Building, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Jan Magnus Bjordal
- School of Health and Social Science, Institute of Physical Therapy, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway
| | - Adriana Teresa Silva Santos
- Human Performance Research Laboratory, Institute of Motor Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Giovani Bravin Peres
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University- UNIP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Raquel Aparecida Casarotto
- Department of Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil
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Effect of premodulated interferential current versus diadynamic current on the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy. BIOMEDICAL HUMAN KINETICS 2023. [DOI: 10.2478/bhk-2023-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study aim: To compare the effect of premodulated interferential current (PREMOD IFC) and diadynamic current (DD) with exercise training on the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET).
Material and methods: One hundred and four patients with unilateral LET from both genders (55 females and 49 males) were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received PREMOD IFC in addition to the exercises, and group B received DD with the same exercises. The outcomes were maximum grip strength assessed by the hand dynamometer, the pinch strength assessed by the pinch gauge dynamometer, and pain and functional disability of the forearm assessed by a patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire. All participants received electrical stimulation, consisting of three sessions per week for six weeks.
Results: The mean PRTEE score, and grip strength were significantly improved after six weeks in favour of group A, while there was no significant difference between the two groups in pinch strength. (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results revealed that the combination of PREMOD IFC with exercises could improve pain, functional disability, and grip strength compared to DD with exercises in LET patients without a significant difference between the two groups in pinch strength.
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Johnson MI, Paley CA, Wittkopf PG, Mulvey MR, Jones G. Characterising the Features of 381 Clinical Studies Evaluating Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Relief: A Secondary Analysis of the Meta-TENS Study to Improve Future Research. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58060803. [PMID: 35744066 PMCID: PMC9230499 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58060803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Characterising the features of methodologies, clinical attributes and intervention protocols, of studies is valuable to advise directions for research and practice. This article reports the findings of a secondary analysis of the features from studies screened as part of a large systematic review of TENS (the meta-TENS study). Materials and Methods: A descriptive analysis was performed on information associated with methodology, sample populations and intervention protocols from 381 randomised controlled trials (24,532 participants) evaluating TENS delivered at a strong comfortable intensity at the painful site in adults with pain, irrespective of diagnosis. Results: Studies were conducted in 43 countries commonly using parallel group design (n = 334) and one comparator group (n = 231). Mean ± standard deviation (SD) study sample size (64.05 ± 58.29 participants) and TENS group size (27.67 ± 21.90 participants) were small, with only 13 of 381 studies having 100 participants or more in the TENS group. Most TENS interventions were ‘high frequency’ (>10 pps, n = 276) and using 100 Hz (109/353 reports that stated a pulse frequency value). Of 476 comparator groups, 54.2% were active treatments (i.e., analgesic medication(s), exercise, manual therapies and electrophysical agents). Of 202 placebo comparator groups, 155 used a TENS device that did not deliver currents. At least 216 of 383 study groups were able to access other treatments whilst receiving TENS. Only 136 out of 381 reports included a statement about adverse events. Conclusions: Clinical studies on TENS are dominated by small parallel group evaluations of high frequency TENS that are often contaminated by concurrent treatment(s). Study reports tended focus on physiological and clinical implications rather than the veracity of methodology and findings. Previously published criteria for designing and reporting TENS studies were neglected and this should be corrected in future research using insights gleaned from this analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark I. Johnson
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (C.A.P.); (P.G.W.); (G.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-113-812-30-83
| | - Carole A. Paley
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (C.A.P.); (P.G.W.); (G.J.)
- Research & Development Department, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Steeton, Keighley BD20 6TD, UK
| | - Priscilla G. Wittkopf
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (C.A.P.); (P.G.W.); (G.J.)
| | - Matthew R. Mulvey
- Academic Unit of Primary and Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9NL, UK;
| | - Gareth Jones
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS1 3HE, UK; (C.A.P.); (P.G.W.); (G.J.)
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Wachi M, Jiroumaru T, Satonaka A, Ikeya M, Oka Y, Fujikawa T. Effect of electromyographic activity using capacitive and resistive electric transfer on non-specific chronic low back pain: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Electromagn Biol Med 2022; 41:222-229. [DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2022.2065681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michio Wachi
- Department of Physical Therapy, Biwako Professional University of Rehabilitation: 967 Kitasakacho, Higashiomi, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takumi Jiroumaru
- Department of Physical Therapy, Biwako Professional University of Rehabilitation: 967 Kitasakacho, Higashiomi, Japan
| | - Ayako Satonaka
- Department of Physical Therapy, Biwako Professional University of Rehabilitation: 967 Kitasakacho, Higashiomi, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masae Ikeya
- Department of Physical Therapy, Biwako Professional University of Rehabilitation: 967 Kitasakacho, Higashiomi, Japan
- Department of Applied Biology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasakigoshokaidocho, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Oka
- Department of Rehabilitation, Kanazawa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic, Ono, Japan
| | - Takamitsu Fujikawa
- Department of Physical Therapy, Bukkyo University, Toganoo-cho, Kyoto, Japan
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Pivovarsky MLF, Gaideski F, Macedo RMD, Korelo RIG, Guarita-Souza LC, Liebano RE, Macedo ACBD. Immediate analgesic effect of two modes of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2021; 19:eAO6027. [PMID: 34932756 PMCID: PMC8664285 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2021ao6027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare and assess the immediate analgesic effects of conventional and burst transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with chronic low back pain. Methods We conducted a three-arm single-blinded randomized controlled trial. A total of 105 patients with non-specific chronic low back pain aged between 18 and 85 years were randomly assigned into the following groups: Placebo Group (sham electrical stimulation), Conventional TENS Group (continuous stimulation at 100Hz for 100µs with sensory intensity), and Burst TENS Group (stimulation at 100Hz modulated at 2Hz for 100µs with motor-level intensity). All groups received a single application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for 30 minutes. The outcomes, namely, pain intensity, quality of pain, and pressure pain threshold were measured by the visual analog scale, McGill pain questionnaire, and algometry, respectively. The patients were evaluated before and immediately after the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation application. Results Pain intensity (visual analog scale score) and quality of pain (McGill pain questionnaire score) significantly decreased (p<0.05) in Intervention Groups (Conventional TENS Group and Burst TENS Group). A positive effect was observed in the interventions compared to the Placebo Group in all domains of the McGill pain questionnaire (p<0.05), excepting for the pain intensity. Pressure pain threshold significantly increased (p<0.05) immediately after the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation application in both Intervention Groups, but not in the Placebo Group. For significant difference was found during assessment when comparing both Intervetion Group. Conclusion Both transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation modes were effective for pain modulation. Moreover, there was an increase in the pressure pain threshold. No significant results were found to indicate the best mode for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Clinical Trial Registration: RBR-59YGRB.
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Ebadi S, Alishahi V, Ahadi T, Raissi GR, Khodabandeh M, Haqiqatshenas H, Sajadi S. Acupuncture-like versus conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the management of active myofascial trigger points: A randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2021; 28:483-488. [PMID: 34776182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is one of the most common causes of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-expensive, safe, feasible modality, used recently for the treatment of MPS with promising but limited results. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of acupuncture-like TENS (AL-TENS) vs conventional TENS (C-TENS) in the treatment of active myofascial trigger points. METHODS This randomized controlled trial study was carried out with 60 consecutive patients with active trapezius trigger points referred to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic. Participants randomly assigned to receive AL-TENS, C-TENS or sham TENS (S-TENS). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Pressure Pain Thresholds (PPTs), and neck range of motion (ROM) were measured at baseline, after the first treatment sessions, after the final treatment session, and 3 months after the end of the last treatment session. Patients function was evaluated by Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) at baseline, after the final treatment sessions, and 3 months after the end of intervention. RESULTS The interaction effect of time and group was significantly different when evaluating VAS (df = 4.65, F = 2.50, p = 0.038) and DASH (df = 2.63, F = 7.25, p < 0.001) in favor of active groups, as well as neck total lateral bending in favor of AL-TENS group compared other two groups (df = 4.16, F = 5.23, p = 0.001). Both VAS and DASH improved significantly at all follow-ups in AL-TENS and C-TENS groups. Of note, significant immediate improvement in all outcomes was observed only with AL-TENS. CONCLUSIONS According to the present study, both AL-TENS and C-TENS were superior to placebo in pain reduction and functional improvement. Although both TENS techniques have similar efficiency on pain reduction, functional and pain perception improvement, the AL-TENS was the superior approach when evaluating neck lateral bending ROM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safoora Ebadi
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Vajiheh Alishahi
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Tannaz Ahadi
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Gholam Reza Raissi
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrdad Khodabandeh
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hosnieh Haqiqatshenas
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Simin Sajadi
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Dias LV, Cordeiro MA, Schmidt de Sales R, Dos Santos MMBR, Korelo RIG, Vojciechowski AS, de Mace do ACB. Immediate analgesic effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential current (IFC) on chronic low back pain: Randomised placebo-controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2021; 27:181-190. [PMID: 34391232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the immediate analgesic effect of transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential current (IFC), with different combinations of parameters, in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODOLOGY 280 individuals with CLBP were included in the study, both genders, randomized in 8 groups: GI2KHz/100Hz, GI2KHz/2Hz, GI4KHz/100Hz, GI4KHz/2Hz, placebo interferential group (GIP), GT100Hz, GT2Hz, and placebo TENS group (GTP). All individuals underwent a single application of TENS or IFC for 30min. The assessments were carried out prior to the intervention, as well as immediately after, with the following outcomes: pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale-NPRS), qualitative pain characteristics (McGill Pain Questionnaire-MPQ), and pressure pain threshold (PPT) by pressure algometry (PA) in 4 points of the low back region. RESULTS In the intergroup comparison of NPRS, all intervention groups showed greater pain reduction compared to GTP (p < 0.05). In the total MPQ score, the groups that obtained significant results (p < 0.05) when compared to GTP were GT100Hz and GT2Hz, while the groups GT100Hz and GI4KHz/100Hz were significant when compared to GIP. In the PA, GI4KHz/100Hz showed an increase in the PPT in all points compared to GTP and GI2KHz/100Hz. CONCLUSION Both TENS and IFC presented immediate analgesic effect in CLBP, with emphasis on the interferential current of 4 KHz modulated at 100Hz.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Raciele I G Korelo
- Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Physical Therapy at UFPR, Brazil
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Leemans L, Elma Ö, Nijs J, Wideman TH, Siffain C, den Bandt H, Van Laere S, Beckwée D. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and heat to reduce pain in a chronic low back pain population: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Braz J Phys Ther 2021; 25:86-96. [PMID: 32434666 PMCID: PMC7817858 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. The therapeutic management of patients with chronic LBP is challenging. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of heat and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation combined on pain relief in participants with chronic low back pain. METHODS Fifty participants with chronic (≥3 months) low back pain were randomly assigned to two groups: HeatTens (n=25) and control group (n=25). Primary outcome was pain. Secondary outcomes were pressure pain thresholds, temporal summation, conditioned pain modulation, fear-avoidance and beliefs questionnaire, central sensitization inventory, quality of life, and medication use. The control group received no treatment and continued usual care. After four weeks of treatment, all measurements were repeated. RESULTS Fifty individuals participated in this study. Significant higher pressure pain threshold measures after both 30min and 4 weeks for the lower back region and the second plantar toe were found only in the experimental group. CONCLUSION The combination of heat and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation does not reduce pain scores in patients with chronic low back pain. Pressure pain threshold values significantly improved, showing beneficial effects of the experimental treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03643731 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03643731).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Leemans
- Rehabilitation Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Pain in Motion International Research Group, Belgium.
| | - Ömer Elma
- Pain in Motion International Research Group, Belgium
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion International Research Group, Belgium; Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timothy H Wideman
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Canada
| | - Carolie Siffain
- Rehabilitation Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Pain in Motion International Research Group, Belgium
| | - Hester den Bandt
- Pain in Motion International Research Group, Belgium; Department of Physiotherapy, University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sven Van Laere
- Interfaculty Center Data Processing and Statistics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
| | - David Beckwée
- Rehabilitation Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Frailty in Ageing Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
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Effectiveness of Hydrogalvanic Bath on Improving Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life in Individuals with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:7974816. [PMID: 33082830 PMCID: PMC7559532 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7974816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Neck pain is one of the world's leading factors in years lived with disability. Ambiguity in the effect of electrotherapy modalities for the treatment of chronic nonspecific neck pains (CNSNP) needs to be examined further. This study sought to elucidate the effectiveness of hydrogalvanic bath on improving pain, disability, and quality of life among individuals with CNSNP. Methods Thirty-four individuals with a diagnosis of CNSNP were selected through convenient sampling and randomly divided into two groups by block randomization. The control group treatment underwent low Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and exercise, and the experimental group was subjected to hydrogalvanic bath therapy (HGBT) and exercise. Individuals were evaluated for pain using a visual analog scale (VAS), disability with the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and quality of life with Short Form-36 (SF-36). These measures were applied at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. Results The pretreatment and posttreatment results for VAS, NDI, and SF-36 were compared for both control and experimental groups. We found that all the three variables showed significant differences between the two time points with p < 0.05 in both the groups but the experimental group improvements were more significant than the control group with p < 0.05. Conclusion Twelve weeks of low TENS or HGBT along with exercises can decrease pain and neck disability and increase the quality of life in individuals with CNSNP. However, HGBT along with exercise has superior effects relative to low TENS along with exercise. This randomized controlled trial was registered in the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials Number-ISRCTN29695190 and registered on 05/02/2020. This study is a retrospective registration.
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Babaei-Ghazani A, Shahrami B, Fallah E, Ahadi T, Forough B, Ebadi S. Continuous shortwave diathermy with exercise reduces pain and improves function in Lateral Epicondylitis more than sham diathermy: A randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2020; 24:69-76. [PMID: 31987565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow, causes significant pain and disability in the upper extremity. Conservative approaches include using thermal and electrical agents. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of shortwave diathermy on pain, function and grip strength of patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis. A randomized placebo-controlled design with concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. METHODS Fifty patients suffering from lateral epicondylitis for more than 3 months, without any systemic diseases or history of other pathologies, were divided into two groups. In both groups, the patients were instructed to perform specific stretching and strengthening exercises. In addition, the patients in the experimental group, received 15 min of 40-60 W, continuous short wave diathermy while sham diathermy was applied for the control group. The primary outcome measure was pain and the secondary outcome measures were functional ability and pain free grip strength. Outcomes were assessed at the base line, after the 5th and the 10th session of treatment as well as after 3 months. RESULTS Mixed ANOVA analysis showed significant improvement in both groups. Meanwhile, there was a significant interaction effect of time and group on all outcome measures implying the greater improvement in pain, function and grip strength in the group receiving real diathermy. CONCLUSIONS Adding continuous short wave diathermy to a specific regimen of exercises, reduces pain and improves function in patients suffering from chronic lateral epicondylitis more than sham diathermy and exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION IRCT2016042321139N4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Babaei-Ghazani
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Banafsheh Shahrami
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Fallah
- Department of Orthopedics, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Tannaz Ahadi
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bijan Forough
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Safoora Ebadi
- Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Rampazo da Silva ÉP, Silva VR, Bernardes AS, Matuzawa F, Liebano RE. Segmental and extrasegmental hypoalgesic effects of low-frequency pulsed current and modulated kilohertz-frequency currents in healthy subjects: randomized clinical trial. Physiother Theory Pract 2019; 37:916-925. [PMID: 31402740 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2019.1650857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To compare the segmental and extrasegmental hypoalgesic effects of TENS, IFC and Aussie current on pressure pain threshold (PPT) during and after stimulation in healthy subjects. The second objective was to compare the sensory comfort related to electrical stimulation.Material and Methods: 120 healthy subjects were randomized in TENS, IFC, Aussie current or placebo groups. The electrical stimulation was administered on the forearm. The PPT was measured on the forearm (segmental measure) and on the lower leg (extrasegmental measure) by an algometer at baseline, during and after stimulation of the forearm, and the sensory comfort in relation to electrical stimulation was measured with a visual analogue scale. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed models for PPT analysis and one-way ANOVA for sensory comfort analysis.Results: The TENS, IFC and Aussie current increased the segmental and extrasegmental PPTs during application of current compared to the placebo. The PPTs measures and sensory comfort were not significantly different between the TENS, IFC and Aussie current groups.Conclusions: Segmental and extrasegmental hypoalgesic effects may be produced using TENS, IFC or Aussie currents in healthy subjects. Furthermore, all of them presented a similar sensory comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Viviane Ribeiro Silva
- Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Anabelly Sato Bernardes
- Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Fábio Matuzawa
- Department of Physiotherapy, Universidade Paulista, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Richard Eloin Liebano
- Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos/SP, Brazil
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Touch and Pain Sensations in Diadynamic Current (DD) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): A Randomized Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:9073073. [PMID: 31380442 PMCID: PMC6662437 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9073073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The study investigated touch and pain sensations and the correlation between them in diadynamic current (DD) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), electrotherapies commonly applied in musculoskeletal disorders and occupational rehabilitation medicine. Forty healthy subjects were treated with either DD (n=20) or TENS (n=20). Each treatment consisted of three sessions with one-week interval. Touch sensation was determined with the JVP Domes esthesiometer, pain sensation with pressure pain threshold (PPT), and pressure pain tolerance threshold (PPTO) by an algometer. During each session the measurements were performed before the application of the procedure (T0), immediately after it (T1), and 30 minutes after the end of the procedure (T2). Both DD and TENS increased touch sensation (p<0.01) and did not significantly alter PPT and PPTO (p>0.05). No statistically significant differences in short-term effects, i.e., 3 weeks of the trial, were noted between DD and TENS in their influence on touch and pain sensations (p>0.05). There was a high significant correlation between touch and pain sensations in DD (r=0.86). TENS and DD caused similar analgesic effects. DD, which is shorter in the duration of the treatment, may comprise a realistic alternative to TENS in clinical practice of pain management.
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