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Tamartash H, Bahrpeyma F, Dizaji MM. The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain and electrical stimulation muscle thickness in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain-based ultrasonographic evaluation. Pain Manag 2023; 13:87-94. [PMID: 36621774 DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2022-0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: The existing mechanisms of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) focuses more on the effect of neural tissue. This study investigated the effect of TENS on the thickness of the erector spinae muscles and reducing pain. Patients & methods: 56 individuals with low back pain participated in this single-blind, pre/post-test study. For 2 weeks, participants underwent ten sessions of TENS. The ultrasound evaluations examined the thickness of the erector spinae muscle, and the visual analog scale measured the severity of low back pain. Results: There was a decrease in pain score and muscle thickness after the interventions (p ≤ 0.004). There was also a strong correlation between reducing pain and decreasing muscle thickness (R = 0.709; p = 0.000). Conclusion: Following TENS in the lumbar, in addition to reducing pain, the thickness of the erector spinae muscles also decreased. Clinical Trial Registration: IRCT20200423047173N1 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Tamartash
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Bahrpeyma
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Manijhe Mokhtari Dizaji
- Department of Medical Physics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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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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Tella BA, Oghumu SN, Gbiri CAO. Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Interferential Current on Tactile Acuity of Individuals With Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:1403-1409. [PMID: 34405486 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential currents (IFC) are pain electrotherapies with questioned efficacy. Studies of their effects on tactile acuity of individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) are limited, hence, this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-three individuals with NSCLBP randomly allocated into three groups completed this study. Data collected from participants included age, gender, and anthropometric characteristics of height, weight, body mass index, and percentage body fat measured with standard instruments. Also, participants' tactile acuity, pain intensity, and disability were assessed before and after interventions with digital caliper, numerical pain rating scale, and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, respectively. Interventions consisted of stretching, strengthening, and stabilization exercises to all three groups in addition of TENS to group 1 and IFC to group 2, respectively, for five weeks. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation summarized the data. Inferential statistics of paired t-test, independent t-test, and analysis of variance tested the level of significance among variables at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS Tactile acuity was significantly (p < 0.05) increased after TENS intervention only, while pain intensity was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced after the three interventions. The result showed no gender difference in tactile acuity values among the participants. CONCLUSIONS TENS increases the tactile acuity of individuals with NSCLBP, whereas IFC demonstrated no significant change in tactile acuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bosede Abidemi Tella
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Saturday Nicholas Oghumu
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria.
| | - Caleb Ademola Omuwa Gbiri
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
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Rampazo ÉP, Liebano RE. Analgesic Effects of Interferential Current Therapy: A Narrative Review. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58010141. [PMID: 35056448 PMCID: PMC8779694 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58010141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of low- and medium-frequency currents is commonly used in pain management. Interferential current (IFC) therapy, a medium frequency alternating current therapy that reportedly reduces skin impedance, can reach deeper tissues. IFC therapy can provide several different treatment possibilities by adjusting its parameters (carrier frequency, amplitudemodulated frequency, sweep frequency, sweep mode or swing pattern, type of application (bipolar or quadripolar), time of application and intensity). The objective of this review article is to discuss the literature findings on the analgesic efficacy of IFC therapy. Conclusions: According to the literature, IFC therapy shows significant analgesic effects in patients with neck pain, low back pain, knee osteoarthritis and post-operative knee pain. Most of the IFC parameters seem not to influence its analgesic effects. We encourage further studies to investigate the mechanism of action of IFC therapy.
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Almeida N, Paladini LH, Korelo RG, Liebano RE, de Macedo ACB. Immediate Effects of the Combination of Interferential Therapy Parameters on Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Pain Pract 2020; 20:615-625. [PMID: 32219973 DOI: 10.1111/papr.12888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the immediate analgesic effects of 2 kHz or 4 kHz interferential current (IFC) with different amplitude-modulated frequencies (AMFs) (2 Hz or 100 Hz) on chronic low back pain (CLBP). DESIGN Three-arm double-blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTING Primary care. PARTICIPANTS 175 patients (19 to 60 years of age, 105 female) with CLBP. INTERVENTIONS One session of IFC: Interferential group (GI): GI2 kHz/100 Hz, GI2 kHz/2 Hz, GI4 kHz/100 Hz, GI4 kHz/2 Hz, or placebo. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Pain intensity by numerical rating scale of pain (NRS), McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), and algometry. RESULTS There was a significant difference in NRS scores (P < 0.05) in the GI2 kHz/2 Hz, GI4 kHz/2 Hz, and GI4 kHz/100 Hz groups compared with those of the placebo group (PG), and a significant difference in MPQ scores in the GI4 kHz/2 Hz and GI4 kHz/100 Hz groups compared with those of the PG. In algometry, only the GI4 kHz/100 Hz group showed a significant difference (by 2 points in the lumbar region) compared with the PG. Of the carrier frequencies, an IFC of 4 kHz showed more effective results, although no significant difference was noted between the AMFs. CONCLUSION An IFC with a carrier frequency of 4 kHz and an AMF of 100 Hz provide immediate analgesic effects in individuals with CLBP. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER RBR-59YGRB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Almeida
- Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Luis Henrique Paladini
- Department of Prevention and Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Richard E Liebano
- Physiotherapy Department, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
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Mendonça Araújo F, Alves Menezes M, Martins de Araújo A, Abner Dos Santos Sousa T, Vasconcelos Lima L, Ádan Nunes Carvalho E, Melo DeSantana J. Validation of a New Placebo Interferential Current Method: A New Placebo Method of Electrostimulation. PAIN MEDICINE 2017; 18:86-94. [PMID: 27048345 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnw039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective The present study aimed to investigate if a new placebo device for interferential current (IFC) that delivers current during only the first 40 seconds of stimulation is effective at promoting adequate subject blinding. Methods Seventy-five subjects were recruited and enrolled into three groups: active IFC, inactive placebo, and new placebo. Pressure pain threshold (PPT), cutaneous sensory threshold (CST), and pain intensity were measured before and after the intervention. After the final assessment, the subjects and the investigator who applied the current were asked about the type of stimulation administered. Results None of the placebo forms studied resulted in significant changes to PPT, CST, or pain intensity. The subjects stimulated with active IFC at high intensities (> 17 mA) of stimulation showed higher PPT and CST and lower pain intensity than subjects stimulated at low intensities ( p < 0.03). The new placebo method blinded the investigator in 100% of cases of IFC and 60% of subjects stimulated, whereas for inactive placebo, the investigator was blinded at a rate of 0% and 34% of subjects. Conclusion The new method of placebo IFC was effective for blinding of research investigators and most of the active IFC-treated subjects, promoting an appropriate placebo method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Mendonça Araújo
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Se, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Se, Brazil
| | - Mayara Alves Menezes
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Se, Brazil
| | | | - Thiago Abner Dos Santos Sousa
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Se, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Se, Brazil
| | - Lucas Vasconcelos Lima
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Se, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Se, Brazil
| | - Elyson Ádan Nunes Carvalho
- Departamento de Engenharia Elétrica, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Elétrica, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Se, Brazil
| | - Josimari Melo DeSantana
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Se, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Se, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Aracaju, Se, Brazil
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Albornoz-Cabello M, Maya-Martín J, Domínguez-Maldonado G, Espejo-Antúnez L, Heredia-Rizo AM. Effect of interferential current therapy on pain perception and disability level in subjects with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil 2016; 31:242-249. [DOI: 10.1177/0269215516639653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To assess the short-term efficacy of transregional interferential current therapy on pain perception and disability level in chronic non-specific low back pain. Design: A randomized, single-blinded (the assessor collecting the outcome data was blinded), controlled trial. Setting: A private physiotherapy research clinic. Subjects: A total of 64 individuals, 20 men and 44 women, mean (SD) age was 51 years (11.93), with low back pain of more than three months, with or without pain radiating to the lower extremities above the knee, were distributed into a control ( n = 20) or an experimental group ( n = 44). A 2:1 randomization ratio was used in favour of the latter. Interventions: A transregional interferential current electrotherapy protocol was performed for participants in the experimental group, while the control group underwent a ‘usual care’ treatment (massage, mobilization and soft-tissue techniques). All subjects received up to 10 treatment sessions of 25 minutes over a two-week period, and completed the intervention and follow-up evaluations. Outcome measures: Self-perceived pain was assessed with a Visual Analogue Scale. Secondary measure included the Oswestry Low Back Disability Index. Evaluations were collected at baseline and after the intervention protocol. Results: Significant between-group differences were found for interferential current therapy on pain perception ( p = 0.032) and disability level ( p = 0.002). The observed differences in the between-group mean changes were of 11.34 mm (1.77/20.91) and 13.38 points (4.97/21.78), respectively. Conclusions: A two-week transregional interferential current treatment has shown significant short-term efficacy, when compared with a ‘usual care’ protocol, on self-perceived pain and functionality in subjects with chronic low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luis Espejo-Antúnez
- Department of Medical-Surgical Therapy, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
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Corrêa J, Costa L, Oliveira N, Lima W, Sluka K, Liebano R. Effects of the carrier frequency of interferential current on pain modulation and central hypersensitivity in people with chronic nonspecific low back pain: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Eur J Pain 2016; 20:1653-1666. [DOI: 10.1002/ejp.889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J.B. Corrêa
- Master's and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy; Universidade Cidade de São Paulo; Brazil
| | - L.O.P. Costa
- Master's and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy; Universidade Cidade de São Paulo; Brazil
- Musculoskeletal Division; The George Institute for Global Health; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - N.T.B. Oliveira
- Master's and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy; Universidade Cidade de São Paulo; Brazil
| | - W.P. Lima
- Master's and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy; Universidade Cidade de São Paulo; Brazil
| | - K.A. Sluka
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science; College of Medicine; University of Iowa; USA
| | - R.E. Liebano
- Master's and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy; Universidade Cidade de São Paulo; Brazil
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Corrêa JB, Costa LOP, de Oliveira NTB, Sluka KA, Liebano RE. Effects of the carrier frequency of interferential current on pain modulation in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a protocol of a randomised controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2013; 14:195. [PMID: 23802771 PMCID: PMC3700815 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-14-195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain is an important public health problem that is associated with poor quality of life and disability. Among the electrophysical treatments, interferential current (IFC) has not been studied in patients with low back pain in a high-quality randomised controlled trial examining not only pain, but pain mechanisms and function. METHODS/DESIGN A three-arm randomised controlled trial with patient and assessor blinded to the group allocation. One hundred fifty patients with chronic, nonspecific low back pain from outpatient physical therapy clinics in Brazil. The patients will be randomly allocated into 3 groups (IFC 1 kHz, IFC 4 kHz or Placebo IFC). The interferential current will be applied three days per week (30 minutes per session) over four weeks. PRIMARY OUTCOME Pain intensity. SECONDARY OUTCOMES The pressure pain threshold, global impression of recovery, disability, function, conditioned pain modulation and temporal summation of pain, discomfort caused by the current. All outcomes will be measured at 4 weeks and 4 months after randomisation. The between-group differences will be calculated by using linear mixed models and Tukey's post-hoc tests. DISCUSSION The use of a placebo group and double-blinding assessor and patients strengthen this study. The present study is the first to compare different IFC carrier frequencies in patients with chronic low back pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: http://RBR-8n4hg2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Barbosa Corrêa
- Master's and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID), São Paulo, Brazil
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Effects of Carrier Frequency of Interferential Current on Pressure Pain Threshold and Sensory Comfort in Humans. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2013; 94:95-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2012.08.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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