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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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Gussoni M, Moretti S, Vezzoli A, Genitoni V, Giardini G, Balestra C, Bosco G, Pratali L, Spagnolo E, Montorsi M, Mrakic-Sposta S. Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Evidences from Laboratory and In-Field Studies. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2023; 8:146. [PMID: 37873905 PMCID: PMC10594470 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8040146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Intense, long exercise can increase oxidative stress, leading to higher levels of inflammatory mediators and muscle damage. At the same time, fatigue has been suggested as one of the factors giving rise to delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a specific electrical stimulation (ES) treatment (without elicited muscular contraction) on two different scenarios: in the laboratory on eleven healthy volunteers (56.45 ± 4.87 years) after upper limbs eccentric exercise (Study 1) and in the field on fourteen ultra-endurance athletes (age 47.4 ± 10.2 year) after an ultra-running race (134 km, altitude difference of 10,970 m+) by lower exercising limbs (Study 2). Subjects were randomly assigned to two experimental tasks in cross-over: Active or Sham ES treatments. The ES efficacy was assessed by monitoring the oxy-inflammation status: Reactive Oxygen Species production, total antioxidant capacity, IL-6 cytokine levels, and lactate with micro-invasive measurements (capillary blood, urine) and scales for fatigue and recovery assessments. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in the time course of recovery and/or pre-post-race between Sham and Active groups in both study conditions. A subjective positive role of sham stimulation (VAS scores for muscle pain assessment) was reported. In conclusion, the effectiveness of ES in treating DOMS and its effects on muscle recovery remain still unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maristella Gussoni
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Technologies “G. Natta”, National Research Council (SCITEC-CNR), 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Sarah Moretti
- National Research Council (IFC-CNR), 20159 Roma, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Vezzoli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (IFC-CNR), 20159 Milan, Italy; (A.V.); (L.P.); (E.S.)
| | | | - Guido Giardini
- Neurology and Neurophysiology Department, Mountain Medicine Center Valle d’ Aosta Regional Hospital Umberto Parini, 11100 Aosta, Italy;
- Società Italiana Medicina di Montagna, SIMeM, 35138 Padova, Italy
| | - Costantino Balestra
- Motor Sciences Department, Physical Activity Teaching Unit, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Gerardo Bosco
- Environmental Physiology & Medicine Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Lorenza Pratali
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (IFC-CNR), 20159 Milan, Italy; (A.V.); (L.P.); (E.S.)
- Società Italiana Medicina di Montagna, SIMeM, 35138 Padova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Spagnolo
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (IFC-CNR), 20159 Milan, Italy; (A.V.); (L.P.); (E.S.)
| | - Michela Montorsi
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Roma, Italy
| | - Simona Mrakic-Sposta
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (IFC-CNR), 20159 Milan, Italy; (A.V.); (L.P.); (E.S.)
- Società Italiana Medicina di Montagna, SIMeM, 35138 Padova, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Roma, Italy
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DeJesus BM, Rodrigues IKL, Azevedo-Santos IF, DeSantana JM. Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain-related Quantitative Sensory Tests in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Acute Experimental Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1337-1382. [PMID: 37030583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
This report provides a systematic review of the literature to analyze the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on analgesia on sensitization measures, in studies with chronic musculoskeletal pain and in studies with acute experimental pain. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020213473). The authors searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature via Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and hand-searched reference lists were also conducted. Among 22,252 manuscripts found, 58 studies were included in the systematic review and 35 in the meta-analysis. Thirty-four studies assessed pain intensity; 24 studies investigated hyperalgesia; temporal summation was only evaluated in 2 studies; and conditioned pain modulation was not observed in the included studies. Meta-analyses favored TENS, despite its limitations and heterogeneity. Primary hyperalgesia in studies with musculoskeletal pain presented a high level of evidence, while other outcomes presented moderate evidence in the studies that were included. It is not possible to infer results about both temporal summation and conditioned pain modulation. Moderate evidence suggests that TENS promotes analgesia by reducing both central and peripheral sensitization, as shown by the reduction in primary and secondary hyperalgesia, pain intensity at rest, and during movement in experimental acute pain and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Overall, both types of studies analyzed in this review presented meta-analyses favorable to the use of TENS (compared to placebo TENS), showing reductions in both primary and secondary hyperalgesia, as well as decreases in pain intensity at rest and in motion. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents data from the literature on the effect of TENS through sensitization assessments in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain, or acute experimental pain. These data contribute to knowledge about pain neuroscience research, using TENS technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz M DeJesus
- Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil
| | | | | | - Josimari M DeSantana
- Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil; Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health Science, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil.
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Park D, Kim Y. Kilohertz-frequency interferential current induces hypoalgesic effects more comfortably than TENS. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8644. [PMID: 37244893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35489-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research on transcutaneous electrical stimulation has shown that inhibiting nerve conduction with a kilohertz frequency is both effective and safe. This study primarily aims to demonstrate the hypoalgesic effect on the tibial nerve using transcutaneous interferential-current nerve inhibition (TINI), which injects the kilohertz frequency produced by the interferential currents. Additionally, the secondary objective was to compare the analgesic effect and comfort of TINI and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Thirty-one healthy adults participated in this cross-over repeated measures study. The washout period was set to 24 h or more. Stimulus intensity was set just below the pain threshold level. TINI and TENS were applied for 20 min each. The ankle passive dorsiflexion range of motion, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and tactile threshold were measured at the baseline, pre-test, test (immediately before ceasing intervention), and post-test (30 min after ceasing intervention) sessions. After the interventions, the participants evaluated the level of discomfort for TINI and TENS on a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS). As the results, PPT significantly increased compared to baseline in test and posttest sessions of TINI, but not in those of TENS. Also, participants reported that TENS was 36% more discomfort than TINI. The hypoalgesic effect was not significantly different between TINI and TENS. In conclusion, we found that TINI inhibited mechanical pain sensitivity and that the inhibitory effect persisted long after electrical stimulation ceased. Our study also shows that TINI provides the hypoalgesic effect more comfortably than TENS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahoon Park
- Department of Sports Rehabilitation, Cheongju University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Yushin Kim
- Department of Sports Rehabilitation, Cheongju University, Cheongju, South Korea.
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Johnson MI, Paley CA, Jones G. Has long-standing uncertainty about the clinical efficacy of TENS finally been resolved? Pain Manag 2023; 13:201-204. [PMID: 37128902 DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2023-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mark I Johnson
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, LS1 3HE, UK
| | - Carole A Paley
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, LS1 3HE, UK
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Gareth Jones
- Centre for Pain Research, School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, LS1 3HE, UK
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Stark CW, Isaamullah M, Hassan SS, Dyara O, Abd-Elsayed A. A Review of Chronic Pain and Device Interventions: Benefits and Future Directions. Pain Ther 2023; 12:341-354. [PMID: 36581788 PMCID: PMC10036715 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-022-00470-1] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition with a growing prevalence both in the USA and globally. The complex nature of this condition necessitates a multimodal approach to pain management that extends beyond the established pharmaceutical interventions currently employed. A variety of devices comprising both invasive and noninvasive approaches are available to patients, serving as adjuvants to existing regimens. The benefits of these interventions are notable for their lack of addiction potential, potential for patient autonomy regarding self-administration, minimal to no drug interaction, and overall relative safety. However, there remains a need for further research and more robust clinical trials to assess the true efficacy of these interventions and elucidate if there is an underlying physiological mechanism to their benefit in treating chronic pain or if their effect is predominantly placebo in nature. Regardless, the field of device-based intervention and treatment remains an evolving field with much promise for the future chronic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cain W Stark
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI, USA
| | - Mir Isaamullah
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI, USA
| | | | - Omar Dyara
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, WI, USA
| | - Alaa Abd-Elsayed
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 750 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53726, USA.
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Hunili T, Erden S. Effect of TENS on Vacuum Pain in Acute Soft Tissue Trauma. Pain Manag Nurs 2023:S1524-9042(23)00029-2. [PMID: 36907690 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKROUND In the literature, the effect of TENS on acute pain has been investigated, and no study has been found on its effect on pain associated with VAC application. This randomized controlled trial was designed to assess the efficacy of TENS application in pain caused by vacuum applied in acute soft tissue trauma of the lower extremity. DESIGN AND SETTINGS The study included 40 patients: 20 in the control group, and 20 in the experimental group and was carried out in a university hospital's plastic and reconstructive surgery clinic. Data for the study were gathered using the Patient Information form and the Pain Assessment form. Conventional TENS lasting 30 minutes was applied to the experimental group patients 1 hour before vacuum (vacuum assisted closure [VAC]) insertion and removal by the researcher, and TENS was not applied to the control group. The "Numerical Pain Scale" was used to assess pain in both groups before and after TENS application. In the statistical analysis of the data, the SPSS 23.0 package program was used. In all tests, p < .005 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The experimental and control groups of the patients included in the study were homogeneous in terms of demographic characteristics (p > .05). Furthermore, when the pain levels of the groups were compared over time, it was discovered that the pain levels of the control group were significantly higher than the experimental group at the times of VAC insertion (T3) and VAC removal (T6) (p < .05). Bonferroni test, one of the post hoc tests, was used to determine in-group significance in both the experimental and control groups, and it was discovered that the difference was between T6 and all other times (T6-T1, T2, T3, T4, T5). CONCLUSIONS The results obtained from our study showed that TENS reduced the pain caused by vacuum applied in acute soft tissue trauma of the lower extremity. It is thought that TENS may not replace traditional analgesics but may help reduce the level of pain and contribute to healing by increasing comfort during painful procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğba Hunili
- From the Cukurova University, Balcalı Hospital, Plastic Surgery Department, Turkey
| | - Sevilay Erden
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing Adana, Turkey.
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The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Interventions on Pain and Disability for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin J Pain 2023; 39:91-105. [PMID: 36650605 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To summarize and critically appraise the body of evidence on conservative management of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS We conducted a literature search from inception to November 2021 in the following databases: Embase, Medline, CINAHL, Google Scholar, PEDRO, and Psychinfo. Two independent reviewers conducted risk of bias and quality assessment. Qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis were the methods for summarizing the findings of the RCTs. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to rate the overall quality and certainty of the evidence on each treatment outcome. RESULT Through a database search, 751 records were found, and 33 RCTs were eligible for inclusion. Studies were published between 1995 and 2021. The overall risk of bias for 2 studies was low, 8 studies were unclear, and 23 studies were high.Low-quality evidence suggests that mirror therapy (as an addition to conventional stroke rehabilitation interventions) and graded motor imagery program (compared with routine rehabilitation interventions) may result in a large improvement in pain and disability up to 6-month follow-up in poststroke CRPS-1 patients. Low-quality evidence suggests that pain exposure therapy and aerobic exercises as an additive treatment to physical therapy interventions may result in a large improvement in pain up to a 6-month follow-up. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of all other targeted interventions over conventional physical therapy or sham treatments on pain and disability. DISCUSSION There is an ongoing need for high-quality studies to inform conservative management choices in CRPS.
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Monaco F, Coluccia S, Cuomo A, Nocerino D, Schiavo D, Pasta G, Bifulco F, Buonanno P, Riccio V, Leonardi M, Perri F, Ottaiano A, Sabbatino F, Vittori A, Cascella M. Bibliometric and Visual Analysis of the Scientific Literature on Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) for Pain Treatment. APPLIED SCIENCES 2023; 13:636. [DOI: 10.3390/app13010636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Background: Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) is a minimally invasive peripheral neuromodulation approach implemented against chronic neuropathic and mixed pain. This bibliometric study aims to quantitatively evaluate the output of PENS for pain treatment in the scientific literature. The main purpose is to stimulate research in the field and bridge potential scientific gaps. Methods: Articles were retrieved from the Web of Science (WOS) database. The search key term was “percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (All Fields) and pain (All Fields)”. Year of publication, journal metrics (impact factor and quartile, Q), title, document type, topic, and citations were extracted. The join-point regression was implemented to assess differences in time points for the publication output. The software tool VOSviewer (version 1.6.17) was used for the visual analysis. Results: One thousand three hundred and eighteen articles were included in the knowledge visualization process. A linear upward trend for annual new publications was found. Almost two-thirds of the documents were published in top-ranked journals (Q1 and Q2). The topic “efficacy” was prevalent (12.81%). Concerning article type, the search strategy yielded 307 clinical investigations (23.3%). Articles were cited 36,610 times with a mean of 42.4 citations per article. Approximately one-half of the articles were cited less than 23 times in a range of 21 years. The semantic network analysis for keywords found eight clusters. The analysis of collaborative efforts among researchers showed five thematic clusters including 102 authors with a minimum of five documents produced in collaborations. Most partnerships involved the United States, England, and Germany. Conclusions: despite the upward trend in the number of publications on the subject and the publication of articles in top-ranked journals, there is a need to increase scientific collaborations between researchers and institutions from different countries.
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Using TENS for Pain Control: Update on the State of the Evidence. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58101332. [PMID: 36295493 PMCID: PMC9611192 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-pharmacological intervention used in the treatment of acute and chronic pain conditions. The first clinical studies on TENS were published over 50 years ago, when effective parameters of stimulation were unclear and clinical trial design was in its infancy. Over the last two decades, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying TENS efficacy has led to the development of an adequate dose and has improved outcome measure utilization. The continued uncertainty about the clinical efficacy of TENS to alleviate pain, despite years of research, is related to the quality of the clinical trials included in systematic reviews. This summary of the evidence includes only trials with pain as the primary outcome. The outcomes will be rated as positive (+), negative (−), undecided (U), or equivalent to other effective interventions (=). In comparison with our 2014 review, there appears to be improvement in adverse events and parameter reporting. Importantly, stimulation intensity has been documented as critical to therapeutic success. Examinations of the outcomes beyond resting pain, analgesic tolerance, and identification of TENS responders remain less studied areas of research. This literature review supports the conclusion that TENS may have efficacy for a variety of acute and chronic pain conditions, although the magnitude of the effect remains uncertain due to the low quality of existing literature. In order to provide information to individuals with pain and to clinicians treating those with pain, we suggest that resources for research should target larger, high-quality clinical trials including an adequate TENS dose and adequate timing of the outcome and should monitor risks of bias. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses should focus only on areas with sufficiently strong clinical trials that will result in adequate sample size.
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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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Parseliunas A, Paskauskas S, Simatoniene V, Kubiliute E, Dainius E, Subocius A, Venclauskas L, Venskutonis D. Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation Reduces Pathological Sensation of Mesh One Week after Open Inguinal Hernia Surgery: Follow-Up Results from a Randomized, Double Blind and Placebo-Controlled Trial. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58060725. [PMID: 35743988 PMCID: PMC9228604 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58060725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Quality of life (QoL) and chronic pain are important outcomes following hernia surgery. The long-term effects of Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on postoperative recovery are not well known. In this trial we investigated the role of TENS on QoL and on the incidence of chronic pain following inguinal hernia repair with mesh. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 male patients with elective primary unilateral hernia Lichtenstein repair were randomly allocated to receive TENS or a placebo-TENS procedure. The TENS group received conventional TENS twice a day on the first and second postoperative days. The intensity was set at 0–0.5 mA in the placebo-TENS group. General and hernia-specific QoL, as well as the incidence of chronic pain were assessed using SF-36v2 and the Carolinas comfort scale. Results: Less sensation of mesh was reported by the TENS group patients one week after surgery. At this time point, the mean sensation score was 6.07 ± 8.88 in the TENS group and 14.08 ± 16.67 in the placebo-TENS group (p = 0.029). Although at two days and one week postoperatively, TENS group patients tended to have less pain, less movement restrictions and better overall hernia-specific QoL, the differences were not statistically significant. At 6 months postoperatively, no incidence of chronic pain was found in either the placebo-TENS or TENS group. Conclusions: Conventional TENS applied in the early postoperative period following inguinal hernia repair with mesh was found to reduce mesh-related foreign body sensation one week after surgery. Promising results were also found for other QoL domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrius Parseliunas
- Department of General Surgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (E.K.); (E.D.); (A.S.); (D.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +370-37-306059
| | - Saulius Paskauskas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Violeta Simatoniene
- Department of Physics, Mathematics and Biophysics, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Egle Kubiliute
- Department of General Surgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (E.K.); (E.D.); (A.S.); (D.V.)
| | - Edvinas Dainius
- Department of General Surgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (E.K.); (E.D.); (A.S.); (D.V.)
| | - Andrejus Subocius
- Department of General Surgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (E.K.); (E.D.); (A.S.); (D.V.)
| | - Linas Venclauskas
- Department of Surgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Donatas Venskutonis
- Department of General Surgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (E.K.); (E.D.); (A.S.); (D.V.)
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Johnson MI, Paley CA, Jones G, Mulvey MR, Wittkopf PG. Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for acute and chronic pain in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 381 studies (the meta-TENS study). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e051073. [PMID: 35144946 PMCID: PMC8845179 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for relief of pain in adults. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Medline, Cochrane Central, Embase (and others) from inception to July 2019 and updated on 17 May 2020. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDY SELECTION Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing strong non-painful TENS at or close to the site of pain versus placebo or other treatments in adults with pain, irrespective of diagnosis. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Reviewers independently screened, extracted data and assessed risk of bias (RoB, Cochrane tool) and certainty of evidence (Grading and Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Mean pain intensity and proportions of participants achieving reductions of pain intensity (≥30% or >50%) during or immediately after TENS. Random effect models were used to calculate standardised mean differences (SMD) and risk ratios. Subgroup analyses were related to trial methodology and characteristics of pain. RESULTS The review included 381 RCTs (24 532 participants). Pain intensity was lower during or immediately after TENS compared with placebo (91 RCTs, 92 samples, n=4841, SMD=-0·96 (95% CI -1·14 to -0·78), moderate-certainty evidence). Methodological (eg, RoB, sample size) and pain characteristics (eg, acute vs chronic, diagnosis) did not modify the effect. Pain intensity was lower during or immediately after TENS compared with pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments used as part of standard of care (61 RCTs, 61 samples, n=3155, SMD = -0·72 (95% CI -0·95 to -0·50], low-certainty evidence). Levels of evidence were downgraded because of small-sized trials contributing to imprecision in magnitude estimates. Data were limited for other outcomes including adverse events which were poorly reported, generally mild and not different to comparators. CONCLUSION There was moderate-certainty evidence that pain intensity is lower during or immediately after TENS compared with placebo and without serious adverse events. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019125054.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark I Johnson
- Centre for Pain Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Carole A Paley
- Centre for Pain Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
- Research & Development, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Keighley, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Gareth Jones
- Centre for Pain Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
| | - Matthew R Mulvey
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Priscilla G Wittkopf
- Centre for Pain Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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De Cassai A, Geraldini F, Tulgar S, Ahiskalioglu A, Mariano ER, Dost B, Fusco P, Petroni GM, Costa F, Navalesi P. Opioid-free anesthesia in oncologic surgery: the rules of the game. JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIA, ANALGESIA AND CRITICAL CARE (ONLINE) 2022; 2:8. [PMID: 37386559 DOI: 10.1186/s44158-022-00037-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioids are frequently used in the postoperative period due to their analgesic properties. While these drugs reduce nociceptive somatic, visceral, and neuropathic pain, they may also lead to undesirable effects such as respiratory depression, urinary retention, nausea and vomiting, constipation, itching, opioid-induced hyperalgesia, tolerance, addiction, and immune system disorders. Anesthesiologists are in the critical position of finding balance between using opioids when they are necessary and implementing opioid-sparing strategies to avoid the known harmful effects. This article aims to give an overview of opioid-free anesthesia. MAIN BODY This paper presents an overview of opioid-free anesthesia and opioid-sparing anesthetic techniques. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies are discussed, highlighting the possible advantages and drawbacks of each approach. CONCLUSIONS Choosing the best anesthetic protocol for a patient undergoing cancer surgery is not an easy task and the available literature provides no definitive answers. In our opinion, opioid-sparing strategies should always be implemented in routine practice and opioid-free anesthesia should be considered whenever possible. Non-pharmacological strategies such as patient education, while generally underrepresented in scientific literature, may warrant consideration in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro De Cassai
- UOC Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Via Giustiniani 1, 35127, Padua, Italy.
| | - Federico Geraldini
- UOC Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Via Giustiniani 1, 35127, Padua, Italy
| | - Serkan Tulgar
- Samsun University Faculty of Medicine, Training and Research Hospital, Samsun, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Ali Ahiskalioglu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ataturk University Faculty of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
- Clinical Research, Development and Design Application and Research Center, Ataturk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Edward R Mariano
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care Service, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Burhan Dost
- Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ondokuz Mayis University Faculty of Medicine, Samsun, Turkey
| | - Pierfrancesco Fusco
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, San Salvatore Academic Hospital of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Petroni
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Fabio Costa
- Unit of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Navalesi
- UOC Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Via Giustiniani 1, 35127, Padua, Italy
- University of Padova, Department of Medicine, Padua, Italy
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