中西医结合治疗不完全性脊髓损伤后中枢性疼痛

目的探讨中西医结合疗法治疗不完全性脊髓损伤中枢性疼痛的治疗效果。方法采用耳压、生物反馈、电动按摩器和经皮神经电刺激仪相结合的中西医结合疗法治疗不完全性脊髓损伤中枢性疼痛患者12例,以McGill疼痛问卷(MPQ)和视觉模拟评分(VAS)于治疗前后对中枢性疼痛进行评测。结果与治疗前相比,治疗后MPQ中的PRI-S、PRI-T、NWC以及VAS有明显降低(P<0.01),PRI-A、PPI最大值降低(P<0.05)。结论中西医结合疗法对治疗脊髓损伤中枢性疼痛有一定的疗效。     

Electrocortical Analysis of Patients with Intercostobrachial Pain Treated with TENS after Breast Cancer Surgery

[Purpose] Among the physical therapeutic procedures to decrease pain, there is transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS). There is no consensus about its efficacy for oncological patients, especially for post-mastectomy pain and eletrocortical changes in somatosensory areas. The aim of this study was to analyze acute electrocortical changes after TENS treatment of patients with intercostobrachial post mastectomy pain. [Subjects] Eighteen patients were divided into acupuncture (A) and burst (B) group. [Methods] In this pre and post-intervention study each group was measured for EEG analysis in absulte power in alpha band (8–14 Hz). Outcomes variables were the alpha waveband in the sensorymotor cortex and pain pre-and-post TENS intervention. Data were analyzed using ANOVA to compare times (rest, 10 and 15 min), group and electrodes. Pain was analyzed using percentual pain evaluation (PPE) in both groups. [Results] Outcomes indicate main effects of time and electrodes because of slow (8–10 Hz) and fast alpha (10–12 Hz) wavebands decreased. PPE reduced 88.4% in A and 66.3% in G. [Conclusion] TENS promoted electrical modification in the parietal region and a decrease in pain. Future studies should investigate other wave must be proposed for other bands and use different methods of EEG analysis to elucidate the actual mechanisms behind the efficacy of TENS treatment.Key words: Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, Mastectomy, Electroencephalography     

电刺激对大鼠脊髓损伤后神经生长因子表达的影响

目的探讨电刺激对成年大鼠脊髓损伤后脊髓灰质神经元神经生长因子(NGF)表达的影响。方法健康成年SD大鼠72只,随机分为正常组、损伤对照组、电刺激组。采用Allen法,将后两组复制为脊髓T9损伤模型。术后对电刺激组大鼠进行电刺激治疗7 d。于术后l d、3 d、5 d、7 d对3组进行BBB评分,免疫组化和Western blot法检测NGF的表达情况。结果 BBB评分结果显示大鼠脊髓损伤后有自行恢复功能,从第5天开始电刺激组与损伤对照组有显著性差异(P<0.05)。脊髓损伤后,电刺激组和损伤对照组NGF表达均持续升高(P<0.05),电刺激组表达多于损伤对照组(P<0.05)。结论脊髓损伤后电刺激诱导损伤区NGF表达,从而创造了有利于神经再生的微环境。     

Modification of haemophiliac haemorrhage pain by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Haemophiliacs suffer considerable pain when they bleed into their joints. This study investigated the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for relief of such pain. Thirty-six haemophiliac patients received either active or placebo TENS treatment. The intensity of pain was assessed before and after treatment using the McGill Pain Questionnaire. After 25 min of active treatment, 71% of the subjects reported at least 50% pain relief as measured by the McGill Pain Questionnaire. This compares with only 25% pain relief experienced by the placebo group.     

Effects of auricular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on distal extremity pain: a pilot study

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain. Fifteen subjects (6 men, 9 women) experiencing distal extremity pain received either one placebo pill or a 10-minute treatment of acupuncture-like TENS bilaterally to five acupuncture points on the auricle. Pain levels were measured before treatment and at 0, 10, and 30 minutes posttreatment using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the pain rating index (PRI) of the McGill Pain Questionnaire. The VAS showed no statistically significant differences between Experimental Group (n = 8) and Control Group (n = 7) means at pretreatment or posttreatment; however, both groups showed a reduction in VAS means over time. The Experimental and Control Group means on the PRI were significantly different (p less than .05) at all three posttreatment measurements, but not at pretreatment baseline measurement. These results suggest that auricular acupuncture-like TENS could be an alternative for relief of distal extremity pain. Additional clinical studies are necessary to validate the results of this study.     

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

A novel device was developed that measured local electrical skin resistance and generated pulsed local electrical currents that were delivered across the skin around the knee for patients with osteoarthritis (termed eBrace TENS). Currents were delivered using an electrode array of 16 small circular electrode elements so that stimulation could be spatially targeted. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of spatially targeted transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to points of low skin resistance on pain relief and mobility in osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK). A randomised, controlled, 3-arm, parallel-group trial was designed that compared pain and function following a 30 to 45 minute intervention of TENS at specific locations depending on the local electrical skin resistance. Pain intensity by the visual analogue scale (VAS), 6-minute walk test, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and range-of-motion (ROM) were the primary outcomes. Lowest-resistance TENS reduced pain intensity during walking relative to resting baseline compared with random TENS (95% confidence interval of the difference: −20.8 mm, −1.26 mm). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in distance during the walk test, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) or range-of-motion (ROM) measures or WOMAC scores. In conclusion, we provide evidence that use of a matrix electrode that spatially targets strong nonpainful TENS for 30 to 45 minutes at sites of low resistance can reduce pain intensity at rest and during walking.     

经皮神经电刺激结合运动疗法治疗脑卒中后肩痛的疗效观察

目的观察经皮神经电刺激（TENS）结合运动疗法治疗脑卒中后肩痛的疗效。方法将60例脑卒中后肩痛患者分为2组，治疗组30例，采用TENS合并运动疗法治疗；对照组30例，采用单纯TENS治疗。采用疼痛的视觉模拟评分法（VAS）和Fugl-Meyer评估量表进行疗效评定。结果治疗组在减轻疼痛、增加肩关节活动范围、增加患侧上肢运动功能方面明显优于对照组（P〈0．01）。结论TENS合并运动疗法治疗脑卒中后肩痛具有满意疗效。     

Hypoalgesic Effect of the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Following Inguinal Herniorrhaphy: A Randomized,Controlled Trial

We investigated the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for inguinal herniorrhaphy postoperative pain control in a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. Forty patients undergoing unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy with an epidural anesthetic technique were randomly allocated to receive either active TENS or placebo TENS. Postoperative pain was evaluated using a standard 10-point numeric rating scale (NRS). Analgesic requirements were also recorded. TENS (100 Hz, strong but comfortable sensory intensity) was applied for 30 minutes through 4 electrodes placed around the incision twice, 2 and 4 hours after surgery. Pain was assessed before and after each application of TENS and 8 and 24 hours after surgery. In the group treated with active TENS, pain intensity was significantly lower 2 hours (P = .028), 4 hours (P = .022), 8 hours (P = .006), and 24 hours (P = .001) after the surgery when compared with the group that received placebo TENS. Active TENS also decreased analgesic requirements in the postoperative period when compared with placebo TENS (P = .001). TENS is thus beneficial for postoperative pain relief after inguinal herniorrhaphy; it has no observable side effects, and the pain-reducing effect continued for at least 24 hours. Consequently, the routine use of TENS after inguinal herniorrhaphy is recommended.PerspectiveThis study presents the hypoalgesic effect of high-frequency TENS for postoperative pain after inguinal herniorrhaphy. This may reinforce findings from basic science showing an opioid-like effect provided by TENS, given that high-frequency TENS has been shown to activate δ-opioid receptors.     

Pain relief by applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on acupuncture points during the first stage of labor: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is one of the non-pharmacological means of pain relief for labor and delivery. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of TENS on specific acupuncture points for reducing pain in the first stage of labor. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned healthy full-term parturients in active phase of first-stage labor to either TENS on four acupuncture points (Hegu [Li 4] and Sanyinjiao [Sp 6]) (n=52) or the TENS placebo (n=53). Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess pain before and 30 and 60 min after treatment. The primary outcome was the rate of VAS score decrease 3 in each group. A questionnaire was given at 24h post-partum to evaluate the satisfaction of pain relieving method and the willingness to have the same treatment again. Mode of delivery and neonatal effect were measured as secondary outcome. One hundred women were eligible for analysis. TENS group experienced VAS score reduction 3 significantly more common than the TENS placebo group (31/50 [62%] vs 7/50 [14%], P<0.001). Willingness of using the same analgesic method for a future childbirth was also significantly different (TENS: 48/50 [96%] vs TENS placebo: 33/50 [66%], P<0.001). Operative delivery was increased in the TENS group (12/50 [24%] vs 4/50 [8%], P=0.05), but the neonatal outcomes were not different. The application of TENS on specific acupuncture points could be a non-invasive adjunct for pain relief in the first stage of labor.     

Analgesic Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Interferential Current on Experimental Ischemic Pain Models: Frequencies of 50?Hz and 100?Hz

[Purpose] This study compared the analgesic effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential currents (IFC) on induced ischemic pain in healthy volunteers. [Subjects] The subjects were 36 volunteers (18 male, 18 female) without known pathology that could cause pain. Their mean age was 24.5±2.2 years. [Methods] A single-blind and parallel-group method was used. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive each 50 Hz TENS, 50 Hz IFC, 100 Hz TENS, and 100 Hz IFC. This study experimentally induced ischemic pain in otherwise pain-free subjects using a modified version of the submaximal effort tourniquet technique. Subjects completed twelve cycles of the ischemic-induced pain test. The primary outcome measure was the change in self-reported of pain intensity during one of four possible treatments. [Results] There were significant effects for Time, which were attributed to a significant reduction in pain intensity for all groups. There were no significant effects for groups or group-time interaction. The 50 Hz IFC treatment was more comfortable than the other treatments in the present study, and it is likely to be better accepted and tolerated by patients. [Conclusion] We conclude that there were no differences in the analgesic effects of the four treatments under the present experimental conditions. The 50 Hz IFC treatment is more comfortable than the other treatments.Key words: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, Interferential current, Ischemic pain model     

Effects of low-frequency electrical stimulation on cumulative fatigue and muscle tone of the erector spinae

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effect of low-frequency electrical stimulation on fatigue recovery of the erector spinae with cumulative fatigue induced by repeated lifting and lowering work. [Subjects] Thirty-two healthy men volunteered to participate in this study and they were randomly divided into three groups: a MC group of 12 persons who underwent microcurrent, a TENS group of 10 persons who underwent Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and a control group of 10 persons who only rested. [Methods] Cumulative fatigue was induced and then, EMG, muscle tone, CK and LDH serum levels of the erector spinae were measured. Each group then underwent the assigned intervention and was re-measured. To analyze the differences in fatigue between before and after the intervention, the paired t-test was conducted, while groups were compared using analysis of covariance with a control group. [Results] The MC groups showed a significant reduction in muscle fatigue and decreased muscle tone when compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were found between the TENS and control groups. [Conclusion] These results suggest that microcurrent stimulation was effective for recovery from cumulative muscle fatigue while TENS had no effect.Key words: Fatigue, Microcurrent, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation     

Electrical stimulation in treating spasticity resulting from spinal cord injury

To study the efficacy of electrical stimulation in treating spasticity of six spinal cord injured patients, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was applied to the dermatomes belonging to the same spinal cord level as the selected spastic muscle group. Spasticity was assessed in knee extensors by a pendulum test in which the knee joint angle of a swinging lower leg was recorded with an electrogoniometer. TENS was found to produce a noticeable decrease of spasticity in three of the patients, but had little effect on the others.     

Auricular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) reduces phantom limb pain

The present paper evaluates the efficacy of low frequency, high intensity auricular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for the relief of phantom limb pain. Auricular TENS was compared with a no-stimulation placebo condition using a controlled crossover design in a group of amputees with (1) phantom limb pain (Group PLP), (2) nonpainful phantom limb sensations (Group PLS), and (3) no phantom limb at all (Group No PL). Small, but significant, reductions in the intensity of nonpainful phantom limb sensations were found for Group PLS during the TENS but not the placebo condition. In addition, 10 min after receiving auricular TENS, Group PLP demonstrated a modest, yet statistically significant decrease in pain as measured by the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Ratings of mood, sleepiness, and anxiety remained virtually unchanged across test occasions and sessions, indicating that the decrease in pain was not mediated by emotional factors. Further placebo-controlled trials of auricular TENS in patients with phantom limb pain are recommended in order to evaluate the importance of electrical stimulation parameters such as pulse width and rate, and to establish the duration of pain relief.     

Effect of TENS on Postoperative Pain and Pulmonary Function in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of electrical nerve stimulation on pain intensity and pulmonary function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Materials and Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, a total of 100 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery at Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from February to May 2014, were divided into two groups. In the intervention group (n = 50), patients received routine care along with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) immediately after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). In the placebo group (n = 50), patients only received routine care. The pain intensity was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) every 6 hours for 72 hours after surgery in two conditions of rest and coughing. Pulmonary function was assessed through forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced volume capacity (FVC) at 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. Age, gender, body mass index, narcotic consumption, ICU length of stay, and requests for chest radiographs were recorded. The statistical level of significance was set at p < .05. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, and body mass index (p > .05). Pain intensity was significantly lower in the TENS group than the placebo group in both resting and coughing condition (p < .05). FVC and FEV1 were significantly better and faster in the TENS group than in the placebo group at 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery (p < .05). Patients in the TENS group had significantly lower narcotic use and requests for chest radiographs compared with placebo group. Conclusions: TENS may reduce postoperative pain in resting and coughing conditions, improve pulmonary function, and reduce narcotic use in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.     

The effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on spasticity

Abstract

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is commonly used in the treatment of chronic and acute pain with possible mechanisms of action including segmental inhibition, release of endogenous opioids, counter-irritation, nerve conduction block, and placebo. Although not frequently used in current practice, there is some evidence that TENS has an effect on spasticity in neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis. This paper reviews the results of studies undertaken to date, evaluating not only the effects of TENS on spasticity, but also the impact of different TENS parameters on its overall effectiveness. Recommendations based on the current evidence for the use of TENS in the treatment of spasticity are made, as well as suggestions for further study.     

Evidence for spinal cord hypersensitivity in chronic pain after whiplash injury and in fibromyalgia

Patients with chronic pain after whiplash injury and fibromyalgia patients display exaggerated pain after sensory stimulation. Because evident tissue damage is usually lacking, this exaggerated pain perception could be explained by hyperexcitability of the central nervous system. The nociceptive withdrawal reflex (a spinal reflex) may be used to study the excitability state of spinal cord neurons. We tested the hypothesis that patients with chronic whiplash pain and fibromyalgia display facilitated withdrawal reflex and therefore spinal cord hypersensitivity. Three groups were studied: whiplash (n=27), fibromyalgia (n=22) and healthy controls (n=29). Two types of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the sural nerve were applied: single stimulus and five repeated stimuli at 2 Hz. Electromyography was recorded from the biceps femoris muscle. The main outcome measurement was the minimum current intensity eliciting a spinal reflex (reflex threshold). Reflex thresholds were significantly lower in the whiplash compared with the control group, after both single (P=0.024) and repeated (P=0.035) stimulation. The same was observed for the fibromyalgia group, after both stimulation modalities (P=0.001 and 0.046, respectively). We provide evidence for spinal cord hyperexcitability in patients with chronic pain after whiplash injury and in fibromyalgia patients. This can cause exaggerated pain following low intensity nociceptive or innocuous peripheral stimulation. Spinal hypersensitivity may explain, at least in part, pain in the absence of detectable tissue damage.     

Pain reducing effect of three types of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with chronic pain: a randomized crossover trial

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a frequently applied therapy in chronic pain although evidence for effectiveness is inconclusive. Several types of TENS, based on different combinations of frequency, pulse duration and intensity, exist. The precise mechanism of action and the relevance of combinations of stimulus parameters are still unclear. To compare the effectiveness of three types of TENS we conducted a randomized, single blinded crossover trial. Patients received two times a 2-week period of daily TENS treatment, separated by a washout period of 2 weeks. In total, 180 chronic pain patients were randomized into three groups. In group 1, high frequency, low intensity TENS (HFT) was compared with high frequency, high intensity TENS (HIT). In groups 2 and 3, HFT and HIT were compared with a control TENS (COT). The order of applying the different modalities of TENS in each group was also randomized. Primary outcome was the patient's overall assessment of effectiveness and pain reduction (VAS). No differences were found in patient's assessment or pain reducing effect between the three groups, indicating no superiority of one type of TENS. In total, 56% continued TENS after the 2-week treatment period. At 6 months, 42% of all patients still used TENS. We concluded that there were no differences in effectiveness for the three types of TENS used in this study. Because no placebo group was included, no definite conclusions on effectiveness of TENS in general in the treatment of chronic pain could be made.     

低频电疗对白鼠周围神经损伤后脊髓后角神经细胞活动电位的影响

背景迄今为止有关低频电疗缓解疼痛作用机制的研究寥寥无几,且有关低频电疗对脊髓后角神经细胞活动电位的影响尚不清楚.目的应用周围神经损伤的动物模型,观察低频电疗对被机械性刺激和温度刺激所引发的脊髓后角神经细胞活动电位(膜电位)的影响,并观察纳洛酮干预后的效应.设计随机对照动物实验.单位延边大学医学院附属医院神经内科.材料实验于2004-02/10在延边大学医学院中心实验室进行.取80只SD雄性白鼠,随机取60只手术分离出坐骨神经,将坐骨神经的2个分支胫神经和腓肠神经结扎后切断,留下腓神经作为实验组,其余20只经手术分离出坐骨神经后放原位,重新缝合皮肤作为对照组.方法①疼痛测定手术1周后用机械性刺激和温度刺激每5 s刺激大鼠一次,共刺激10次后测定躲避反应的频率(0%～40%为轻度疼痛,40%～70%为中度,70%以上为重度).②对照组和实验组中重度疼痛的大鼠测定自发的和被机械性刺激和温度刺激所引发的脊髓后角神经细胞膜电位.③实验组大鼠用环状电极在腿部进行经皮低频电刺激(电流3 mA,时间10 min,频率10 Hz),测定刺激前后脊髓后角神经细胞膜电位.④实验组低频电刺激的同时,经尾部静脉注射纳洛酮,测定注射纳洛酮前和注射10 min后脊髓后角神经细胞膜电位.结果经补充后80只大鼠进入结果分析.①实验组被机械性刺激和温度刺激所引发的躲避反应频率明显高于对照组(P＜0.01).②实验组被机械性刺激和温度刺激所引发的脊髓后角神经细胞膜电位明显高于对照组(P＜0.01).③实验组经低频电刺激10 min后,被机械性刺激和温度刺激所引发的脊髓后角神经细胞的膜电位明显低于刺激前[每10 s(102.6±0.86),(136.9±1.46)次;每10 s(175.2±1.28),(240.8±1.51)次,P＜0.01].④实验组注射纳洛酮10 min后,被机械性刺激和温度刺激所引发的脊髓后角神经细胞的膜电位明显高于注射前[每10 s(174.5±0.41),(235.4±1.41)次,P＜0.01].结论低频电刺激能有效抑制被无害刺激所引发的脊髓后角神经细胞的活动电位,且静脉注射纳洛酮(8 mg/kg)可使之逆转到治疗前的水平,说明低频电疗可能是刺激中枢神经系统使其分泌内源鸦片物质,作用于脊髓后角细胞使其活性降低,从而达到缓解疼痛的目的.     

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

Background: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an easy to use analgesic intervention. However, long‐term randomized placebo‐controlled studies with treatment periods of more than 3 months have not been executed to date. The aim of our study is to explore the long‐term (1 year) time course of the treatment effects of TENS compared to placebo (sham TENS). Method: We performed a randomized placebo‐controlled trial in patients with chronic pain (165), referred to a multidisciplinary pain center of a university hospital. Main outcome measures are the proportion of patients satisfied with treatment result and willing to continue treatment, pain intensity, pain disability, and perceived health status. Results: Survival analysis of time courses of proportions of satisfied patients revealed no significant differences (P = 0.79; log‐rank test) for TENS treatment compared to sham TENS. After 1 year, 30% (24/81) of the patients of the TENS group and 23% (19/82) of the sham TENS group were satisfied with treatment result. These patients experienced a mean overall improvement of 62.7% (n = 43). This effect was not significantly different between both groups. For satisfied patients, there were no differences in pain intensity or disability and perceived health status between the TENS and sham TENS group. Conclusions: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and sham TENS show similar effects in patients with chronic pain over a period of 1 year. We found support for a long sustained placebo effect.