Comparison of skin sensory thresholds using pre-programmed or single-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

[Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to compare the sensory thresholds ofhealthy subjects using pre-programmed or single-frequency transcutaneous electrical nervestimulation. [Subjects] Ninety healthy adult subjects were randomly assigned topre-programmed or single-frequency stimulation groups, each consisting of 45 participants.[Methods] Sensory thresholds were measured in the participants’ forearms using von Freyfilaments before and after pre-programmed or single-frequency transcutaneous electricalnerve stimulation, and the result in values were analyzed. [Results] Significant increasesin sensory threshold after stimulation were observed in both groups. However, there wereno significant differences between the two groups in sensory thresholds after stimulationor in the magnitude of threshold increases following stimulation. [Conclusion] Our resultsshow that there are no differences between sensory threshold increases induced bypre-programmed and single-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.Key words: Pre-programmed TENS, Sensory threshold, Single-frequency TENS