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Analgesic efficacy of high frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (H-F TENS). Pilot study of patients with chronic pain in musculoskeletal disorders
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Abstract
Background. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a physical method used in pain electrotherapy. The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the analgesic efficacy of H-F TENS (high frequency TENS) in chronic pain due to musculoskeletal disorders.
Material and methods. The study involved 13 patients with musculoskeletal disorders who suffered from chronic pain. During 2 weeks’ treatment H-F TENS was administered for 60 minutes, 5 times a week. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) evaluations were performed for 3 days of pre-treatment period, before each treatment which reflected the pain situation of the previous 24 h and once daily for 2 weeks after treatment. Statistical analysis included ANOVA with Shefe post hoc test.
Results. The initial mean NRS in pre-treatment period was 5.56 ± 1.78, decreased after H-F TENS to 3.41 ± 1.16 and even more to 2.54 ± 0.67 in the post-treatment period. We have observed statistically significant pain relief after 3 H-F TENS sessions (p < 0.01).
Conclusion. High frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may be an effective method of nonpharmacological treatment of chronic pain in muscoskeletal disorders.
Abstract
Background. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a physical method used in pain electrotherapy. The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the analgesic efficacy of H-F TENS (high frequency TENS) in chronic pain due to musculoskeletal disorders.
Material and methods. The study involved 13 patients with musculoskeletal disorders who suffered from chronic pain. During 2 weeks’ treatment H-F TENS was administered for 60 minutes, 5 times a week. Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) evaluations were performed for 3 days of pre-treatment period, before each treatment which reflected the pain situation of the previous 24 h and once daily for 2 weeks after treatment. Statistical analysis included ANOVA with Shefe post hoc test.
Results. The initial mean NRS in pre-treatment period was 5.56 ± 1.78, decreased after H-F TENS to 3.41 ± 1.16 and even more to 2.54 ± 0.67 in the post-treatment period. We have observed statistically significant pain relief after 3 H-F TENS sessions (p < 0.01).
Conclusion. High frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may be an effective method of nonpharmacological treatment of chronic pain in muscoskeletal disorders.
Keywords
high frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation; musculoskeletal pain
About this articleTitle
Analgesic efficacy of high frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (H-F TENS). Pilot study of patients with chronic pain in musculoskeletal disorders
Journal
Advances in Palliative Medicine
Issue
Vol 5, No 3 (2006): Polish Palliative Medicine
Pages
120-125
Published online
2006-09-28
Page views
707
Article views/downloads
3671
Bibliographic record
Advances in Palliative Medicine 2006;5(3):120-125.
Keywords
high frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
musculoskeletal pain
Authors
Sławomir Bańburski
Anna Pyszora
Małgorzata Krajnik
Jacek Budzyński