Logo image
Back
Influence Of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation On Pressure Pain Thresholds And Conditioned Pain Modulation
Abstract   Open access   Peer reviewed

Influence Of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation On Pressure Pain Thresholds And Conditioned Pain Modulation

Giovanni Berardi, Dana Dailey, Ruth Chimenti, Ericka Merriwether, Carol GT Vance, Leslie J. Crofford and Kathleen A. Sluka
The journal of pain, Vol.24(4 Suppl.), pp.58-59
04/2023
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.02.176
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2023.02.176View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

This study examined the influence of routine transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in individuals with fibromyalgia. We further investigated if the influence of TENS differed among individuals classified as movement-evoked pain responders. 175 females were randomly assigned to active-TENS, placebo-TENS, or no-TENS groups. Subjects attended 2 sessions separated by 4 weeks and PPT at the lumbar region was assessed before and during TENS, and during submersion of the foot in a cold-water bath (CPM). TENS was applied to the lumbar and cervicothoracic regions during activity using a modulated frequency at the highest tolerable intensity for 2 hr/day for 4 weeks. Placebo-TENS was similarly applied but delivered current for only 45s. Pain ratings were assessed during a 6-minute walk test (movement-evoked pain). The change in PPTs were calculated from before TENS to PPTs during application of active-TENS, placebo-TENS or no-TENS, and during CPM with concurrent TENS allocation. There was not a significant change in PPTs or CPM when comparing active-TENS to placebo- and no-TENS groups. 44% of individuals with fibromyalgia were identified as responders to TENS treatment (≥30% reduction in movement-evoked pain) and demonstrated greater increases in PPTs (p<.001) however, similar changes in CPM compared to non-responders. However, contrary to prior studies, this cohort with fibromyalgia demonstrated efficient CPM at baseline when compared to a separate healthy cohort. People with fibromyalgia may have intact central pain inhibition which may facilitate pain relief with interventions targeting central inhibitory pain mechanisms like TENS. This study was supported by the NIAMS research grants UM1 AR063381 and R34 AR060278. Postdoctoral support of GB provided by NINDS under Award Number U24NS112873.

Details

Metrics

21 Record Views
Logo image