Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on movement-evoked pain in chronic low back pain patients: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Although exercises have been recommended to alleviate low back pain (LBP), movement-evoked pain (MEP) interfered with exercise therapy in chronic LBP patients. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a physical agent to alleviate pain. The effects whether using TENS and an optimal frequency setting will reduce MEP in the lower back remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the effects of TENS on MEP in chronic LBP patients and the optimal frequency settings to maximize effects. Trial design: a Randomized Controlled Trial. Methods: We randomly allocate chronic LBP patients to three groups: high frequency - TENS (HF-TENS); modulated frequency - TENS (MF-TENS); placebo - TENS. MEP were measured at baseline, start of TENS and at 30 minutes. TENS was administered until the end of the measurements at 30 minutes. Results: MF-TENS group showed that MEP was significantly reduced when compared to placebo-TENS group at 30 minutes. There were no significant differences in motor performance tests between all TENS groups. Conclusion: Although MF-TENS did not improve motor performance, it reduced MEP in LBP patients.