Abstract
[Purpose] We examined the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of the unilateral forearm on blood oxygenation, perspiration, and skin temperature of the bilateral forearms. [Subjects and Methods] Eight healthy male volunteers (age 20.3 ± 1.2 years) participated in this study. The autonomic responses of the right forearm to ipsilateral TENS for 15 minutes were recorded. After more than 1 week, the responses on the opposite side of the stimulus were recorded. [Results] Ipsilateral perspiration and skin temperature showed a significant increase during and after TENS. Oxygenated hemoglobin of both forearms significantly increased after TENS, however, deoxygenated hemoglobin of the contralateral forearm showed a significant decrease after TENS. [Conclusion] TENS elicits not only an effect in the locality near the stimulation point but also a systemic effect, suggesting it may also have an effect on parts where it is difficult to directly attach an electrode.
