Article

Sensory transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is
frequently used for pain modulation. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation used to
induce strong muscle contractions is often limited by muscular discomfort and by
discomfort associated with the electrical current. The objective of this study
was to determine whether the application of TENS can reduce the discomfort
associated with neuromuscular electrical stimulation, leading to stronger maximal
electrically induced contractions. DESIGN: In a double-blind randomized
controlled trial, 24 young adults with no known impairment received a TENS and a
sham treatment before and after the assessment of the maximal electrically
induced contractions of the quadriceps muscle.
RESULTS: Sensory TENS had no
significant effect on maximal electrically induced contractions (normalized to
maximal voluntary isometric contractions), on current amplitude, on the
discomfort associated with the muscle contraction, and on the discomfort
associated with the current amplitude (the latter two rated using a numerical
rating scale). The discomfort described as a pulling/tearing sensation of the
muscle (mean [SD], 5.7 [1.6]) was significantly higher than the discomfort
associated with the current amplitude (mean [SD], 4.6 [2.3]; P = 0.02).
CONCLUSIONS: Sensory TENS was not effective in modulating the discomfort
associated with neuromuscular electrical stimulation in individuals with no known
impairment. During periods of maximal electrically induced contractions, the
pulling sensation of the muscle is generally more disconcerting than the
sensation of the electrical current. Further studies are necessary to determine
the effect of different stimulation parameters in patients with pathologic conditions.

Langue : ANGLAIS