Comparison of Effectiveness of Two Different Electrotherapy Agents on Central Sensitization

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Interferential Currents (IFC) on Central Sensitization in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: Randomized Clinical Trial

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), interferential currents (IFCs) and sham devices in improving central sensitization (CS) findings, including pressure pain thresholds, pain catastrophizing, depression, and kinesiophobia in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Knee OA, which is the most frequently encountered type of OA is a leading cause of disability and chronic pain. CS is as important as nociceptive component in the pathogenesis of OA-related pain. Therefore, the necessary interventions for CS should be also considered when deciding the treatment protocol.TENS and IFC have been safely and commonly employed in the conservative treatment of knee OA. However, there are limited and inconsistent data concerning the impact of these modalities on CS component of pain.Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate whether these agents are effective on CS and they are superior to each other.

Inclusion Criteria:

40 to 75 years of age, Having bilateral knee OA radiologically with a Kellgren-Lawrence grade of 2 or 3.

Reporting knee pain of more than 3 on the visual analog scale (VAS) over the last 6 months Being unfamiliar with TENS and IFC use

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Exclusion Criteria:

1. Having the history of any contraindication for electrotherapy (pacemakers, epilepsy, dermatological conditions, abnormal sensation in the knees, pregnancy),
2. Having a knee surgery or intra-articular corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injection within 6 months.
3. Taking any drugs acting on the nervous system such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, myorelaxants, or opioid drugs in the study period.
4. Having fibromyalgia, inflammatory rheumatologic, severe psychological disorders -