Influence of Percutaneous Electrolysis on Endogenous Pain Modulation

Influence of Percutaneous Electrolysis on Endogenous Pain Modulation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Percutaneous electrolysis is a minimally invasive approach that consists in the application of a galvanic current through an acupuncture needle. Although several mechanisms and effects are attributed to percutaneous electrolysis, currently there are only a few publications that delve into this topic. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of percutaneous electrolysis on the endogenous pain modulation. Four groups of intervention will be involved: no-intervention, isolated needling procedure, low intensity percutaneous electrolysis and high intensity percutaneous electrolysis. The effects on the pain modulation system will be evaluated before and immediately after the intervention, through pressure pain thresholds, conditioned pain modulation and temporal summation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy asymptomatic subjects
• Aged 18 to 40 years
• Both genders

Exclusion Criteria:

• Belonephobia or fear of needles
• Neurological, cardiovascular or metabolic diseases
• Any pathology or process that causes pain
• Cutaneous alterations
• Pregnancy
• Cognitive and sensitivity disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Frequent or recent (24 hours before) intake of alcohol and other drugs
• Have received pharmacological, physiotherapeutic or other treatment in the last week
• Intake of caffeine in the two hours prior to measurement
• Vigorous physical activity on the day of testing