Effects of TENS on Pain Threshold and Brain Activities in Healthy Adults

Effects of Conventional Versus Acupuncture-like TENS on Pain Threshold and Brain Activities in Healthy Adults

The purpose of this study was to understand the effects of conventional versus acupuncture-like TENS on pain threshold, brain activities, and their relationships.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a pain modulation tool which is commonly used clinically. TENS has 2 major modes: "conventional TENS'' and "acupuncture like TENS". Conventional TENS induces a local pain modulation, whereas acupuncture like TENS induces central pain modulation mechanism. The pain threshold at treatment area and outside of area is regarded as local pain modulation and central pain modulation respectively. However, the effect of acupuncture like TENS on pain threshold was remained unclear. TENS also induces cortical activities changed in the central nervous system. Recent Electroencephalography (EEG) studies suggested that TENS induces event-related potential and power spectrum changes, however, the time and frequency bands of EEG changes and its relationship with pain threshold were still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the effects of conventional versus acupuncture-like TENS on pain threshold, brain activities, and their relationships.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 20~65 y adults
• No cognitive function problem
• Without taking any type of pain medication or substances that could affect the cognitive functions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Peripheral or central nervous system disease
• Sensory lose
• TENS application is contraindication
• Cardiac pacemaker
• Any type of pain