scholarly journals Effects of Personal Low-Frequency Stimulation Device on Myalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Author(s):  
Yong-Soon Yoon ◽  
Myoung-Hwan Ko ◽  
Il-Young Cho ◽  
Cheol-Su Kim ◽  
Johny Bajgai ◽  
...  

Electrotherapy is commonly used for myalgia alleviation. Low-frequency stimulation (LFS) is primarily used for controlling acute and chronic pain and is a non-invasive therapy that can be easily performed with electric stimulation applied on the skin. However, little evidence exists regarding the pain alleviation effects of personal low-frequency stimulation device for home use. Moreover, no studies have compared myalgia alleviation effects between personal low-frequency stimulation (PLS) and physical therapy (PT), which are most commonly used for patients with myalgia in hospitals and clinics. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the pain alleviation effects of PLS in patients with myalgia and compare these effects with those of conventional PT (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation + ultrasound). In total, 39 patients with myalgia in the neck, shoulder, back, and waist areas were randomly assigned to the personal low-frequency stimulation group (PLSG: n = 20) and physical therapy group (PTG: n = 19). Both groups were treated for 3 weeks (20 min per session and 5 sessions per week). Patients were assessed for pain intensity by surface electromyography (sEMG), visual analogue scale (VAS) and a short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) before and after the intervention period. Our results showed that PLSG showed a tendency of muscle relaxation with a significant decrease in sEMG in the neck (p = 0.0425), shoulder (p = 0.0425), and back (p = 0.0046) areas compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in waist area. Additionally, VAS scores significantly decreased between pre- and post-treatment in both PTG (p = 0.0098), and PLSG (p = 0.0304) groups, but there was no significance difference between the groups. With respect to SF-MPQ, the PLSG showed greater pain alleviation (5.23 ± 0.25) effects than the PTG (6.23 ± 0.25). Accordingly, our results suggest that PLS treatment using a home device might offer positive assistance in pain alleviation for patients with myalgia that is as equally effective as conventional PT treatment. However, further detailed studies are required considering larger samples to fully claim the effectiveness of this device.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simge Temizkan ◽  
Miray BUDAK

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of KT and AE on pain, attitude, depression, and quality of life in women with dysmenorrhoea. Methods: Forty-five women with dysmenorrhoea were randomly divided into three groups as KT group(n=15), AE group(n=15) and control group(n=15). In KT Group, 6 sessions of KT were applied, starting on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle and 2 times a week for 3 weeks until the cycle ended. In the AE group, walking and climbing stairs were given during the menstrual cycle, 3 days a week, 45 minutes. No application was made to the control group. All groups were evaluated with Beck Depression Scale(BDS), Mcgill Pain Questionnaire(MPQ), Menstrual Attitude Scale(MAS), and Short Form-36(SF-36) before and after treatment. Results: A significant difference was found in MAS and SF-36 mental and physical in the KT group(p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in the MPQ in the AE group(p<0.05). No significant result was found in the control group. There were significant differences in MPQ and MAS Time*Group interaction(p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the KT and AE Group in post-hoc tests(p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, KT and AE may decrease pain and improve attitude and quality of life in women with dysmenorrhoea. “retrospectively registered” Trial registration number (NCT04856280), date of registration (20.04.2021).


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-I Tsai ◽  
Tsai-Chung Li ◽  
Ming-Hong Chang ◽  
Shih-Yi Lin ◽  
I-Te Lee ◽  
...  

Objective. To investigate the effects of modifiedHungqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang(MHGWT), a formula that comprises Chinese medicinal herbs, in relieving neuropathic pain in diabetics.Method. Between March 2008 and April 2009, 112 participants were randomly assigned to either the MHGWT group, whose members received MHGWT (n=56), or the control group, whose members received a placebo (n=56). Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) was rated using the 15-item Short-Form Brief Pain Inventory (SF-BPI), the 17-item Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), the 13-item Modified Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MMNSI), and the 36-item “SF-36.” Nerve conduction studies (NCSs) were performed before and after treatment.Results. After 12 weeks of treatment, the SF-MPQ and SF-BPI scores of the MHGWT group were significantly (P<0.05) reduced and a significant difference between the groups was observed (P<0.05). The levels of NCS in the MHGWT group were nonsignificantly (P>0.05) reduced, and no significant difference in NCS level was observed between the groups (P>0.05).Conclusions. MHGWT shows promise in relieving DNP and deserves further investigation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S267-S268
Author(s):  
Xiu-Hang Zhang ◽  
Jia-Ao Yu ◽  
Xin-Xin Chen

Abstract Introduction Burn injuries have significant physiological and psychological consequences. Dressing changes have been considered the most painful among all non-surgical procedures. Anxiety, which is closely associated with pain, is a part of the burn and wound-healing process and can cause delays in wound healing and recovery procedures. In addition, anxiety may have a devastating mental and physical influence on patients.What’s more,patients whose symptoms were not adequately alleviated are likely to suffer more in their subsequent dressing changes. Pharmacological treatment is the primary approach for relieving pain and anxiety related to burns. In comparison with traditional analgesics, tramadol is a more manageable drug under clinical conditions. However, due to the variability of the intensity of pain and anxiety in patients, the two symptoms remain under-treated. Recently, much attention has been paid to pain management approaches that combine pharmacological treatments with non-pharmacological therapies. In this regard, this study was designed to analyze the effect of tramadol and its combination with self-selected music on burn patient. Methods To investigate the effects of music and/or tramadol on pain and anxiety in burn outpatients undergoing dressing changes. Patients (N = 180) with burns on up to 10%-30% of the total body surface area (TBSA). The patients were selected using a convenience sampling method and randomly allocated to 4 equal-sized groups as follows: 1) tramadol group (TG), patients received 100 mg of tramadol orally 20 min before the dressing change; 2) music group (MG), patients listened to self-selected music during the dressing change; 3) music-plus-tramadol group (MTG), patients received tramadol and listened to self-selected music; and 4) control group (CG), patients received a routine dressing change only. All patients underwent the interventions once per day for 2 days. McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form (MPQ-SF) (primary outcome), McGill Pain Persian version of Burn Specific Pain Anxiety Scale (BSPAS) (primary outcome), and heart rate (HR) and overall patient satisfaction (secondary outcomes). Results The results showed that MTG had better outcomes with respect to pain and anxiety management during dressing changes. Conclusions In comparison with music or tramadol alone, the integration of music and tramadol offers a secure and favorable treatment choice to relieve pain and anxiety, ultimately improving the satisfaction levels of burn outpatients during dressing changes. Applicability of Research to Practice The findings showed that the combined approach was more effective in reducing pain and anxiety among the outpatients, as the findings outline the potential use of this technique in the management of dressing changes in burn outpatients.


Author(s):  
Abitone Valsakumar ◽  
Sujatha Dinesh ◽  
Ganesh Prasad ◽  
Prashanth Shetty

Abstract Objectives Mud pack or compress is an easily accessible, cost-effective, efficient treatment modality used in naturopathy to manage and prevent various chronic illnesses. This study sought to elucidate the effectiveness of cold spinal mud packs on improving neuro-cardiac parameters among hypertensive individuals. Methods A total of 100 hypertensive subjects aged 30–50 years were randomly allocated into two groups: Cold spinal mud pack (CSMP) and prone rest. Blood Pressure (BP) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) were assessed at three-time points: Baseline, After 20 min (T1), After 60 min (T2). This single-blinded randomized controlled trial was registered in the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2019/12/022492). Results After 20 min of CSMP showed a statistically significant reduction (p<0.01) in mean values of Systolic BP, Diastolic BP, and in HRV attained statistically significant change (p<0.01) in mean score in the frequency domain except for Very low-frequency power (VLF) and a significant difference found in the mean score of time-domain values (p<0.01) when compared to control group and 95% confidence interval (CI) will be provided for each effect. Conclusions CSMP reduces the sympathetic tone and shifts the sympathovagal balance in favor of parasympathetic dominance, contributing to a decrease in BP and effective changes in components of HRV.


2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552110387
Author(s):  
Letticia Cristina Santos Cardozo Roque ◽  
Angélica da Silva Tenório ◽  
Lígia Tomaz de Aquino ◽  
Renata dos Santos Ferreira ◽  
Angela Luzia Branco Pinto Duarte ◽  
...  

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of Maitland’s joint mobilization and therapeutic exercises on the functionality of the hands in patients with systemic sclerosis. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Tertiary university hospital. Subjects: Twenty-four patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis according to ACR/EULAR 2013 criteria; age ⩾18 years and Cochin Hand Functional Scale (COCHIN) score ⩾10. They were randomized to physical therapy group ( n = 12) or control group ( n = 12). Interventions: The physical therapy group received joint mobilization and undertook therapeutic exercises, twice a week, for 12 weeks, and received a booklet with information about the disease. The control group only received the booklet about the disease. Main measures: The primary outcome measure was functionality of the hands (COCHIN). The secondary outcomes measures were disability (SHAQ), pain (visual analogic scale), range of motion (HAMIS and Delta finger-to-palm), grip strength (JAMAR dynamometer), and quality of life (SF12). Results: Twenty-two patients were female, with a mean age of 47.4 ± 11.1 years and 18 had limited cutaneous form. The physical therapy group showed a decrease of 11.33 points in the COCHIN in comparison with the control group ( P = 0.09). There was a significant increase in range of motion by HAMIS (3.00 ± 1.48 vs 5.42 ± 2.64, P = 0.008), reduction in pain VAS (3.42 ± 2.78 vs 7.75 ± 2.53, P < 0.001), and increase in the physical component of SF12 (38.51 ± 9.60 vs 32.65 ± 9.10, P = 0.038). Conclusion: Maitland’s joint mobilization and therapeutic exercises improved the functionality of the hands, reduced pain in the hands and wrists, increased range of motion, and improved quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis.


2012 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 364-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Craane ◽  
P.U. Dijkstra ◽  
K. Stappaerts ◽  
A. De Laat

This study evaluated the one-year effect of physical therapy on pain and mandibular dysfunction associated with anterior disc displacement without reduction of the temporomandibular joint (closed lock). Forty-nine individuals were randomly assigned to either a physical therapy group [n = 23, mean age (SD) 34.7 (14.0) yrs] or a control group [n = 26, mean age 38.5 (15.1) yrs]. At baseline and after 3, 6, 12, 26, and 52 wks, pain and mandibular function were evaluated. All patients received extensive information about avoiding parafunctions and oral habits on all evaluation days. The physical therapy group received, in a 6-week period, 9 sessions of physical therapy, including joint mobilization, exercises, and massage, and the information on avoiding parafunctions and oral habits was repeated each time. All pain variables decreased, and all function variables increased significantly over time for both groups. The interaction between time and treatment group was not significant. Hence, physical therapy had no significant additional effect in patients with anterior disc displacement, without reduction, of the temporomandibular joint ( ClinicalTrials.gov number, CT01475630).


2016 ◽  
Vol 124 (5) ◽  
pp. 1434-1441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang-Ming Li ◽  
Jian-Tao Yang ◽  
Yi Hou ◽  
Yi Yang ◽  
Ben-Gang Qin ◽  
...  

OBJECT Donor-side morbidity associated with contralateral C-7 (CC7) nerve transfer remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional deficits in the donor limb resulting from prespinal route CC7 nerve transfer. METHODS A total of 63 patients were included. Forty-one patients had undergone CC7 nerve transfer surgery at least 6 months previously and were assigned to one of 2 groups based on the duration of postoperative follow-up. Group 1 (n = 21) consisted of patients who had undergone surgery between 6 months and 2 years previously, and Group 2 (n = 20) consisted of patients who had undergone surgery more than 2 years previously. An additional 22 patients who underwent CC7 nerve transfer surgery later than those in Groups 1 and 2 were included as a control group (Group 3). Results of preoperative testing in these patients and postoperative testing in Groups 1 and 2 were compared. Testing included subjective assessments and objective examinations. An additional 3 patients had undergone surgery more than 6 months previously but had severe motor weakness and were therefore evaluated separately; these 3 patients were not included in any of the study groups. RESULTS The revised Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ-2) was the only subjective test that showed a significant difference between Group 3 and the other 2 groups, while no significant differences were found in objective sensory, motor, or dexterity outcomes. The interval from injury to surgery for patients with a normal SF-MPQ-2 score in Groups 1 and 2 was significantly less than for those with abnormal SF-MFQ-2 scores (2.4 ± 1.1 months vs 4.6 ± 2.9 months, p = 0.002). The 3 patients with obvious motor weakness showed a tendency to gradually recover. CONCLUSIONS Although some patients suffered from long-term sensory disturbances, resection of the C-7 nerve had little effect on the function of the donor limb. Shortening preoperative delay time can improve sensory recovery of the donor limb.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Khalid A. Alahmari ◽  
Paul Silvian ◽  
Irshad Ahmad ◽  
Ravi Shankar Reddy ◽  
Jaya Shanker Tedla ◽  
...  

Stretching is an important part of post ankle sprain rehabilitation, as well as an effective exercise for improving general ankle-joint performance. But the combination of stretching alongside low-frequency stimulation has not yet been extensively studied. Therefore, the purpose of the present randomized controlled trial was to compare the combined effects of low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on strength, balance, and proprioception among individuals with post ankle sprain. Sixty male subjects with lateral ankle sprain were selected and randomly allocated to three groups: group 1, group 2, and the control group (CG). Subjects in group 1 received the PNF stretching technique combined with TENS. TENS stimulation was provided using two electrodes placed 5 cm apart directly on the triceps sural muscle of the affected leg and a biphasic current with a symmetrical waveform at 50 Hz for 15 seconds, tuned for a 3-second ramp up time and a 30-second rest time with a 250-microsecond pulse duration was given with PNF stretching. Subjects in group 2 received the PNF stretching technique alone. Both group 1 and group 2 received these treatments for 4 weeks (4 days/week); follow-up assessments were administered in the third and fifth weeks. CG received no treatment; outcome measures alone were assessed. Outcome measures comprised pain, balance, flexibility, proprioception, range of motion, muscle strength, and functional limitation. A mixed-model ANOVA showed significant interaction (time and group) and the time effect for all the outcome measures (p≤0.05). Group 1 (PNF-TENS) showed significant improvement for all the outcome variables compared to the other groups. The present study showed PNF stretching combined with TENS for the triceps sural muscle to trigger muscle contraction during the muscle contraction phase of the PNF stretch, compared against PNF stretching alone, produced significant improvements in ankle function for post ankle sprain subjects.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Sina Khajei ◽  
Khadijeh Esmaeilpour ◽  
Javad Mirnajafi-Zadeh ◽  
Vahid Sheibani ◽  
Soheila Rezakhani ◽  
...  

Background. Cannabinoid system affects memory and has anticonvulsant effects in epileptic models. In the current study, the role of cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptors was investigated in amelioration of the effects of low-frequency stimulation (LFS) on learning and memory impairments in kindled rats. Methods. Electrical stimulation of the hippocampal CA1 area was employed to kindle the animals. LFS was applied to the CA1 area in four trials following the last kindling stimulation. One group of animals received intraperitoneal injection of AM251 (0.1 μg/rat), a CB1 receptor antagonist, before the LFS application. Similarly, CB1 agonist WIN55-212-2 (WIN) was administrated to another group prior to LFS. The Morris water maze (MWM) and the novel object recognition (NOR) tests were executed 48 h after the last kindling stimulation to assess learning and memory. Results. Applying LFS in the kindled+LFS group restored learning and memory impairments in the kindled rats. There was a significant difference between the kindled and the kindled+LFS groups in learning and memory. The application of AM251 reduced the LFS effects significantly. Adversely, WIN acted similarly to LFS and alleviated learning and memory deficits in the kindled+WIN group. In addition, WIN did not counteract the LFS enhancing effects in the KLFS+WIN group. Conclusions. Improving effects of LFS on learning and memory impairments are mediated through the activation of the endocannabinoid (ECB) system.


2021 ◽  
pp. 030802262098712
Author(s):  
Ahmad Mohammadi ◽  
Afsoon Hassani Mehraban ◽  
Shahla Ansari Damavandi ◽  
Mehdi Alizadeh Zarei ◽  
Hamid Haghani

Introduction This study aimed to investigate the effect of play-based occupational therapy on symptoms and participation in daily life activities in hospitalized children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Method A total of 25 children (mean age = 9.28 ± 0.95 years, range = 7–12 years) with cancer undergoing chemotherapy were enrolled and randomly assigned to a play-based occupational therapy group ( n = 12) or control group ( n = 13). The intervention group received eight 1-hour play-based occupational therapy sessions, and the control group received traditional occupational therapy services. Participation in daily life activities, therapy-related symptoms, pain, anxiety, and fatigue were evaluated. Results Total mean scores of participation in daily life activities in the intervention group in the diversity of activities ( p = 0.001, d = 1.39), intensity of participation ( p = 0.001, d = 1.86), with whom done ( p = 0.005, d = 1.22), enjoyment ( p = 0.003, d = 1.33), and parents’ satisfaction ( p = 0.003, d = 1.33) were significantly higher than the control group. Symptoms decreased in both groups; however, this trend had a significant difference in the intervention group for the therapy-related symptom checklist ( p = 0.001, d = 1.68), pain ( p = 0.001, d = 1.61), anxiety ( p = 0.001, d = 1.58), and fatigue ( p = 0.002, d = 1.39) scores. Conclusion A 2-week course of inpatient play-based occupational therapy is an effective approach in the reduction of cancer symptoms, therapy-related symptoms, and the participation facilitation, of children with cancer in daily life activities.


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