Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation--electroacupuncture by another name? A comparative review

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Neuromodulation
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) is often presented as a novel analgesic therapy.
• Electroacupuncture (EA) is an established neuromodulation technique with similar principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) with electroacupuncture (EA).
• To evaluate the novelty of PENS based on stimulation parameters, point selection, and reported efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of published studies on PENS.
• Comparison of PENS with established knowledge and practice of EA.
• Analysis of stimulation parameters, acupoint selection, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• PENS and EA share fundamental principles and practical applications.
• No substantial differences were identified in stimulation parameters or point selection between PENS and EA.
• Reported efficacy of PENS is comparable to that of EA.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) is not a novel therapy.
• PENS is essentially equivalent to electroacupuncture (EA) in principle and practice.
• The term PENS accurately describes the treatment but lacks justification as a novel therapy designation.