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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in Raynaud's phenomenon
P Mulder1, E C Dompeling, J C van Slochteren-van der Boor
1Division of Physiotherapy, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands.
Angiology
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) showed minimal effects on Raynaud
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is theorized to cause vasodilation.
- Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by exaggerated vasoconstriction of peripheral blood vessels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological effects of TENS on patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon.
- To determine if TENS can improve peripheral circulation and oxygenation in affected individuals.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 8 patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon.
- Application of 2 Hz TENS to the right hand for 45 minutes.
- Measurements included skin temperature, plethysmography of digits, and transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcpO2).
- A control group received indifferent stimulation.
Main Results:
- A minor increase in skin temperature was observed in both hands post-TENS.
- Plethysmographic amplitude increased only in the contralateral hand.
- No significant changes in transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcpO2) were recorded.
Conclusions:
- The study found that TENS produced only slight physiological changes in Raynaud's patients.
- These observed effects were deemed clinically insignificant for managing primary Raynaud's phenomenon.