Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
A Novel Scalp Acupuncture-based Method to Target the Hand Motor Hotspot for Non-invasive Brain Stimulation
Published on: December 19, 2025
Immediate effect of electric point stimulation (TENS) in treating latent upper trapezius trigger points: a double
1Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, 13-15 Parkwood Road, Bournemouth, BH5 2DF, UK. hgemmell@aecc.ac.uk
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of electric point stimulation in treating latent upper trapezius trigger points compared to placebo.
Design:
Double blind randomised placebo-controlled trial.
Setting:
Anglo-European College of Chiropractic.
Participants:
Sixty participants with latent upper trapezius trigger points.
Interventions:
Electric point stimulator type of TENS, or detuned (inactive) electric point stimulator type of TENS.
Main Outcome Measures:
The three outcome measures were pressure pain threshold at the trigger point, a numerical rating scale for pain elicited over the trigger point, and lateral cervical flexion to the side opposite the trigger point.
Results:
On the outcome of pressure pain threshold the electric point stimulator group had a mean change of 0.49 (0.99) kg/cm(2), while the placebo group had a mean change of 0.45 (0.98) kg/cm(2) (t = 0.16, df = 58, p = 0.88). For change in pain over the trigger point, the electric point stimulator group had a mean decrease of 0.93 (0.87) points, while the placebo group had a mean decrease of 0.23 (0.97) points (t = 0.70, df = 58, p = 0.005). On the outcome of change in lateral cervical flexion the electric point stimulator group had a mean increase of 2.87 (4.55) degrees, while the placebo group had a mean increase of 1.99 (2.49) degrees (t = 0.92, df = 58, p = 0.36).
Conclusion:
Electric point stimulator type of TENS is superior to placebo only in reduction of pain for treating latent upper trapezius trigger points.
