Knowledge and use of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TENS) among Nigerian physical therapists

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and the use of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) by Nigerian physical therapists.

A cross sectional study design was carried out among Nigerian physical therapists. Eighty-six physical therapists participated in this study and data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire. Copies of the questionnaires were distributed by hand and by mail (with self addressed envelopes) to various hospitals, clinics, universities that offer physical therapy services/programmes across Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Academic staff constituted 10.5% while 89.5% were clinicians. First degree holders constituted 61.6% while 38.4% had postgraduate degrees. Majority of physical therapists, 90.7% use TENS, 83% of those who use TENS are aware of the different types of TENS; 98.72% use TENS for 30 minutes or less, 48.7% use it for 15 minutes or less. The frequency commonly use is between 1-30 Hz and about 12.8% of those using this frequency believed that TENS relieves pain through the pre-synaptic inhibition, endogenous pain control, and direct inhibition of abnormally excited nerve and restoration of afferent input. Furthermore, 12.8% calibrated their TENS devices. Only 6.4% have published TENS related papers in the last five years while 29.5% have attended TENS related seminar in the past. Majority, 88.5% considered TENS to be cost effective.

This study concluded that TENS is widely used among Nigerian physical therapists and tend to have adequate knowledge of TENS and its application in the management of pain.