The effects of cranial TENS on measures of autonomic somatic and cognitive activity

Peripheral and central nervous system effects of the cranial application of sub-threshold transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), of sinusoid waveform passed between earlobe electrodes at an AC frequency of 100 Hertz, were investigated. In a single-blind study, each of thirty healthy volunteer subjects was administered one 30 minute treatment of either active TENS, placebo TENS or no treatment. Pretreatment to post-treatment changes in measures of autonomic activity (blood pressure, pulse rate, peripheral vasomotor activity), somatic activity (skeletal muscle tension), and anxiety were evaluated. Significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (p less than .05), diastolic blood pressure (p less than .01), pulse rate (p less than .05), peripheral vasomotor activity (marginally significant: p less than .07) and anxiety (p less than .05) were observed subsequent to active. TENS as compared to both placebo TENS and no TENS. No significant placebo TENS effect was observed. Possible mechanisms of action of this form of cranial TENS on the peripheral and central nervous system are discussed.