Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Improves Walking Performance in Patients With Intermittent Claudication

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Medicine
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with intermittent claudication (IC) significantly impairs quality of life and mobility.
• Current treatments for IC have limitations, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic strategies.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive modality with potential applications in pain management and functional improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of two TENS frequencies (high and low) on walking distance and pain in patients with PAD and IC.
• To compare the effects of active TENS versus placebo TENS on functional and absolute claudication distances.
• To assess the impact of TENS on pain perception using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ).

Main Methods:

• A phase 2a study involving 40 participants diagnosed with PAD and IC.
• Participants underwent graded treadmill tests on two occasions, receiving either active TENS or placebo TENS.
• Two groups received either high-frequency or low-frequency TENS, with walking distances and MPQ scores recorded.

Main Results:

• High-frequency TENS significantly increased all measures of walking distance compared to placebo (P < .05).
• Low-frequency TENS showed a significant increase in absolute claudication distance (P = .043).
• No significant difference in pain scores (MPQ-Pain Rating Index) was observed between active TENS and placebo TENS (P = .41).

Conclusions:

• TENS applied to the lower limb can enhance walking performance in patients with PAD and IC.
• While TENS may improve functional capacity, it did not demonstrate a significant analgesic effect in this study.
• TENS presents a potential adjunctive therapy for improving walking ability in individuals suffering from IC.