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Published on: January 10, 2013
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for spasticity: A systematic review
E Fernández-Tenorio1, D Serrano-Muñoz2, J Avendaño-Coy1
1Grupo de Investigación en Fisioterapia Toledo (GIFTO), E.U. Enfermería y Fisioterapia de Toledo, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, Toledo, España.
Neurologia
|July 31, 2016
Summary
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a cost-effective, safe treatment for reducing spasticity in neurological conditions. Further research is needed to optimize TENS parameters for maximum effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is primarily used for pain management.
- Emerging evidence suggests TENS may reduce spasticity in neurological conditions.
- Clinical application of TENS for spasticity remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of TENS in treating spasticity and associated symptoms in patients with neurological disorders.
- To identify optimal TENS stimulation parameters for managing spasticity.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized clinical trials from PubMed, PEDro, and Cochrane databases.
- Inclusion criteria focused on TENS and spasticity studies published before May 12, 2015.
- Analysis of data from 10 trials involving patients with cerebrovascular accident, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord lesions.
Main Results:
- TENS demonstrated potential in reducing spasticity.
- Studies included diverse patient populations (cerebrovascular accident, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord lesions).
- Significant variability in TENS parameters and outcome measures across studies was observed.
Conclusions:
- TENS is recommended as a low-cost, user-friendly treatment for spasticity with no adverse effects.
- Variability in stimulation parameters hinders objective assessment and optimization of TENS for spasticity.
- Further research is required to standardize TENS protocols for spasticity management.
