Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation vs Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation With Music in Persistent...

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Neuroscience
• Psychology

Background:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-pharmacological intervention based on gate control theory.
• Music therapy, specifically self-selected music, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain, anxiety, and depression.
• Limited research exists on the synergistic effects of combining TENS and music therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a clinical trial investigating TENS combined with self-selected music for chronic low-back pain.
• To explore the potential synergistic effects of these two non-pharmacological pain management modalities.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized controlled pilot study design.
• Comparison of TENS alone versus TENS with self-selected music.
• Enrollment of 20 participants with persistent low-back pain (>3 months).
• Participants serve as their own controls, with randomized intervention order.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome: feasibility assessed by adherence, dropout rates, and consent percentage.
• Secondary outcomes: pain intensity, mood (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), medication use, satisfaction, and adverse events.
• Recruitment begins August 2025; results expected 18 months post-recruitment.

Conclusions:

• This pilot study will inform the feasibility of a larger trial if a synergistic trend between TENS and music is observed.
• Findings could support broader applications for acute and chronic pain conditions.
• Establishes a foundation for investigating combined non-pharmacological pain interventions.