Title | Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain, function, and quality of life in fibromyalgia: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2015 |
Authors | Noehren B, Dailey DL, Rakel BA, Vance CGT, Zimmerman MB, Crofford LJ, Sluka KA |
Journal | Phys Ther |
Volume | 95 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 129-40 |
Date Published | 2015 Jan |
ISSN | 1538-6724 |
Keywords | Double-Blind Method, Fatigue, Female, Fibromyalgia, Humans, Pain Measurement, Quality of Life, Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a common chronic pain condition that has a significant impact on quality of life and often leads to disability. To date, there have been few well-controlled trials assessing the utility of nonpharmacological treatment modalities such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the management of pain and improvement in function in individuals with fibromyalgia. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study will be to complete a long-term, multicenter study to assess the effects of TENS in women with fibromyalgia. DESIGN: This will be a phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred forty-three participants with fibromyalgia will be recruited for this study. INTERVENTION: Participants will be randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: the intervention (TENS), placebo, or no treatment. After completing the randomized period, all participants will receive the intervention for 1 month. The participants will be asked to use TENS at the highest tolerable level for at least 2 hours daily during physical activity. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome will be pain with movement, with secondary outcomes assessing functional abilities, patient-reported outcomes, and quantitative sensory testing. LIMITATIONS: Because having participants refrain from their typical medications is not practical, their usage and any change in medication use will be recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study will provide some of the first evidence from a large-scale, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the effectiveness of TENS on pain control and quality-of-life changes in patients with fibromyalgia. |
DOI | 10.2522/ptj.20140218 |
Alternate Journal | Phys Ther |
PubMed ID | 25212518 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC4295083 |
Grant List | R34 AR060278 / AR / NIAMS NIH HHS / United States UM1 AR063381 / AR / NIAMS NIH HHS / United States |