RESUMO
Objective: To compare the segmental and extrasegmental hypoalgesic effects of TENS, IFC and Aussie current on pressure pain threshold (PPT) during and after stimulation in healthy subjects. The second objective was to compare the sensory comfort related to electrical stimulation.Material and Methods: 120 healthy subjects were randomized in TENS, IFC, Aussie current or placebo groups. The electrical stimulation was administered on the forearm. The PPT was measured on the forearm (segmental measure) and on the lower leg (extrasegmental measure) by an algometer at baseline, during and after stimulation of the forearm, and the sensory comfort in relation to electrical stimulation was measured with a visual analogue scale. Statistical analysis was performed using linear mixed models for PPT analysis and one-way ANOVA for sensory comfort analysis.Results: The TENS, IFC and Aussie current increased the segmental and extrasegmental PPTs during application of current compared to the placebo. The PPTs measures and sensory comfort were not significantly different between the TENS, IFC and Aussie current groups.Conclusions: Segmental and extrasegmental hypoalgesic effects may be produced using TENS, IFC or Aussie currents in healthy subjects. Furthermore, all of them presented a similar sensory comfort.
Assuntos
Estimulação Elétrica Nervosa Transcutânea , Voluntários Saudáveis , Humanos , Dor , Medição da Dor , Limiar da DorRESUMO
The aim of the study will be to compare different types of analgesic electrical currents in relation to the pressure pain threshold and sensory comfort in healthy individuals. A total of 100 individuals will be randomly assigned to four groups: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, interferential current, Aussie current or placebo. The electrical stimulation will be administered with a strong level for 30 min and to the placebo group, the electrodes will be positioned while the equipment will remain switched off. The pressure pain threshold and sensory comfort will be measured with an algometer and the visual analogue scale, respectively. The level of significance will be p < 0.05. STUDY REGISTRATION: NCT01950728 (clinical trials).