Effects of Electric Stimulation on C and A Delta Fiber-Mediated Thermal Perception Thresholds

Martin, Denis J.; Steedman, Wilma M.; Palmer, Shea; Ravey, John

Abstract

Objective: To determine if interferential current (IFC) or transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) alters C and A delta fiber-mediated thermal perception thresholds. Design: Single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: One hundred forty healthy women volunteers (mean age ± standard deviation, 20.6±2.7y). Interventions: Subjects were randomly and exclusively assigned to 1 of 7 groups (n=20 in each): 0, 5, and 100Hz of IFC; 5 and 100Hz of TENS; placebo and control stimulation. Stimulation was applied through 2 electrodes placed over the median nerve. Warm sensation, cold sensation, hot pain, and cold pain perception thresholds were measured from the thenar eminence by using a quantitative sensory testing device and a method of limits algorithm. Main Outcome Measures: Warm sensation, cold sensation, hot pain, and cold pain thresholds (°C) before, during, and after stimulation. Results: There was a statistically significant effect of time for all 4 thermal perception thresholds (separate 2-way analyses of variance with repeated measures, all P.05). Conclusions: Neither IFC nor TENS altered C and A delta fiber-mediated thermal perception thresholds. The results suggest that any analgesic mechanisms with these modalities are likely to be complex.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2004
• Journal: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0003-9993
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 85
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 119-128
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-9993%2803%2900432-5
• Keywords: electric stimulation therapy, perception, rehabilitation, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1063924
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0003-9993(03)00432-5