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.

Citation

Steedman, W. M., Martin, D. J., Palmer, S. T., Palmer, S., Martin, D., Steedman, W., & Ravey, J. (2004). Effects of Electric Stimulation on C and A Delta Fiber-Mediated Thermal Perception Thresholds. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85(1), 119-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-9993%2803%2900432-5

• 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