Immediate effect of electric point stimulation (TENS) in treating latent upper trapezius trigger points: a double blind randomised placebo-controlled trial. 


Author: Gemmell H, Hilland A.

Affiliation: Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, 13-15 Parkwood Road, Bournemouth, BH5 2DF, UK. hgemmell@aecc.ac.uk 
Conference/Journal: J Bodyw Mov Ther.
Date published: 2011 Jul
Other:
 Volume ID: 15   ,  Issue ID: 3   ,  Pages: 348-54   ,  Word Count: 228  
    OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of electric point stimulation in treating latent upper trapezius trigger points compared to placebo.



DESIGN:

Double blind randomised placebo-controlled trial.



SETTING:

Anglo-European College of Chiropractic.



PARTICIPANTS:

Sixty participants with latent upper trapezius trigger points.



INTERVENTIONS:

Electric point stimulator type of TENS, or detuned (inactive) electric point stimulator type of TENS.



MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The three outcome measures were pressure pain threshold at the trigger point, a numerical rating scale for pain elicited over the trigger point, and lateral cervical flexion to the side opposite the trigger point.



RESULTS:

On the outcome of pressure pain threshold the electric point stimulator group had a mean change of 0.49 (0.99) kg/cm(2), while the placebo group had a mean change of 0.45 (0.98) kg/cm(2) (t = 0.16, df = 58, p = 0.88). For change in pain over the trigger point, the electric point stimulator group had a mean decrease of 0.93 (0.87) points, while the placebo group had a mean decrease of 0.23 (0.97) points (t = 0.70, df = 58, p = 0.005). On the outcome of change in lateral cervical flexion the electric point stimulator group had a mean increase of 2.87 (4.55) degrees, while the placebo group had a mean increase of 1.99 (2.49) degrees (t = 0.92, df = 58, p = 0.36).



CONCLUSION:

Electric point stimulator type of TENS is superior to placebo only in reduction of pain for treating latent upper trapezius trigger points.



Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.



PMID: 21665112