A Critical Review of the Analgesic Effects of Tens-Like Devices

Abstract

The term transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is commonly used to describe a 'standard TENS device'. However, there are increasing numbers of hybrids of these standard TENS devices appearing on the market. The purpose of this paper was to examine the evidence used to support claims about the analgesic effects of TENS-like devices. Information was gathered from a wide range of sources including MEDLINE, the internet and manufacturers. Available literature suggests that Action Potential Simulation (APS) and H-Wave Therapy (HWT) have output characteristics that are similar to a standard TENS device, whereas Interference Current Therapy (IFC), Microcurrent Electrical Stimulation (MES), high voltage TENS pens and Transcutaneous Spinal Electroanalgesia (TSE) do not. There is insufficient experimental evidence to determine whether the differences in output characteristics influence physiological and clinical outcome when compared to a standard TENS device. However, despite the technologically impressive appearance of many TENS-like devices, preliminary evidence suggests that many may produce effects that can be achieved using a standard TENS device. Ambiguity in nomenclature hinders the analysis of research findings and contributes to confusion about the usefulness of TENS-like devices. Clinical trials that examine the relative effectiveness of TENS-like devices with a standard TENS device are urgently needed to inform therapists about device selection.