Analgesic effects of monophasic and biphasic tens with two different phase durations on cold-induced pain in normal subjects

Abstract

has not been studied as previous researchers have studied functional outcomes of use of TES. Purpose: To determine if sensory level electrical stimulation (TES) has an effect on muscle structure or function in children with mild to moderate spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Single blinded RCT. Thirteen participants with mild-moderate diplegic CP ages 4–12 years were randomly allocated using an Urn to have their weaker or stronger quadriceps treated with TES for 6 months. Strength and resistance to passive movement were assessed with 2 dynamometers, Cross-sectional area and T2 values with MRI. Evoked response and co-activationweremeasuredwith SEMG. Data were analyzed with STATA using mixed methods modeling. Results: A significant interaction effect was noted for increased resistance to passive movement on the treated leg while the untreated leg was decreased in both hamstrings (p= 0.023) and quadriceps (p= 0.048). Interaction trends were found for increased co-activation during quadriceps contraction. Strength were variable. Cross sectional area was significantly increased in both legs. Poorer muscle efficiency on T2 values was seen in the quadriceps and by leg treated in the hamstring. Central activation showed opposing interaction trends with the treated leg increasing and the untreated leg decreasing. Weight and CSA were highly correlated to each other and to strength. Conclusion(s): This research demonstrates that sensory level stimulation appears to increase resistance to passive motion and co-activation. Strength measures were highly variable in this group of children. Implications:We suggest that more children with CP be followed with precise measurements of strength and muscle volume over time.