Effects of Modulated Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Incisional Pain Post Cardiac Surgery. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate effects of modulated transcutaneous nerve stimulation on incisional pain post cardiac surgery. Methods/design: 40 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were randomized into 2 groups (20 in each) by single blinded envelope sealed method. Experimental group has been given Modulated TENS following normal cardiac rehabilitation while Control Group has been given Placebo TENS Following normal cardiac rehabilitation respectively. TENS was given for 30 minutes once in a day after the removal of pacing wire till the day of discharge. Pre intervention outcome measure for pain (VAS) and Anxiety (BAI) was evaluated on the first and last day of the treatment. Results: Between the group analysis is done using Mann Whitney U Test. The results showed there is significant difference between the groups in pre and post values VAS, where as for BAI there is no significant difference between the groups in pre and post values. Within the group analysis was done by Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test. The results indicated a significant difference in the pre and post values of VAS and BAI. Conclusion: From the study conducted, we came to a conclusion that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was found to be effective in reducing incisional pain post cardiac surgery.