Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation after radial nerve injury in the upper arm: a randomized controlled clinical study

Abstract

Objective To assess the clinical effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on nerve regeneration after complete radial nerve injury in the upper arm, and investigate the parameters and waveforms of the electrical stimulation that can be a best treatment regimen. Methods A total of 28 cases of radial nerve complete injury in the upper arm were involve in the study. After nerve repair these patients were randomly distributed into two groups. Patients were given TENS and medication (electrical stimulation group) or medication only (control group). Electrical stimulation was given to patients in this group 4 to 6 weeks after plaster removal. The regimen for the first month was square wave at 2 Hz, for the second month pulsate wave at 15 Hz, and for the third month pulsate wave at 15 Hz plus muscle stimulation at 60 Hz. Postoperative evaluation included muscle strength of wrist extensors and finger extensors, and compound muscle action potentials.Results Significant therapeutic benefits were achieved in muscle strength and compound muscle action potentials in the electrical stimulation group ( P ＜ 0.05). Shorter recovery time determined by muscle strength and electromyogram activity was observed in the electrical stimulation group ( P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion Transcutaneous electrical stimulation has obvious effect on promoting nerve regeneration after radial nerve injury in the upper arm. A better therapeutic benefit can be achieved by optimizing the regimen of parameters and waveforms. Key words: Peripheral nerve; Nerve regeneration; Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)