Effectiveness Of Stimulation Research Articles

Human foot cutaneous receptors function: clinical findings and prospects of using medical devices to stimulate mechanoreceptors in neurorehabilitation.

The effectiveness of the support stimulation of the mechanoreceptors of the feet has been first shown in space medicine. In space flight during support withdrawal with non-use of postural muscle, this method is a countermeasure against sensorimotor disorders. Later, it was applied in clinical practice as treatment of motor disorders after stroke, in Parkinson's disease, infantile cerebral palsy, neuropathies, and many others. The impact of such stimulation on motor control is due to spinal and supraspinal mechanisms, which are activated by creating an additional support afferent input through the plantar surface. Many studies confirmed the positive effect of support stimulation on motor control, but the protocols of such stimulation remain the subject of active discussion. This review includes (1) the features of sensitivity of the foot sole cutaneous afferents to the support mechanical stimuli, (2) data on spinal and supraspinal responses of the nervous system to support stimulation, and (3) the results of applying this approach in neurological practice via various techniques. Summarizing this information, the authors highlight the most promising ways and types of medical devices for foot support stimulation in neurology.

Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Quality-of-Life Improvement and Sleep Deficiency in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is a leading cause of chronic cyclic pelvic pain, contributing to a reduced quality of life and sleep disturbances in women. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) in improving the quality of life, sleep, and overall health perceptions of participants compared to a control group of women with dysmenorrhea over short-term, medium-term, and long-term periods. Methods: A single-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted, with participants randomly assigned to an experimental group (receiving TTNS) or a control group (receiving sham TTNS). Both groups underwent 12, weekly 30 min sessions using the NeuroTrac™ PelviTone electrostimulation device. Outcomes related to quality of life, sleep deficiency, and overall improvement were evaluated at three time points: short-term (post-treatment), medium-term (1-3 months), and long-term (6 months). Results: Of the 61 participants initially randomized (31 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group), 55 completed the study and were included in the final analysis. A statistically significant improvement was observed in the experimental group in both physical and mental health components, as measured by the SF-36v2® questionnaire, following 12 weeks of intervention, compared to the control group, persisting 6 months after the intervention. Additionally, statistically significant differences in overall improvement were noted between the two groups, as measured by the PGIC questionnaire at the end of treatment (p = 0.0103) and 6 months post-treatment (p = 0.0432). Conclusions: TTNS appears to be a safe and effective strategy for enhancing quality of life and overall health in women with PD, potentially reducing the reliance on pharmacological treatments or more invasive methods.

Percutaneous Electrical Stimulation Improves Chronic Knee Pain and Function. A Systematic Review and Meta-analyses.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of the percutaneous electrical stimulation in the modulation of pain and its implication in the function of patients with a painful knee condition. A search was conducted from database inception to September 2023 across PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases. Randomized controlled trials were included. Two reviewers performed independent data extraction and methodologic quality assessment of the studies. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and the risk of bias was evaluated with the Cochrane Assessment tool. Eight studies were included. A significant statistical effect was found (P<0.001) for reducing pain and improving function after treatment. Additionally, a significant statistical effect was presented for reducing pain (P=0.009) and improving function (P<0.001) after follow-up. The risk of bias was low. This review showed a positive effect of applying the percutaneous electrical stimulation reducing pain and improving function in adults with a painful knee.

Effect Analysis of Early Rehabilitation Therapy Combined with Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Postoperative Rehabilitation of Sports Knee Injury

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of combined early rehabilitation therapy and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with sports knee injuries (SKI). Methods: A total of 62 SKI patients from June 2021 to June 2022 were randomly selected by computer and divided into group A (31 cases, early rehabilitation therapy) and group B (31 cases, early rehabilitation therapy +rTMS) by numbered envelope method. The effects of the two groups were compared. Results: After treatment, the pain frequency and pain intensity in group B were lower than in group A, while the completion of knee movements without significant pain, the degree of knee swelling, and the impact of the knee on activities were higher in group B than in group A; the Lysholm score and inflammatory factor indicators in group B were superior to those in group A (all P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The combination of early rehabilitation therapy and rTMS in postoperative rehabilitation of SKI patients has better effects on knee joint function and inflammation.

Copper‐infused zinc porphyrin supramolecular polymersomes for triple synergistic combat against wound bacterial biofilm infections

AbstractBacterial biofilm infections (BBI) on wound surfaces and implants pose a significant clinical challenge due to the impermeable nature of biofilms and obstacles in tissue repair. Traditional photothermal therapy (PTT) or chemodynamic therapy (CDT), whether used alone or in combination, often causes damage to surrounding normal tissues from high operating temperatures or elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, leading to unsatisfactory anti‐biofilm effects. This study introduces a novel copper ions loaded zinc porphyrin polymer vesicle (Cu‐PPS) that employs a triple synergistic approach involving PTT, CDT, and bacterial cuproptosis‐like death (BCD). Cu‐PPS exhibits exceptional photothermal efficiency of 51.06%, promoting the release of copper ions under photothermal stimulation, enhancing CDT and BCD effectiveness, and facilitating mature biofilm clearance and tissue repair. This approach achieves a bactericidal rate exceeding 99% and an anti‐biofilm rate of 93.32% in vitro and also excellent efficacy in treating BBI in vivo. This study presents an innovative therapeutic strategy for combating biofilm infections, addressing the challenges encountered in the clinical management of BBI.

Differing effectiveness of transcranial random noise stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation for enhancing working memory in healthy individuals: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is a promising technique for enhancing working memory (WM) performance in healthy and psychiatric populations. However, limited information is available about the effectiveness of transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) applied to the left DLPFC on WM. This study investigated the effectiveness of tRNS on WM compared with that of tDCS, which has established functional evidence.MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial enrolled 120 healthy right-handed adults who were randomly allocated to four stimulation groups: tRNS + direct current (DC) offset, tRNS, tDCS, or sham. Each stimulus was placed over the left DLPFC and had a current intensity of 2 mA applied for 20 min during the dual n-back task. The dual n-back task was repeated thrice: pre-stimulation, during stimulation, and post-stimulation. The d-prime scores, and response times were calculated as the main outcome measures. A linear mixed model was created to identify the main effects and interactions between the groups and times, with the group and time as fixed effects, and baseline performance and the subject as a covariate and random effect, respectively. The relationships between the benefit of each stimulus and baseline WM performance were also examined.ResultsFor the d-prime score during stimulation, the tRNS group significantly performed better than the sham group at online assessment (β = 0.310, p = 0.001). In the relationships between the benefit of each stimulus and baseline WM performance, the tRNS group had significantly larger negative line slopes than the sham group for the d-prime score (β = −0.233, p = 0.038).ConclusionstRNS applied to the left DLPFC significantly improved WM performance and generated greater benefits for healthy individuals with lower WM performance. These findings highlight the potential utility of tRNS for enhancing WM performance in individuals with lower WM performance and contribute evidence for clinical application to patients with cognitive decline.Trial RegistrationThis study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry in Japan (UMIN000047365) on April 1, 2022; https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000054021.

Suppression of Visceral Nociception by Selective C-Fiber Transmission Block Using Temporal Interference Sinusoidal Stimulation.

Chronic visceral pain management remains challenging due to limitations in selective targeting of C-fiber nociceptors. This study investigates temporal interference stimulation (TIS) on dorsal root ganglia (DRG) as a novel approach for selective C-fiber transmission block. We employed (1) GCaMP6 recordings in mouse whole DRG using a flexible, transparent microelectrode array for visualizing L6 DRG neuron activation, (2) ex vivo single-fiber recordings to assess sinusoidal stimulation effects on peripheral nerve axons, (3) in vivo behavioral assessment measuring visceromotor responses (VMR) to colorectal distension in mice, including a TNBS-induced visceral hypersensitivity model, and (4) immunohistological analysis to evaluate immediate immune responses in DRG following TIS. We demonstrated that TIS (2000 Hz and 2020 Hz carrier frequencies) enabled tunable activation of L6 DRG neurons, with the focal region adjustable by altering stimulation amplitude ratios. Low-frequency (20-50 Hz) sinusoidal stimulation effectively blocked C-fiber and Aδ-fiber transmission while sparing fast-conducting A-fibers, with 20 Hz showing highest efficacy. TIS of L6 DRG reversibly suppressed VMR to colorectal distension in both control and TNBS-induced visceral hypersensitive mice. The blocking effect was fine-tunable by adjusting interfering stimulus signal amplitude ratios. No apparent immediate immune responses were observed in DRG following hours-long TIS. In conclusion, TIS on lumbosacral DRG demonstrates promise as a selective, tunable approach for managing chronic visceral pain by effectively blocking C-fiber transmission. This technique addresses limitations of current neuromodulation methods and offers potential for more targeted relief in chronic visceral pain conditions.

Tackling Anticancer Drug Resistance and Endosomal Escape in Aggressive Brain Tumors Using Bioelectronics.

Resistance mechanisms in brain tumors, such as medulloblastoma and glioblastoma, frequently involve the entrapment of chemotherapeutic agents within endosomes and the extracellular expulsion of drugs. These barriers to effective treatment are exacerbated in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, where therapeutic nanoparticles often remain confined within endosomes, thus diminishing their therapeutic efficacy. Addressing this challenge necessitates the development of novel strategies to enhance the efficiency of cancer therapies. This study tests the hypothesis that external electrical stimuli can modulate intracellular trafficking of chemotherapeutic drugs in common malignant brain tumors in children (medulloblastoma) and adults (glioblastoma) by using gold nanoparticles (GNPs). In our experiments, alternating current (AC) stimulation ranging from 1 kHz to 5 MHz and at a strength of 1 V/cm significantly reduced cell viability in drug-resistant medulloblastoma and enhanced delivery of GNPs in glioblastoma. Low-frequency AC resulted in a 50% increase in apoptosis compared to controls and an 8-fold increase in cell death in cisplatin-resistant medulloblastoma cells, accompanied by a substantial reduction in EC50 from 2.5 to 0.3 μM. Similarly, vincristine-resistant cells demonstrated a 4-fold enhancement in drug sensitivity. Furthermore, high-frequency AC facilitated a significant increase from 20 to 75% in the endosomal escape of GNPs in glioblastoma cells. These findings underscore the potential of AC to selectively disrupt cancer cell resistance mechanisms and bolster the efficacy of nanoparticle-based therapies. The results indicate the effectiveness of AC stimulation in circumventing the limitations inherent in current nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems but also illustrates its transformative potential for treating aggressive, drug-resistant brain tumors.

Effectiveness of Mirror Therapy, Electrical Stimulation, and CIMT in Restoring Upper Extremity Function after Stroke

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT), electrical stimulation (EMS) combined with MT, and Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) in improving upper extremity function among stroke survivors. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving n=45 stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation at Wah International Hospital. The inclusion criteria for the study required participants to be above 45 years of age, to have survived either an ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke, and to have at least 10° wrist extension. Participants were excluded if they had an implanted electrical device such as an artificial pacemaker, paresis instead of paralysis, hemiplegia due to causes other than ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke (such as trauma, tumor, or coordination problems), or impaired sensory integration. Participants were divided into three groups: EMS combined with MT, CIMT alone, and Mirror therapy alone. Treatment sessions were administered four times a week for three months. Outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA) and Motor Assessment Scale (MAS). Results: Analysis revealed significant improvements in upper extremity function across all groups. However, the CIMT group exhibited the most substantial enhancement, with a mean difference of -68.5 (p &lt; 0.05) on the FMA and -24.1 (p &lt; 0.05) on the MAS compared to the other groups. Conclusion: The findings highlight the superior efficacy of CIMT in improving upper extremity function among stroke survivors. Incorporating CIMT into rehabilitation protocols is crucial for optimizing outcomes in this patient population. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term benefits and optimal implementation strategies of CIMT in diverse rehabilitation settings

8585 Using Stimulants to Treat Childhood Obesity

Abstract Disclosure: C. Elatrash: None. S.R. Sisley: None. Background: Hyperphagia, characterized by excessive hunger, can significantly contribute to weight gain in early-onset childhood obesity and lacks an FDA-approved therapy. Stimulants commonly used in the treatment of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a significant side effect of suppressing appetite. However, there is no data on the effectiveness of stimulants to reduce measures of obesity in children with severe obesity and hyperphagia. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed electronic medical records of children &amp;lt; 17 years old with severe, early-onset obesity (defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 120% of the 95th percentile (BMI%95th) prior to age 5 years) who were seen in the Genetic Disorders of Obesity Program (GDOP) at Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH). We included children who had a history of abnormal food behavior consistent with a clinical diagnosis of hyperphagia by having 2 of 9 symptoms of hyperphagia (consuming large portions, consistently feeling hungry, not feeling full with one serving, temper tantrums over food, asking for food frequently, sneaking food, getting up at night to eat, hiding food, constant asking for snacks) and were prescribed lisdexamfetamine treatment for hyperphagia for 6 months. We extracted BMI %95th for up to 12 months prior to treatment and 6 months after treatment. Paired t-tests were utilized to compare data from pre- vs. post-treatment. Results: Our cohort included 22 patients and was 68.2% female, 50% non-Hispanic White, 36.4% Hispanic white, and 13.6% black, with a mean age of 7.73 years±3.82 (range 3-17 years). There was a significant decrease in BMI%95th after treatment with lisdexamfetamine (167.3±38.8 vs. 158.0±40.2; p&amp;lt;0.001). We also observed a significant change in the rate of weight gain after lisdexamfetamine treatment; prior to treatment, patients gained 0.6 BMI%95th points/month compared to a loss of 1.9 points/month after treatment (p=0.002). 16 (72.72%) patients reported tolerable side effects, the rate of side effects was (33)33.33%. 19(57.57%) lasted from 1 week to 1 month and 6(18.18%) lasted more than 1 month. Side effects included adverse behavioral (9)27.27%, sleep disturbance (5)15.15%, and headache (4)12.12%. Conclusion: Children with severe obesity and clinical hyperphagia showed reductions in BMI%95th after six months of lisdexamfetamine treatment. Future research is needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of lisdexamfetamine in this high-risk population. Keywords: Childhood obesity, Stimulants, Hyperphagia, Pharmacologic Treatment Presentation: 6/3/2024

Effect evaluation of fluid movement and rock properties for artificial seismic activity on hydrocarbons

Despite the effectiveness of seismic stimulation in enhancing oil production from reservoirs, the impact of high-frequency vibrations on oil droplets confined within pore throats has not been adequately investigated. This laboratory-scale experimental study examines the impact of low and high-frequency sinusoidal vibrations in dislodging oil droplets trapped in a specific pore-throat region. Sinusoidal vibrations ranging from 10 to 80 Hz and with maximum displacement amplitudes of 1.2–0.06 mm are applied. By comparing the images captured prior to and after the application of seismic vibrations, the amount of oil recovered is determined. Commercial gasoline and diesel are used as trapped oil samples, and water is used as the injection fluid to bring out the effect of fluid viscosities in seismic dislodgment. While applying vibrations to trapped oil in the pore throat, three different recovery modes are observed: continuous, snap-off, and emulsified. The continuous oil recovery mode is observed in cases with minimal flow resistance through the pore throat, whereas a snap-off or intermittent recovery mode is observed when the flow resistance is high, and the vibration frequencies fall within the midrange of 40-60 Hz. An emulsified oil recovery mode is observed at high vibration frequencies. The amount of recovered oil increases as geometrical restrictions and trapped oil viscosity decrease. Seismic mobilization is observed to be directly proportional to the mobilization velocity and inversely proportional to the entrapped oil viscosity and geometrical restriction factors.

ID: 328894 Changing Stimulation Frequency Improves Implanted Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Effects Following Post-Traumatic Total Hip Arthroplasty

ID: 328894 Changing Stimulation Frequency Improves Implanted Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Effects Following Post-Traumatic Total Hip Arthroplasty

Effectiveness of Transcranial-Direct Current Stimulation in Individuals with Methamphetamine Use Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Context: Non-alcoholic substance abuse is a major public health concern worldwide, with methamphetamine being the second most widely used non-alcoholic substance globally, and Iran ranks fifth in methamphetamine addiction. To date, no approved pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatment by the Food and Drug Administration has been introduced for methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Therefore, various treatment methods are currently utilized. One non-pharmacological approach that has gained attention is transcranial-direct current stimulation (tDCS), with various clinical evaluations focused on it. Objectives: The aim of this review is to assess the effectiveness of this method in improving symptoms in individuals with MUD. Methods: Databases were reviewed up to October 10, 2023, in both Persian and English languages, using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scientific Information Database (SID), and Noormags. Keywords were MUD, tDCS, Addiction, Craving, and Cognitive Function. Studies were included based on Population, Intervention, Comparison (sham or active control), Outcomes (craving or cognition), and Study Design (randomized controlled trial). Studies were excluded if they involved brain mapping or neuroimaging. Meta-analysis was conducted based on Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) to compare tDCS to sham intervention (P ≤ 0.05, two-tailed). Random effects models were used for individual MUD data from studies that reported end-of-treatment craving data. The risk of bias was calculated using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool (RoB-2), and meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. Results: A total of 870 studies were initially identified; twenty-three studies (mean age 30.13 ± 6.67) were identified that examined the effects of tDCS on MUD outcomes (e.g., craving, cognition). After removing heterogeneous studies, meta-analyses were performed for tDCS vs. sham control studies in the craving domain. We found that tDCS reduced craving, indicated by medium to large effect sizes (Hedges' g: -0.64; SMD -0.58, 95% CI -0.85 to -0.30; I² = 10.71%, Q value: 8.96). Results showed that complementary treatment with tDCS can be useful. The DLPFC (F3, F4) was the most commonly targeted brain region for stimulation or inhibition. However, the number of sessions and their duration varied significantly across studies. Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that tDCS can reduce momentary and cue-induced cravings. However, the studies varied in quality and sample size and used different scales for assessing cravings and cognitive functions, leading to inconsistencies. The review highlighted the importance of targeting the DLPFC due to its role in executive functions and self-control, with right-sided stimulation showing greater effectiveness. Emotional dysregulation in MUD, such as anxiety and depression, was also noted, with tDCS showing limited support for emotion regulation. The review identified the need for larger RCTs, standardized measurement tools, and detailed participant information to improve the understanding and effectiveness of tDCS in treating MUD.

High-frequency magnetic paired associated stimulation promotes motor function recovery in ischemic stroke patients: a study protocol for single-center, sham stimulation randomized controlled trials (H2MPAS)

BackgroundNumerous studies have validated the clinical effectiveness of electromagnetic pairing-associated stimulation. Building upon this foundation, we have developed a novel approach involving high-frequency magnetic paired-associated stimulation, aiming to enhance clinical applicability and potentially improve efficacy. However, the clinical effectiveness of this approach remains unclear. Our objective is to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of this novel approach by employing high-frequency pairing to intervene in patients experiencing motor dysfunction following a stroke.MethodsThis is a single-center, single-blind, sham stimulation controlled clinical trial involving patients with upper limb motor dysfunction post-stroke. The intervention utilizes paired magnetic stimulation, combining peripheral and central magnetic stimulation, in patients with Brunnstrom stage III–V stroke lasting from 3 months to 1 year. Evaluation of patients’ upper limb motor function occurred before the intervention and after 3 weeks of intervention. Follow-up visits will be conducted after 5 weeks and 3 months of intervention. The primary outcome measure is the Action Research Arm Test, with secondary measures including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-upper, Modified Barthel Index, modified Tardieu scale, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and neuroelectrophysiology.DiscussionThe high-frequency magnetic paired associative stimulation used in this study combined high-frequency magnetic stimulation with paired stimulation, potentially facilitating both cortical excitation through high-frequency stimulation and specific circuit enhancement through paired stimulation. As dual-coil magnetic stimulation equipment becomes increasingly popular, magnetic-magnetic paired associated stimulation may offer patients improved clinical outcomes at reduced costs.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry,ChiCTR2400083363. Registered on 23 April 2024.

Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) during a Virtual Reality Task in Women with Fibromyalgia-A Randomized Clinical Study.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and impaired motor performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) during virtual reality (VR) tasks on the motor performance of women with FM. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A received active tDCS for 10 days followed by sham tDCS for 10 days, while Group B received the opposite sequence. Both groups performed VR tasks using MoveHero software (v. 2.4) during the tDCS sessions. Motor performance was assessed by the number of hits (movement with correct timing to reach the targets) and absolute (accuracy measure) and variable (precision measure) errors during VR tasks. Participants were 21 women, aged 30-50 years, and diagnosed with FM. Group A, which received active tDCS first, presented significant improvements in motor performance (number of hits and absolute and variable errors). The benefits of active tDCS persisted into the sham phase, suggesting a lasting neuroplastic effect. tDCS during VR tasks significantly improved motor performance in women with FM, particularly in complex, extensive movements. These findings indicate that tDCS enhances neuroplasticity, leading to sustained motor improvements, making it a promising therapeutic tool in FM rehabilitation.

The effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and strengthening exercises on the functional ability of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joints: A case report

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disease among elderly individuals. It affects the ability to sit on a chair, stand, walk, and climb stairs. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of tens and strengthening exercises on functional ability in patients with OA of knee joints. We present a case of a 55-year-old female housewife with bilateral knee pain, which manifested suddenly as a dull ache exacerbated by walking and stair climbing and alleviated by rest. Clinical examination revealed crepitus, grade 1 tenderness, and reduced range of motion (ROM) in the left knee. The radiographic evaluation confirmed grade 3 osteoarthritis according to the Kellgren and Lawrence grading system, indicating moderate multiple osteophytes, definite joint space narrowing, some sclerosis, and potential bone deformity. The patient underwent a 4-week intervention comprising strengthening exercises and TENS. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), knee ROM with a goniometer, and functional limitations with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Assessments were conducted weekly throughout the intervention. The findings suggest that the combined application of TENS and strengthening exercises effectively alleviates pain and improves functional ability in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Transcutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Pain Management in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Primary dysmenorrhea is considered one of the main causes of pelvic pain during a woman's childbearing years, resulting in poor quality of life. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) in painful symptomatology improvement and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intake reduction in women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) compared with a control group in the short, medium, and long terms. A single-blind, controlled clinical trial was developed. Participants were randomized to the experimental (TTNS) and control group (sham TTNS). Both groups received 12-weekly 30-min sessions with a NeuroTracTM PelviTone electrostimulation device. The intensity and severity of pain and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) intake were evaluated in the short-term (after treatment), medium-term (1-3 months), and long-term (6 months). A total of 61 participants were randomized, with a split of 31 (experimental group) and 30 (control group), but 55 participants completed the study and were analyzed. Statistically significant differences between both groups in the maximum pain intensity decrease (F = 4.88, p = 0.0043) measured with the visual analogue scale, as well as NSAID intake decrease (F = 4.68, p = 0.011) and days of their ingestion (F = 4.57, p = 0.012) occurred in the short term. Furthermore, significant decreases in the total number of NSAIDs ingested during the cycle (F = 3.82, p = 0.011) and the number of days on which patients ingested NSAIDs (F = 3.59, p = 0.015) in the medium-long term occurred. TTNS could be an effective and safe strategy to reduce pain caused by PD, which could reduce or complement the use of pharmacological techniques and other more invasive methods.

The Effectiveness of Electrical Stimulation Along with Ultrasound Therapy and Elastic Band Exercise on Muscle Strength and Functional Ability in Athletes with Sub-Acute Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

The Effectiveness of Electrical Stimulation Along with Ultrasound Therapy and Elastic Band Exercise on Muscle Strength and Functional Ability in Athletes with Sub-Acute Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in anejaculation: A randomized controlled trial.

Anejaculation represents significant psychological distress and sexual and reproductive challenges among male individuals and couples. Effective fertility management options are available to address the reproductive challenges associated with anejaculation. However, there is a lack of methods to reverse the condition itself. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients suffering from anejaculation. A total of 94 patients with anejaculation individuals were randomly assigned to receive high-frequency (HF) stimulation on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), low-frequency (LF) stimulation on the right DLPFC, and sham stimulation for 4 weeks, with daily sessions of stimulation occurring on five consecutive weekdays each week. After 4 weeks of rTMS treatment, the patients in both the HF and LF groups exhibited a similar reduction in their male sexual health questionnaire for ejaculatory dysfunction bother/satisfaction score, Hamilton Anxiety Scale score, Hamilton Depression Scale score, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory score, which were statistically significant compared with sham treatment. Additionally, there were no significant differences observed in erectile function and cognitive function across the three groups. However, there were notable disparities in the cure rates between HF- and LF-group patients (16.1% vs. 54.8%, p=0.001). Additionally, it is worth noting that only two HF group patients and one LF group patient experienced spontaneously resolving minor adverse effects during the treatment process. At the 8-week follow-up, among patients who initially responded to the treatment, only one from the HF group experienced a relapse. The findings of this study demonstrate that rTMS represents a secure and efficacious remedy for anejaculation patients.

Effectiveness of Electrical Stimulation Combined with Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Female Sexual Dysfunction with Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and overactive bladder (OAB) are prevalent disorders that significantly impair women's quality of life. While pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is a well-established treatment for OAB, its effectiveness for FSD remains uncertain. Recent studies suggest that intravaginal electrical stimulation (IVES) may enhance the effects of PFMT. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combining IVES with PFMT to improve sexual function and bladder control in women with OAB and FSD. (2) Methods: A total of 40 women with FSD and OAB as determined by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) were randomized into two groups: group 1, the intravaginal electrical stimulation group (IVESG) (n = 20), and group 2, the placebo control group (CG) (n = 20). Patients in both groups received PFMT during the trial, and the IVESG underwent 10 weeks of electrical stimulation. The primary outcome was the change in the FSFI score from baseline to week 4 and week 10. The secondary outcome was a comparison of the OABSS values at week 4 and week 10 of the trial. (3) Results: After treatment, the IVESG scores for the total FSFI, sexual arousal and orgasm, increased significantly (p < 0.05). After 10 weeks of treatment, the OABSS values for IVESG were significantly lower (p < 0.01). After 10 weeks of treatment, the percentage of patients with mild OAB in the IVESG and CG increased by 53.33% and 60%, respectively, while the percentage of patients with both moderate and severe OAB decreased, especially in the IVESG, where patients with severe OAB were non-existent after 10 weeks of treatment. (4) Conclusions: IVES combined with PFMT improved objective and subjective measures of FSD and OAB. There was a significant improvement in FSD (including arousal and orgasmic domain scores). This study concludes that IVES is an effective conservative treatment.