A controlled study on the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and interferential therapy upon the RIII nociceptive and H-reflexes in humans.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential therapy (IFT) upon the RIII nociceptive reflex and H-reflex.


METHODS
Double-blind conditions.


METHODS
Seventy healthy subjects were randomly allocated to one of seven groups (n = 10 per group): Control, TENS 1 (5 Hz), TENS 2 (100 Hz), TENS 3 (200 Hz), IFT 1 (5 Hz), IFT 2 (100 Hz), IFT 3 (200 Hz).


METHODS
In the treatment groups, stimulation was applied over the right sural nerve for 15 minutes.


METHODS
Ipsilateral RIII and H-reflexes were recorded before treatment, immediately after treatment, and subsequently at 25, 35, and 45 minutes. Subjects rated the pain associated with the RIII reflex using a computerized visual analogue scale (VAS).


RESULTS
Statistical analysis using ANOVA showed no significant differences between baseline and posttreatment measurement for RIII reflex, H-reflex, or VAS data.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that neither type of electrical stimulation (TENS or IFT) affects the RIII or H-reflexes, at least using the parameters and application time in this study.
Cramp
F L
FL
Rehabilitation Sciences Research Group, School of Health Sciences, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Northern Ireland.
Noble
G
G
Lowe
A S
AS
Walsh
D M
DM
Willer
J C
JC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006181:H-Reflex; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009619:Nociceptors; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012018:Reflex; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation