Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the symptomatic management of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a placebo-control randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in the symptomatic management of chronic prostatitis pain/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.


METHODS
A pretest, posttest randomized double blind design was used in data collection.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients diagnosed with chronic prostatitis- category IIIA and IIIB of the National Institute of Health Chronic Pain (NIH-CP) were referred for physiotherapy from the Urology department.


METHODS
Pre treatment pain level was assessed using the NIH-CP (pain domain) index. The TENS group received TENS treatment, 5 times per week for a period of 4 weeks (mean treatment frequency, intensity, pulse width and duration of 60 Hz, 100 microS, 25 mA and 20 minutes respectively). The Analgesic group received no TENS treatment but continued analgesics; the Control group received no TENS and Analgesic but placebo. All subjects were placed on antibiotics throughout the treatment period.


METHODS
Post-treatment pain level was also assessed using NIH-CP pain index.


RESULTS
Findings of the study revealed significant effect of TENS on chronic prostatitis pain at p < 0.05.


CONCLUSIONS
TENS is an effective means of non-invasive symptomatic management of chronic prostatitis pain.
Sikiru
Lamina
L
Department of Physiotherapy/Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences/Jimma Specialized Hospital, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia. siklam_86@yahoo.co.uk
Shmaila
Hanif
H
Muhammed
Samani A
SA
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015242:Ofloxacin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010919:Placebos / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011472:Prostatitis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D013577:Syndrome; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010919:Placebos; D015242:Ofloxacin