Long-term TENS treatment improves tactile sensitivity in MS patients.
BACKGROUND
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is commonly used in neurorehabilitation for the treatment of pain and spasticity.


OBJECTIVE
The long-term effects of sensory stimulation by means of TENS on hand sensitivity were investigated in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
TENS was applied for 3 weeks (1 hour per day) on the median nerve region of the dominant hand. Sensitivity was assessed by the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments before and 12 hours following the last intervention as well as 3 weeks later.


RESULTS
Long-lasting increases in tactile sensitivity were achieved by repetitive stimulation of sensory afferents with TENS in MS patients but not in healthy subjects. This increased sensitivity was not only restricted to the median nerve area but also expanded to the ulnar nerve area. Remarkably, MS patients reached the same level of sensitivity as healthy subjects immediately after the intervention, and long-term effects were reported 3 weeks later.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study demonstrated lasting improvements in tactile sensitivity of the fingers as a result of a long-term TENS intervention in MS patients, who ultimately reached a level comparable with that of healthy subjects.
Cuypers
Koen
K
Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium. koen.cuypers@phl.be
Levin
Oron
O
Thijs
Herbert
H
Swinnen
Stephan P
SP
Meesen
Raf L J
RL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014110:Touch / Q000502:physiology*; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult