Efficacy of the device combining high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and thermotherapy for relieving primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy and safety of the combined therapy with high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (hf-TENS) and thermotherapy in relieving primary dysmenorrheal pain.


METHODS
In this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study, 115 women with moderate or severe primary dysmenorrhea were assigned to the study or control group at a ratio of 1:1. Subjects in the study group used an integrated hf-TENS/thermotherapy device, whereas control subjects used a sham device. A visual analog scale was used to measure pain intensity. Variables related to pain relief, including reduction rate of dysmenorrheal score, were compared between the groups.


RESULTS
The dysmenorrheal score was significantly reduced in the study group compared to the control group following the use of the devices. The duration of pain relief was significantly increased in the study group compared to the control group. There were no differences between the groups in the brief pain inventory scores, numbers of ibuprofen tablets taken orally, and World Health Organization quality of life-BREF scores. No adverse events were observed related to the use of the study device.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of hf-TENS and thermotherapy was effective in relieving acute pain in women with moderate or severe primary dysmenorrhea.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea.
Banghyun
B
Lee
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chungbuk National University, College of Medicine, Cheongju-Si, Chungcheongbuk-Do, Republic of Korea.
Seung Hwa
SH
Hong
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: kidong.kim.md@gmail.com.
Kidong
K
Kim
Department of Business Information and Statistics, DaeJeon University, Daejeon-Si, Chungcheongnam-Do, Republic of Korea.
Wee Chang
WC
Kang
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea.
Jae Hong
JH
No
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea.
Jung Ryeol
JR
Lee
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea.
Byung Chul
BC
Jee
Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea.
Eun Joo
EJ
Yang
Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.
Eun-Jong
EJ
Cha
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea.
Yong Beom
YB
Kim
D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation
Dysmenorrhea; Thermotherapy; Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation