ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
There are a variety of ways to apply the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) without an established way that provides better results in the treatment of nonspecific low back pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate which application of TENS has a better effect on the immediate reduction of the intensity of spontaneous and provoked pain in college students with nonspecific low back pain.
METHODS:
Quantitative, randomized and cross-sectional study. Twenty young individuals were divided into four groups and received a different intervention per week, totaling four weeks. The groups were Conventional TENS with the frequency of 100Hz, a pulse duration of 200µs; TENS with frequency and intensity variation with frequency variation and automatic pulse duration, TENS Burst with frequency modulated at 2Hz, pulse duration of 250µs; and placebo in which the subjects underwent a pacing protocol with no tingling sensation or muscle contraction. All sessions had a total application time of 20 minutes. They were evaluated for spontaneous pain through the application of the visual analog scale (VAS), and pain provoked by the algometer and cold pain through the application of solid ice directly to the skin, and VAS for the intensity of cold pain, all performed before and after each application of the electrotherapy.
RESULTS:
Only the visual analog scale of spontaneous pain showed significant results (p<0.05) when compared intragroups, in the three applied currents.
CONCLUSION:
The three forms used in the present study were able to reduce spontaneous pain after the intervention by electrostimulation.
Keywords:
Analgesia; Low back pain; Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation