BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a low frequency current used to manage pain, however, there are gaps with regard to its usage parameters and way of action. This study aimed at investigating burst TENS effects on pressure-induced pain. METHOD: Double blind crossed study with 23 individuals of both genders, divided into TENS (GT) and placebo (GP) groups. Burst TENS, with 200 µs phase duration and intensity regulated until motor threshold, was applied in two median and ulnar nerves regions, both in the supracondilar region, for 15 minutes. Pressure dolorimeter was applied to tenar and hypotenar regions to evaluate pain threshold in the following periods: before and immediately after stimulation, 20 minutes and one hour after electrical stimulation. RESULTS: Evaluating the pain threshold of the tenar and hypotenar region, there has been no significant difference when compared intragroup and between groups, for all evaluated moments. CONCLUSION: Burst TENS was not effective to increase pressure-induced pain threshold.
Analgesia; Pain measurement; Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
