A controlled double blind study comparing the effects of strong Burst Mode TENS and High Rate TENS on painful osteoarthritic knees

Abstract

This double blind, controlled study compared the changes in pain, stiffness, circumference and range of movement, produced by one 30 minute application of High Rate TENS, or strong Burst Mode TENS on chronic osteoarthritic knees. Both TENS applications were applied at strong, tolerable intensities for 30 minutes, over four acupuncture points around the knee. Pain, stiffness, circumference, and range of movement measurements were recorded immediately before and after the TENS applications. Length of continuation of pain relief and alteration in stiffness was reported by subjects. The study aimed to establish whether strong Burst Mode TENS produced significantly greater and longer lasting changes than those produced by High Rate TENS. The only significant change produced by strong Burst Mode when compared with High Rate TENS was on knee circumference.

Keywords: Double blind method; Knee; Osteoarthritis; Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.