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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2023 Nov 16;13(1):20134.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-46916-0.

Clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture-like magnetic therapy compared to conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome

Sui-Foon Lo  1   2 , Li-Wei Chou  2   3   4 , Huynh Chung  3 , Hsiu-Chen Lin  5
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture-like magnetic therapy compared to conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome

Sui-Foon Lo et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an electroacupuncture-like magnetic therapy (ELMT) and conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A prospective randomized controlled trial in single-centre was conducted. Thirty-four CTS patients confirmed by electrodiagnostic study were randomized into TENS or ELMT group and completed a six-week treatment program. TENS or ELMT treatment was applied on acupuncture point PC-6 (Neiguan) and one selected hand acupoint. Therapeutic exercises were also included after the electrophysical modality. Their physical signs, motor and sensory performances, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores, and results of electrodiagnostic study were evaluated. After treatments, both groups demonstrated significantly decreased BCTQ scores and positive rate of Tinel's sign in the major symptomatic side, which indicated improvements in the symptom severity and physical functions. Significant increases in distal sensory amplitude and nerve conduction velocity of the median nerve were only found in the ELMT group. Our study found either conventional TENS or ELMT plus therapeutic exercises could improve the symptomatology and physical provocation sign of CTS. The ELMT has additional improvement in the nerve conduction in patients with CTS.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The flow chart of the study.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The characteristics of the pulsed electro-magnetic field (PEMF) delivered by the device (Aculife Magnetic Wave device, SMW-A01, Innohealth Technology Co., Taiwan) used in the magnetic therapy group. (A) single pulse; (B) multiple pulse. The actual output values (showing the range in figure) may be different depending upon the output adjustments (intensity, power mode) as well as the individual skin impedance.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The acupuncture points selected to treat (A) acupoint PC-7 (Daling, in pericardium meridian); (B) hand acupuncture point of the right wrist.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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