Upper trapezius relaxation induced by TENS and interferential current in computer users with chronic nonspecific neck discomfort: An electromyographic analysis

Recent studies have shown that a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential current (IFC) application reduces pain in subjects with musculoskeletal disorders. However there are no clinical trials evaluating or comparing the muscle relaxation generated for these devices. To...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation 2015-01, Vol.28 (1), p.19-24
Main Authors: Acedo, Adriano Alexandre, Luduvice Antunes, Ana Carolina, Barros dos Santos, André, Barbosa de Olveira, Cintia, Tavares dos Santos, Claudia, Colonezi, Gustavo Lacreta Toledo, Fontana, Felipe Antonio Medeiros, Fukuda, Thiago Yukio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Electromyography
Female
Humans
Muscle Relaxation - physiology
Neck Pain - physiopathology
Neck Pain - therapy
Pain Management
Pain Measurement
Superficial Back Muscles - physiopathology
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation - methods
Treatment Outcome
Young Adult
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Summary:Recent studies have shown that a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential current (IFC) application reduces pain in subjects with musculoskeletal disorders. However there are no clinical trials evaluating or comparing the muscle relaxation generated for these devices. To compare the muscle relaxation of the upper trapezius induced by the application of TENS and IFC in females with chronic nonspecific neck discomfort. Sixty-four females between 18 and 40 years of age and a history of nonspecific neck discomfort were randomly assigned to a TENS or an IFC group. The women in the TENS (N = 32; mean age 22 years) and IFC (N = 32, mean age 23 years) group were submitted to current application during 3 consecutive days and were assessed by electromyography (EMG) in different times aiming to quantify the muscular tension of the upper trapezius. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used as pain measure at baseline (before TENS or IFC application) and at the end of the study. At baseline, demographic, pain, and EMG assessment data were similar between groups. Those in the IFC group had a significant trapezius relaxation after 3 IFC applications when compared to baseline and intermediate evaluations (P < 0.05). In contrast, the same analysis showed no significant difference between all assessments in the TENS group (P >0.05). In relation to pain relief, both groups showed an improvement at the end of the study when compared to baseline (both,P
ISSN:1053-8127
1878-6324
DOI:10.3233/BMR-140482