Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation associated to exercise for pain in Parkinson's disease: a randomized crossover clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION

Parkinson's disease (PD) causes debilitating motor and non-motor symptoms, including chronic pain. While TENS and exercise are potential treatments, their combined effects require investigation.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of TENS added to an exercise program on pain intensity (primary outcome), fatigue, temporal summation, pain catastrophizing, skin sensitivity, and depression in PD.

METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, crossover trial included 13 patients (Hoehn & Yahr II-III). Participants received active or placebo TENS (1:1 ratio) followed by the reverse order after a 7-day washout. Both phases included a 20-minute exercise program. Active TENS (100 Hz, 100 μs) was applied to thoracic and lumbar regions at motor threshold. Outcome assessors and participants were blinded to the intervention.

RESULTS

All 13 participants completed both phases (n = 26). Compared to placebo, the active TENS group showed significant improvements in primary outcome of pain intensity (p = 0.006). Significant improvements were also observed in temporal summation (p = 0.004) and cutaneous sensibility (thoracic right (p = 0.002), left (p = 0.041). No adverse events were reported during the interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

TENS combined with exercise is effective for reducing pain intensity, temporal summation, and fatigue, as well as improving cutaneous sensibility in patients with PD.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ReBEC identifier is RBR-4bvwxq (UTN: U1111-1159-1101).