Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in rheumatoid arthritis
Abelson, K.; Langley, G.B.; Sheppeard, H.; Vlieg, M.; Wigley, R.D.
New Zealand Medical Journal 96(727): 156-158
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 6600826 Document Number: 211786
The therapeutic effect of once weekly transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was compared with placebo in a randomised, double-blind, non-crossover study lasting three weeks. Thirty-two patients with classic or definite rheumatoid arthritis and wrist involvement were evaluated. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was better than the placebo in relieving pain at rest and while gripping. In addition, grip strength, measured as power and work done, immediately improved following transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation but returned almost to initial values between assessments. No significant improvement was shown for the placebo group.