Effects of Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation at Acupuncture Points on Pain Signals in Healthy Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS applied to specific acupuncture points can influence pain transmission and brain processing in healthy adults. The study focuses on measuring changes in pain-related evoked potentials PREPs before and after TENS at the acupoints Zhongzhu SJ3 and Hegu LI4 to understand the neurophysiological effects of this stimulation. Participants receive low-frequency TENS applied through surface electrodes directly over the two acupoints in two separate sessions, randomized in order with at least 48 hours apart. Each session includes a baseline PREP assessment, a 20-minute TENS treatment with comfortable but perceptible electrical current, followed immediately by another PREP measurement. The EEG machine records cortical responses to evaluate changes in pain processing. During the study, participants undergo brain electrical activity recordings and report subjective pain and any discomfort throughout the sessions. Researchers analyze PREP waveform features such as N2 and P2 amplitudes and latencies to assess nociceptive pathway modulation. Safety and tolerability are monitored, and the entire participation involves two experimental sessions with assessments before and after each TENS application.

Acute Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation at Acupoints on Nociceptive Transmission