Actively Recruiting
Acute Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation at Acupoints on Nociceptive Transmission: A Mechanism Study Using Pain-Related Evoked Potentials
Led by China Medical University Hospital · Updated on 2025-12-05
35
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied to specific acupuncture points affects pain transmission and brain responses in healthy adults. The study focuses on measuring pain-related evoked potentials (PREPs) before and after TENS at the Zhongzhu (SJ3) and Hegu (LI4) acupoints. This research aims to understand how electrical stimulation at these points may influence pain pathways and cortical processing in the brain. Participants receive low-frequency TENS delivered via surface electrodes placed on the Zhongzhu (SJ3) and Hegu (LI4) acupoints. Each participant undergoes two separate 20-minute sessions in random order, with at least 48 hours between sessions. During each session, baseline PREP measurements are taken, followed by TENS treatment, and then a follow-up PREP assessment to evaluate changes in nociceptive cortical responses. The stimulation is adjusted to a comfortable, noticeable level without causing muscle contractions. Throughout the study, participants remain seated and relaxed while EEG recordings capture cortical electrical activity related to pain processing. Subjective pain experiences and any adverse effects are also recorded to assess tolerability. The primary outcome is the change in PREP waveform characteristics immediately after TENS compared to baseline. The total participation involves attending two sessions spaced apart, with careful monitoring of brain responses and pain perception to understand the neurophysiological effects of acupoint stimulation.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Acute Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation at Acupoints on Nociceptive Transmission: A Mechanism Study Using Pain-Related Evoked Potentials
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Healthy adults aged 20 years or older
- No chronic medical conditions
- No history of drug allergies or skin disorders
- Not currently using medications that could affect study outcomes
- Maintain a regular daily routine
- No history of substance or medication abuse
You will not qualify if you...
- History of malignant tumors
- Hand disorders
- Implanted cardiac pacemakers
- Pregnancy
- Epilepsy
- Any condition interfering with study procedures
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 sessions with at least 48 hours between each
Participants attend two experimental sessions where they undergo baseline pain-related evoked potential (PREP) assessment, receive a 20-minute transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) at specific acupoints, followed by a follow-up PREP assessment to evaluate changes in pain transmission.
2 in-person sessions
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Department of Physical Therapy of China Medical University
Taichung, Beitun, Taiwan, Taiwan, 406040
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Y
Yueh-Ling Hsieh
Y
Yung-Yu Hsu
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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