What is TENS studying for chronic low back pain?

TENS is being studied to see if it can reduce pain and improve function in people with chronic low back pain by targeting the nervous system's pain pathways. Researchers aim to assess how well this non-drug treatment activates pain inhibition and reduces pain sensitivity. The University of Hartford sponsors this research to explore new options for managing chronic pain.

Who may be eligible for this chronic low back pain clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 to 60 with chronic low back pain lasting at least 3 months and a pain level of 3 or higher may be eligible. Both men and women can participate, but recent users of TENS therapy within 5 years are excluded. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this chronic low back pain clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the TENS device and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses to and from study visits may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years - 60Years

All Genders

ID05812885

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation TENS and Chronic Low-Back Pain A Randomized Crossover Trial

Led by University of Hartford · Updated on 2024-12-04

Participants Needed

Research Sites

8 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Chronic low back pain is a common and persistent health issue that often leads to increased pain sensitivity both at and away from the original pain site. This heightened pain response is linked to central sensitization, which can worsen with longer pain duration and intensity. The study explores how treatments that reduce this central excitability and boost pain inhibition might help, focusing on transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS as a non-drug, affordable, and simple option. The trial uses a randomized crossover design where participants receive three different treatments in random order active TENS at a high intensity, placebo TENS with a brief stimulation then off, and a no-treatment control with the device turned off to keep assessors unaware. The active TENS aims to activate the bodys pain-blocking pathways and reduce central excitability, potentially improving the ability to exercise and function. Participants undergo assessments measuring pain intensity at rest and during movement, pain sensitivity thresholds, and physical function tests such as sit-to-stand and repeated trunk flexion. These evaluations occur over a 3-week period, focusing on how TENS influences pain relief and physical ability. The study also monitors central pain modulation to understand TENS effects on pain processing.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Low Back Pain

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years - 60Years

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

People who have experienced back pain for at least 3 months
Reported a minimal pain level of 3 on the 0-10 Pain Numerical Rating Scale
Age from 18 to 60 years
TENS naive or have not used TENS for 5 years
Both men and women may participate in the study

You will not qualify if you...

Serious spinal disorders such as fractures, tumors, or inflammatory arthritis disease
Nerve root disorders confirmed by neurological tests
Neurological diseases
Severe cardiorespiratory disease
Pregnancy
Skin infection, lesions, or change in sensation at the TENS application site
Cancer
Cardiac pacemaker
Allergy to electrodes
Use of opioids

Research Team

Richard E Liebano, PhD

Not the Right Trial for You?

Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Already have an account? Log in here