Sie sind auf Seite 1von 6

1353

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Effects of Burst-Type Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve


Stimulation on Cervical Range of Motion and Latent
Myofascial Trigger Point Pain Sensitivity
Ángel L. Rodríguez-Fernández, PT, MSc, Víctor Garrido-Santofimia, PT, Javier Güeita-Rodríguez, PT, MSc,
César Fernández-de-las-Peñas, PT, MSc, PhD
ABSTRACT. Rodríguez-Fernández AL, Garrido-Santofimia Key Words: Cervical spine; Myofascial trigger point; Neck;
V, Güeita-Rodríguez J, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C. Effects of Pain threshold; Rehabilitation; Transcutaneous electrical nerve
burst-type transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on cer- stimulation.
vical range of motion and latent myofascial trigger point pain © 2011 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation
sensitivity. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2011;92:1353-8. Medicine
Objective: To assess the effects of a burst application of
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on cervical
range of motion and pressure point sensitivity of latent myo-
fascial trigger points (MTrPs).
M YOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME (MPS) is one of the
1
most frequent causes of muscle pain. MPS is character-
ized by the presence of a myofascial trigger point (MTrP),
Design: A single-session, single-blind randomized trial. defined as a hypersensitive spot in a taut band of a skeletal
Setting: General community rehabilitation clinic. muscle that is painful to stimulation (compression, or nee-
Participants: Individuals (N⫽76; 45 men, 31 women) aged dling), elicits a referred pain distant to the spot, and is associ-
18 to 41 years (mean ⫾ SD, 23⫾4y) with latent MTrPs in 1 ated with restricted range of motion.1 From a clinical point of
upper trapezius muscle. view, clinicians distinguish between active and latent MTrPs.
Interventions: Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: An active MTrP causes spontaneous pain, which can be local
a TENS group that received a burst-type TENS (pulse width, and/or referred, and musculoskeletal dysfunction. A latent
200␮s; frequency, 100Hz; burst frequency, 2Hz) stimulation MTrP does not cause spontaneous pain but may cause local
over the upper trapezius for 10 minutes, and a placebo group and/or referred pain with palpation, and musculoskeletal dys-
that received a sham-TENS application over the upper trape- function. The main difference between active and latent MTrPs
zius also for 10 minutes. is the presence of spontaneous pain symptoms; however, both
Main Outcome Measures: Referred pressure pain threshold types of MTrPs induce musculoskeletal dysfunctions.2,3 This
(RPPT) over the MTrP and cervical range of motion in rotation clinical distinction is substantiated by biochemical findings,
were assessed before, and 1 and 5 minutes after the interven- since higher levels of algogenic substances and chemical me-
tion by an assessor blinded to subjects’ treatment. diators, such as bradykinin, substance P, or serotonin, were
Results: The analysis of covariance revealed a significant found in active MTrPs as compared with latent MTrPs.4,5
group ⫻ time interaction (P⬍.001) for RPPT: the TENS group Different studies reported that active MTrPs reproduce clin-
exhibited a greater increase compared with the control group; ical pain features in several musculoskeletal pain conditions
however, between-group differences were small at 1 minute such as neck pain,6 lateral epicondylalgia,7 shoulder pain,8 or
(0.3kg/cm2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1– 0.4) and at 5 headaches.9 Conversely, there are an increasing number of
minutes (0.6kg/cm2; 95% CI, 0.3– 0.8) after treatment. A sig- studies demonstrating the clinical and neurophysiologic rele-
nificant group ⫻ time interaction (P⫽.01) was also found for vance of latent MTrPs. Ge et al10 found pressure pain hyper-
cervical rotation in favor of the TENS group. Between-group sensitivity at latent MTrPs as compared with non-MTrP areas,
differences were also small at 1 minute (2.0°; 95% CI, 1.0 –2.8) suggesting nociceptive activity at latent MTrPs. A recent study
and at 5 minutes (2.7°; 95% CI, 1.7–3.8) after treatment. confirmed the presence of nociception in latent MTrPs, report-
Conclusions: A 10-minute application of burst-type TENS ing the presence of nociceptive (hyperalgesia) and nonnocice-
increases in a small but statistically significant manner the ptive (allodynia) pain sensitivity at latent MTrPs.11 Zhang et
RPPT over upper trapezius latent MTrPs and the ipsilateral al12 reported that nociceptive stimulation of latent MTrPs in-
cervical range of motion. duces attenuated skin blood flow responses, which suggests a
sympathetic activity elicited by their nociceptive stimulation.
Finally, it has recently been demonstrated that mechanical
stimulation of latent MTrPs can induce central sensitization
From the Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, CEU-San Pablo
mechanisms in healthy subjects.13
University, Madrid (Rodríguez-Fernández, Garrido-Santofimia, Güeita-Rodríguez);
and Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and
Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid (Güeita- List of Abbreviations
Rodríguez, Fernández-de-las-Peñas), Spain.
No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research ANCOVA analysis of covariance
supporting this article has or will confer a benefit on the authors or on any organi- CI confidence interval
zation with which the authors are associated.
ICC intraclass correlation coefficient
Reprint requests to Ángel L. Rodríguez-Fernández, PT, MSc, Department of
Physical Therapy, CEU-San Pablo University, Carretera Boadilla del Monte, Km MPS myofascial pain syndrome
5,300, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28668 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain, e- MTrP myofascial trigger point
mail: alrodfer@ceu.es. RPPT referred pressure pain threshold
0003-9993/11/9209-00003$36.00/0 TENS transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2011.04.010

Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vol 92, September 2011


1354 BURST-TYPE TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION, Rodríguez-Fernández

These findings explain why several studies have investigated Outcome Measures
treating subjects with latent MTrPs with different manual tech- In the current study, outcomes included neck rotation as
niques.14-19 Among the different approaches used for MTrP measured by a digital goniometer,b and referred pressure pain
treatment,20 some electrotherapeutic modalities such as inter- threshold (RPPT) with a mechanical pressure algometer.c
ferential currents,21 magnetic stimulation,22 laser therapy,23
For cervical rotation, subjects were supine. The reference
and ultrasound therapy24 are the most common. A recent sys-
tematic review25 found moderate evidence that transcutaneous position was 90° to the horizontal. The free arm of the goni-
electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is effective in providing ometer was in alignment with the patient’s nose. Active rota-
immediate relief of MTrPs. tion was performed until the contralateral shoulder began to
Various types of TENS have been used for treatment of rise from the table. The free arm of the goniometer was then
upper trapezius MTrPs, with sessions usually lasting 20 min- positioned in the new alignment of the nose. Cervical rotation
utes.26-29 However, we were unable to locate any study in was calculated as the difference between the initial and final
which the treatment was a burst-type TENS for a period of less values recorded.33 Three measurements at intervals of 30 sec-
than 20 minutes for the treatment of latent MTrPs. Therefore, onds were obtained by the same assessor, and the mean was
the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a burst calculated for the main analysis. We calculated intraexaminer
application of TENS on cervical range of motion and pressure reliability of cervical rotation with an intraclass correlation
point sensitivity of latent MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle. coefficient (ICC) by using a 2-way random effects model.34 We
found good reliability for ipsilateral (ICC⫽.73; 95% confi-
METHODS dence interval [CI], .60 –.84) and contralateral (ICC⫽.75; 95%
CI, .62–.85) rotations.
Participants
The RPPT is defined as the pressure that begins to elicit the
Seventy-six volunteers (45 men, 31 women) aged 18 to 41 referred pain when applied over an MTrP.35 Three consecutive
years (mean ⫾ SD, 23⫾4y), recruited from a pain-free popu- trials of RPPT on the MTrP at intervals of 30 seconds were
lation by advertisement in the local press in Madrid, Spain, obtained by the same assessor, and the mean was calculated for
participated in the current study. Subjects were included if the main analysis. Ylinen et al36 found good intraexaminer
there was a diagnosis of 1 latent MTrP in either their right or
reliability for assessing pressure pain thresholds over MTrPs in
left upper trapezius. MTrP diagnosis was performed by a
the upper trapezius muscle (ICC⫽.86; 95% CI, .67–.74). In the
physical therapist with 9 years of experience in MTrP diagnosis
current study, intrarater reliability of RPPT was also calculated
and treatment, and the diagnosis was based on the following
with an ICC,34 and we found high reliability (ICC⫽.90; 95%
previously published guidelines1: (1) the presence of a palpable
CI, .85–.93) for our data.
taut band in a skeletal muscle; (2) the presence of a hypersen-
Both outcomes were assessed before the intervention, and at
sitive tender spot in the taut band; (3) a local twitch response
1 and 5 minutes after the intervention by an assessor blinded to
provoked by snapping palpation of the taut band; and (4)
the subject’s treatment.
reproduction of referred pain in response to compression.
These criteria have exhibited good interexaminer reliability (␬,
.84 –.88) when applied by an experienced examiner.30 Statistical Analysis
Subjects were excluded if they had a history of neck trauma; Sample size calculation was based on results reported by
surgery in the head-neck area; chronic neck or facial pain; a Ruiz-Sáez et al18 and was performed with a local software.d
history of diagnosed headache, including migraine; MTrP ther- The calculations were based on detecting a 20% of within-
apy in the neck within the previous 3 months; or fibromyal- group differences in RPPT after the intervention compared
gia.31 with before treatment, assuming an SD of 10%, an ␣ level of
This study was approved by the ethical committee of the .05, and a desired power (␤) of 80%. These assumptions
CEU-San Pablo University, and all subjects signed an informed generated a sample size of at least 30 participants per group.
consent before data collection. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 15.0.e Mean, SD, and
95% CI for each variable were calculated. A normal distribu-
Interventions tion of quantitative data was assessed by the Kolmogorov-
Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups by coin Smirnov test (P⬎.05). Baseline data between groups were
toss: a TENS group that received a verum electrotherapy treat- compared using chi-square tests of independence for categor-
ment, and a placebo group that received a sham treatment. ical data and independent Student t tests for continuous data. A
For the TENS group, a burst-TENS with a pulse width of repeated-measure analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with time
200␮s, a pulse frequency of 100Hz, and a burst frequency of (before, 1 and 5min after treatment) as within-subjects factor,
2Hz was applied for 10 minutes at a comfortable intensity able group (verum or sham TENS) as between-subject factor, and
to induce contraction of the upper trapezius muscle.32 This was age and sex as covariables was used to assess differences in
done using a BTL 5000a electrical stimulation device. The RPPT. A repeated-measure ANCOVA with time (before, 1 and
active electrode (size, 3.2cm2) was placed over the MTrP, 5min after treatment) and side (ipsilateral or contralateral) as
whereas the ground electrode (size, 24cm2) was placed over the within-subjects factors, group (verum or sham TENS) as between-
deltoid insertion. subjects factor, and age and sex as covariables was used to analyze
The placebo group received a sham-electrotherapy TENS differences in cervical rotation. The main hypothesis of interest
application also for 10 minutes. Electrodes were placed in the was group ⫻ time interaction. Within-group and between-group
same position as in the TENS group. Subjects were informed effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s d coefficient.37 An
that they would receive an electric current at a subliminal level. effect size of less than 0.2 reflects a negligible mean difference;
The electrical stimulator was switched on during the applica- between ⱖ0.2 and ⱕ0.5, a small difference; between ⱖ0.5 and
tion with an intensity of zero. Subjects were not able to see the ⱕ0.8, a moderate mean difference; and 0.8 or greater, a large
device screen so that the intensity rating was masked, and difference. The statistical analysis was conducted at a 95% con-
every effort was made to ensure they believed they were fidence level, and a P value of less than .05 was considered as
receiving the electrical application (blinding patient). statistically significant.

Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vol 92, September 2011


BURST-TYPE TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION, Rodríguez-Fernández 1355

RESULTS Table 1: Baseline Demographics for Both Groups


One hundred volunteers were screened for eligible criteria. Real-TENS Sham-TENS
Twenty four (24%) were excluded because of no latent MTrP Characteristic Group Group P

in 1 upper trapezius (n⫽12), previous neck trauma (n⫽8), and Sex (M/F) 22/16 23/15 .815
a history of migraine (n⫽4). Finally, 38 subjects (22 men, 16 Age (y)* 22⫾3 24⫾5 .026
women; mean age ⫾ SD, 22⫾3y) were assigned to the TENS RPPT (kg/cm2) 2.1⫾0.5 2.2⫾0.8 .624
group, and the remaining 38 (23 men, 15 women; mean age ⫾ Cervical rotation ipsilateral to
SD, 24⫾5y) were assigned to the placebo group. The total the MTrP (deg) 57.9⫾5.4 57.7⫾5.9 .872
number of subjects screened, reasons for ineligibility, and Cervical rotation contralateral
dropouts can be seen in figure 1. No significant differences for to the MTrP (deg) 58.2⫾6.0 58.5⫾6.1 .808
sex (␹2⫽.054, P⫽.815), RPPT (t⫽.492, P⫽.624), and cervical NOTE. Values are n, mean ⫾ SD, or as otherwise indicated.
rotation (ipsilateral to the MTrP: t⫽.161, P⫽.872; contralateral Abbreviations: F, female; M, male.
to the MTrP: t⫽.244, P⫽.808) were found, indicating that *Statistically significant differences between groups (included in the
groups were comparable in all dependent measures at the start ANCOVA as covariate).
of the study (table 1). However, participants in the sham-TENS
group were older (t⫽– 2.277, P⫽.026) than those included in
the real-TENS group. Because of this, age was included in the Cervical Rotation
analysis as a covariate.
All participants showed latent MTrPs in 1 upper trapezius The ANCOVA revealed a significant group ⫻ time interac-
muscle, of which 58 (76%) were located in the right side tion (F⫽6.894, P⫽.01) for changes in cervical rotation: the
TENS group exhibited a greater increase in rotation as com-
(dominant side) and 18 (24%) within the left side (nondomi-
pared with the sham-TENS group (P⬍.05). Neither age
nant). No significant differences for the distribution of latent (F⫽2.966, P⫽.148) nor sex (F⫽2.095, P⫽.181) affected the
MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscles (␹2⫽1.235, P⫽.634) results. Within-group effect sizes were small (d⫽.36) for both
were found between groups. rotations within the real-TENS group and negligible (d⫽.11)
for the placebo group. In addition, between-group differences
Referred Pressure Pain Thresholds were also small at 1 minute (2.0°; 95% CI, 1.0 –2.8) and at 5
The ANCOVA revealed a significant group ⫻ time interac- minutes (2.7°; 95% CI, 1.7–3.8) after treatment. Tables 2 and
tion (F⫽24.932, P⬍.001) for changes in RPPT over upper 3 detail the data before treatment and at 1 and 5 minutes after
trapezius latent MTrPs: the real-TENS group exhibited a treatment, and the within- and between-group differences for
greater increase in RPPT as compared with the sham-TENS cervical rotation in both groups.
group (P⬍.001). Neither age (F⫽.900, P⫽.346) nor sex
(F⫽.186, P⫽.660) affected the results. Within-group (pre-post) DISCUSSION
effect sizes were large (d⫽0.9) for the TENS group and neg- The results of the current study suggest that a single appli-
ligible (d⫽0) for the sham-TENS group. However, between- cation of a burst-type TENS had an immediate mild hypoalge-
group differences were small at 1 minute (0.3kg/cm2; 95% CI, sic effect for mechanical stimuli by increasing the RPPT over
0.1– 0.4) and at 5 minutes (0.6kg/cm2; 95% CI, 0.3– 0.8) after latent MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle. We also found that
treatment. Tables 2 and 3 summarize the data before treatment a burst-type TENS increases cervical rotation ipsilateral to the
and at 1 and 5 minutes after treatment, as well as the within- side of the MTrP. The changes observed were small, particu-
and between-group differences for RPPT over upper trapezius larly for cervical range of motion (0.3– 0.5kg/cm2 for RPPT;
latent MTrPs in both groups. 2.2°–2.9° for ipsilateral rotation), which may indicate limited
clinical relevance.
TENS and RPPT
Some studies investigating changes in pressure pain thresh-
olds after application of mobilization interventions reported
changes around 10%,38,39 values slightly lower than the im-
provements found in our study (15%–30%) for RPPT. Never-
theless, we should recognize that changes found in the current
study are small, so the clinical implications should be ques-
tioned.
Johnson and Martinson,40 in their meta-analysis, determined
that the application of TENS was effective for the treatment of
chronic musculoskeletal pain as compared with placebo. In
addition, a review of noninvasive interventions for the man-
agement of MTrPs concluded that TENS is effective in the
short-term for reducing pain originating in MTrPs.41 This as-
sumption was based on studies where TENS has been found to
be effective in reducing MTrP pain.26,27,42 However, these
studies did not include pressure algometry as a main outcome.
Therefore, the current study is, to our knowledge, the first one
investigating changes in RPPT over latent MTrPs after the
application of burst-TENS. Nevertheless, we should recog-
Fig 1. Flow diagram of subject recruitment throughout the course nize that the inclusion of latent MTrPs limits the clinical
of the study. relevance of our results.

Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vol 92, September 2011


1356 BURST-TYPE TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION, Rodríguez-Fernández

Table 2: Baseline, 1 Minute After Intervention, and Change Scores for Referred Pain Thresholds and Cervical Rotation
Before 1min After Within-Group Between-Group
Group Intervention Intervention Change Scores Change Scores

RPPT (kg/cm2)
Real-TENS group 2.1⫾0.5 2.4⫾0.5 0.3 (0.2 to 0.5) 0.3 (0.1–0.4)
Sham-TENS group 2.2⫾0.8 2.2⫾0.7 0.0 (⫺0.2 to 0.1)
Cervical rotation ipsilateral to the MTrP (deg)
Real-TENS group 57.9⫾5.4 59.3⫾4.7 1.4 (0.2 to 2.7) 2.0 (1.0–2.8)
Sham-TENS group 57.7⫾5.9 57.1⫾5.4 ⫺0.6 (⫺1.8 to 0.7)
Cervical rotation contralateral to the MTrP (deg)
Real-TENS group 58.2⫾6.0 58.9⫾6.0 0.7 (0.5 to 1.9) 0.7 (0.1–1.4)
Sham-TENS group 58.5⫾6.1 58.5⫾6.1 0.0 (⫺1.4 to 1.3)

NOTE. Values are mean ⫾ SD or mean (95% CI).

Determining the mechanisms by which TENS may increase Cervical rotation was chosen to minimize the measurement
RPPT is beyond the scope of this study; however, a few errors when using a universal goniometer. An increase in
hypotheses can be proposed. It appears that TENS could influ- cervical rotation ipsilateral to the MTrP suggests that burst-
ence some of the events related to MTrP pathogenesis. Con- TENS may induce a relaxation of the MTrP taut band accord-
tractions induced by the burst-TENS could normalize endplate ing to the mechanisms mentioned above. Our results are similar
acetylcholine secretion and reduce algogenic substances found to those reported for the application of high-power ultrasound24
within the MTrP area.5 In addition, muscle contractions or TENS plus stretching28 over the MTrP within the upper
(twitches) induced by TENS may increase local blood flow of trapezius, where an increase in cervical lateral flexions was
the MTrP area, leading to a “washout” of these inflammatory observed. Interestingly, an increase in cervical rotation ipsilat-
mediators. Sandberg et al43 reported an increase of blood flow eral to the MTrP was unexpected because relaxation of the
in the muscle after the application of a burst-TENS (pulse upper trapezius should improve cervical rotation contralateral
width, 180␮s; burst frequency, 2Hz) for 15 minutes. Kavcic et to the MTrP. One possible explanation is that burst-TENS
al44 found that application of a burst-TENS for 20 minutes application may induce relaxation of the MTrP taut band and
produced an increase in muscle oxygenation within the upper facilitate the stretching (in ipsilateral rotation) of the upper
trapezius muscle. Therefore, it is possible that application of a trapezius. We should recognize that the effect sizes were small,
burst-TENS may increase blood flow and remove the chemical and these results should be considered with caution and of
mediators of the MTrP area, thereby facilitating a mechanical dubious clinical relevance.
relaxation of the MTrP taut band.
Another possible mechanism may involve central nervous Study Limitations
system effects.45 The burst-type TENS can increase RPPT over First, we only assessed the immediate hypoalgesic effects
MTrPs by increasing firing rates at the spinal dorsal horn. Tong over latent MTrPs and cervical rotation after the application of
et al46 demonstrated that the use of low-frequency TENS a single treatment with burst-TENS. It would be interesting to
increased the release of enkephalin and ␤-endorphins. Because investigate long-term effects of TENS to further explore the
␤-endorphin stimulates the periaqueductal gray substance and mechanisms behind the observed benefits. Second, we do not
activates inhibitory descending pathways,47 the increase ob- know whether these hypoalgesic effects are widespread involv-
served in RPPT after application of a burst-TENS may be ing MTrPs in other distant anatomic areas. The immediate
related to activation of these inhibitory pain pathways. Future changes that occurred after burst-TENS application provide
studies are needed to further explore these mechanisms. impetus for further studies in this area. A third limitation is that
we included only participants with latent MTrPs, and they may
TENS and Cervical Range of Motion not be the typical population presenting to therapists for treat-
This study also showed that a burst-TENS induced a small ment. This situation may provoke the difficulty for assessing
(2.4°–2.9°) increase in cervical rotation, particularly to the clinical benefit of the treatment. Fourth, it is necessary to
ipsilateral side of the MTrP, as compared with sham-TENS. investigate changes in all cervical movements after the appli-

Table 3: Baseline, 5 Minutes After Intervention, and Change Scores for Referred Pain Thresholds and Cervical Rotation
Before 5min After Within-Group Between-Group
Group Intervention Intervention Change Scores Change Scores

RPPT (kg/cm2)
Real-TENS group 2.1⫾0.5 2.7⫾0.8 0.6 (0.4 to 0.8) 0.6 (0.3–0.8)
Sham-TENS group 2.2⫾0.8 2.2⫾0.8 0.0 (⫺0.2 to 0.2)
Cervical rotation ipsilateral to the MTrP (deg)
Real-TENS group 57.9⫾5.4 59.7⫾4.6 1.8 (0.5 to 3.1) 2.7 (1.7–3.8)
Sham-TENS group 57.7⫾5.9 56.8⫾5.6 ⫺0.9 (⫺2.3 to 0.7)
Cervical rotation contralateral to the MTrP (deg)
Real-TENS group 58.2⫾6.0 58.9⫾6.5 0.7 (0.6 to 1.8) 1.1 (0.2–2.0)
Sham-TENS group 58.5⫾6.1 58.1⫾6.2 ⫺0.4 (⫺2.1 to 1.2)

NOTE. Values are mean ⫾ SD or mean (95% CI).

Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vol 92, September 2011


BURST-TYPE TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION, Rodríguez-Fernández 1357

cation of burst-TENS. Finally, we recognize that the duration 15. Montañez FJ, Pecos D, Arnau R, Camps A, Borja L, Bosch F.
of the burst-TENS application (10min) was shorter than stan- Immediate effect of ultrasound and ischemic compression tech-
dard applications (15–20min). This shorter duration was based niques for the treatment of trapezius latent myofascial trigger
on our clinical experience. Because the current study found that points in healthy subjects: a randomized controlled study. J Ma-
10 minutes had some potential effects on MTrP mechanical nipulative Physiol Ther 2009;32:515-20.
sensitivity, future studies should compare the effects of burst- 16. Ibáñez-García J, Alburquerque-Sendín F, Rodríguez-Blanco C, et
TENS depending on the duration of application. al. Changes in masseter muscle trigger points following strain/
counter-strain or neuro-muscular technique. J Bodyw Mov Ther
CONCLUSIONS 2009;13:2-10.
An application of a burst-type TENS had mild hypoalgesic 17. Rodríguez-Blanco C, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Hernández-
effects for mechanical stimuli by increasing RPPT over latent Xumet JE, Peña-Algaba G, Fernández-Rabadán M, Lillo MC.
MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle. Burst-type TENS also Changes in active mouth opening following a single treatment of
increased cervical rotation ipsilateral to the side of the MTrP. latent myofascial trigger points in the masseter muscle involving
The observed changes were relatively small (0.3– 0.5kg/cm2 post-isometric relaxation or strain/counter-strain. J Bodyw Mov
for RPPT; 2.2°–2.9° for ipsilateral rotation), potentially indi- Ther 2006;10:197-205.
cating limited clinical relevance. 18. Ruiz-Sáez M, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Rodríguez-Blanco C,
Martínez-Segura R, García-León R. Changes in pressure pain
References sensitivity in latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius
1. Simons DG, Travell JG, Simons LS. Myofascial pain and dys- muscle following a cervical spine manipulation in pain-free sub-
function. The trigger point manual. Vol 1. 2nd ed. Baltimore: jects. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2007;30:578-83.
Williams & Wilkins; 1999. 19. Oliveria-Campelo N, Rubens-Rebelatto J, Martín-Vallejo FJ, Al-
2. Lucas KR, Polus BI, Rich PA. Latent myofascial trigger points: burquerque-Sendín F, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C. The immediate
their effects on muscle activation and movement efficiency. J effects of atlanto-occipital joint manipulation and suboccipital
Bodywork Mov Ther 2004;8:160-6. muscle inhibition technique on active mouth opening and pressure
3. Lucas KR. The impact of latent trigger points on regional muscle pain sensitivity over latent myofascial trigger points in the mas-
function. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2008;12:344-9. ticatory muscles. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40:310-7.
4. Shah JP, Phillips TM, Danoff JV, Gerber L. An in vivo microan- 20. Dommerholt J, Bron C, Franssen JL. Myofascial trigger points: an
alytical technique for measuring the local biochemical milieu of evidence informed review. J Man Manip Ther 2006;14:203-21.
human skeletal muscle. J Appl Physiol 2005;99:1977-84. 21. Hou CR, Tsai LC, Cheng KF, Chung KC, Hong CZ. Immediate
5. Shah JP, Gilliams EA. Uncovering the biochemical milieu of effects of various physical therapeutic modalities on cervical
myofascial trigger points using in vivo microdialysis: an applica- myofascial pain and trigger-point sensitivity. Arch Phys Med
tion of muscle pain concepts to myofascial pain syndrome. J Rehabil 2002;83:1406-14.
Bodyw Mov Ther 2008;12:371-84. 22. Smania N, Corato E, Fiaschi A, Pietropoli P, Aglioty SM, Tinazzi
6. Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Alonso-Blanco C, Miangolarra J. M. Therapeutic effects of peripheral repetitive magnetic stimula-
Myofascial trigger points in subjects presenting with mechanical tion on myofascial pain syndrome. Clin Neurophysiol 2003;114:
neck pain: a blinded, controlled study. Man Ther 2007;12:29-33. 350-8.
7. Fernández-Carnero J, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, De-la-Llave- 23. Gur A, Sarac AJ, Cevik R, Altindag O, Sarac S. Efficacy of 904
Rincón AI, Ge HY, Arendt-Nielsen L. Prevalence of and referred nm gallium arsenide low level laser therapy in the management of
pain from myofascial trigger points in the forearm muscles in chronic myofascial pain in the neck: a double-blind and random-
patients with lateral epicondylalgia. Clin J Pain 2007;23:353-60. ize-controlled trial. Lasers Surg Med 2004;35:229-35.
8. Hidalgo-Lozano A, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Alonso-Blanco C, 24. Majlesi J, Ünalan MD. High-power pain threshold ultrasound
Ge HY, Nielsen A, Arroyo-Morales M. Muscle trigger points and technique in the treatment of active myofascial trigger points: a
pressure pain hyperalgesia in the shoulder muscles in patients with randomized, double-blind, case-control study. Arch Phys Med
unilateral shoulder impingement: a blinded, controlled study. Exp Rehabil 2004;85:833-6.
Brain Res 2010;202:915-25. 25. Vernon H, Schneider M. Chiropractic management of myofascial
9. Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Cuadrado ML, Arendt-Nielsen L, Si- trigger points and myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review
mons DG, Pareja JA. Myofascial trigger points and sensitisation: of the literature. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2009;32:14-24.
an updated pain model for tension type headache. Cephalalgia 26. Hsueh TC, Cheng PT, Kuan TS, Hong CZ. The immediate effec-
2007;27:383-93. tiveness of electrical nerve stimulation and electrical muscle stim-
10. Ge HY, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Arendt-Nielsen L. Sympa- ulation on myofascial trigger points. Am J Phys Med Rehabil
thetic facilitation of hyperalgesia evoked from myofascial tender 1997;76:471-6.
and trigger points in patients with unilateral shoulder pain. Clin 27. Ardiç F, Sarhus M, Topuz O. Comparison of two different tech-
Neurophysiol 2006;117:1545-50. niques of electrotherapy on myofascial pain. J Back Musculosk-
11. Li LT, Ge HY, Yue SW, Arendt-Nielsen L. Nociceptive and elet Rehabil 2002;16:11-6.
non-nociceptive hypersensitivity at latent myofascial trigger 28. Kavcic NS, Lehman GH, McGill SM. Effect of modulated TENS
points. Clin J Pain 2009;25:132-7. on muscle activation, oxygenation, and pain: searching for a
12. Zhang Y, Ge HY, Yue SW, Kimura Y, Arendt-Nielsen L. Atten- physiological mechanism. J Musculoskel Pain 2005;13:19-30.
uated skin blood flow response to nociceptive stimulation of latent 29. Farina S, Casarotto M, Benelle M, et al. A randomized controlled
myofascial trigger points. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2009;90: study on the effect of two different treatments (FREMS and
325-32. TENS) in myofascial pain syndrome. Eura Medicophys 2004;40:
13. Xu YM, Ge HY, Arendt-Nielsen L. Sustained nociceptive me- 293-301.
chanical stimulation of latent myofascial trigger point induces 30. Gerwin R, Shannon S, Hong C, Hubbard D, Gevirtz R. Interrater
central sensitization in healthy subjects. J Pain 2010;11:1348-55. reliability in myofascial trigger point examination. Pain 1997;69:
14. Fryer G, Hodgson L. The effect of manual pressure release on 65-73.
myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. J Bodyw 31. Wolfe F, Smythe HA, Yunus MB, et al. The American College of
Mov Ther 2005;9:248-55. Rheumatology 1990 criteria for classification of fibromyalgia:

Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vol 92, September 2011


1358 BURST-TYPE TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION, Rodríguez-Fernández

report of the multicenter criteria committee. Arthritis Rheum 42. Graff-Radford SB, Reeves JL, Baker R, Chiu D. Effects of trans-
1990;33:160-70. cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on myofascial pain and
32. Johnson MI. Trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). trigger point sensitivity. Pain 1989;37:1-5.
In: Watson T, editor. Electrotherapy: evidence-based practice. 43. Sandberg ML, Sandberg MK, Dahl J. Blood flow changes in the
Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone; 2008. p 253-96. trapezius muscle and overlaying skin following trans-cutaneous
33. Youdas JW, Carey JR, Garrett TR. Reliability of measurements of electrical nerve stimulation. Phys Ther 2007;87:1047-55.
cervical spine range of motion— comparison of three methods. 44. Kavcic NS, Lehman GH, McGill SM. Effect of modulated TENS
Phys Ther 1991;71:98-104. on muscle activation, oxygenation, and pain: searching for a
34. Shrout PE, Fleiss JL. Intraclass correlations: uses in assessing physiological mechanism. J Musculoskel Pain 2005;13:19-30.
rater reliability. Psychol Bull 1979;86:420-8.
45. Somers DL, Clemente R. Contra-lateral high or a combination of
35. Vanderweeen L, Oostendorp RB, Vaes P, Duquet W. Pressure
high- and low-frequency trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimula-
algometry in manual therapy. Man Ther 1996;1:258-65.
tion reduces mechanical allodynia and alters dorsal horn neu-
36. Ylinen J, Nykanen M, Kautainen H, Hakkinen A. Evaluation of
repeatability of pressure algometry on the neck muscles for clin- rotransmitter content in neuropathic rats. J Pain 2009;10:221-9.
ical use. Man Ther 2007;12:192-7. 46. Tong KC, Lo SK, Cheing GL. Alternating frequencies of trans-
37. Cohen J. Statistical power analysis for the behavioural sciences cutaneous electric nerve stimulation: does it produce greater an-
Hillsdale: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates; 1988. algesic effects on mechanical and thermal pain thresholds? Arch
38. Vicenzino B, Paungmali A, Buratowski S, Wright A. Specific Phys Med Rehabil 2007;88:1344-9.
manipulative therapy treatment for chronic lateral epicondylalgia 47. Brown JH. Stimulation-produced analgesia: acupuncture, TENS
produces uniquely characteristic hypoalgesia. Man Ther 2001;6: and alternative techniques. Anaesth Intensive Care Med 2005;6:
205-12. 45-7.
39. Paungmali A, O’Leary S, Souvlis T, Vicenzino B. Hypoalgesic
and sympatho-excitatory effects of mobilization with movement Suppliers
for lateral epicondylalgia. Phys Ther 2003;83:374-83. a. BTL, U Ladronky 40, 169 00, Prague 6. Czech Republic.
40. Johnson M, Martinson M. Efficacy of electrical nerve stimulation b. Lafayette Instrument Co, 3700 Sagamore Pkwy North, PO Box
for chronic musculoskeletal pain: a meta-analysis of randomized 5729, Lafayette, IN 47903.
controlled trials. Pain 2007;130:157-65. c. Pain Diagnostic and Treatment Inc, 233 E Shore Rd, Ste 108, Great
41. Rickards LD. The effectiveness of non-invasive treatments for Neck, NY 11023.
active myofascial trigger point pain: a systematic review of the d, Tamaño de la Muestra 1.1©, Spain.
literature. Int J Osteopath Med 2006;9:120-36. e. SPSS Inc, 233 S Wacker Dr, 11th Fl, Chicago, IL 60606.

Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vol 92, September 2011

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen