Does Edema Affect the Adjustment of TENS Amplitude

Phase

N/A

Condition

Pain

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT06153277

E-11095095-050.01.04-154037

Ages > 40
All Genders

Study Summary

The goal of this pre-post clinical trial is to compare the amplitude settings of three different frequency TENS modes (Conventional TENS, LF TENS, HF TENS) in patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty, both with the preoperative state and with the contralateral knee. The main question it aims to answer is: Can the electrical resistance of edematous tissue be affected and change the TENS amplitude setting? Participants will be evaluated before and after surgery. For each TENS modulation the amplitude at which tingling is felt, the current is clearly felt, and is maximum tolerated and/or muscle contraction occurred, will be documented. TENS amplitudes for all three TENS modes will be compared, both with the preoperative state and with the contralateral knee.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

Age ≥ 40 years
Patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with scars in any of both knee areas
Patients who have previously had surgery on the control leg
Patients undergoing surgery due to trauma or cancer
Patients with sensory impairments
Patients with excessive effusion and edema in the knee joints before the surgery (eg. Inflammatory arthropathy, gonarthrosis exacerbation, etc.)
Mental impairment, or poor general health status that would interfere withassessments during TENS application.
Any contraindication for TENS (allergy to the TENS electrodes, skin conditions orskin sensation impairment in the areas where the electrodes will be placed,pacemaker or other implanted electrical device, epilepsy, pregnancy)

Study Design

December 07, 2023

December 30, 2025

Study Description

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is used for the treatment of various acute and chronic pain conditions. It has been shown to increase participation by providing pain control in the rehabilitation of patients undergoing surgery. Evidence is accumulating that it improves patient comfort and reduces the use of analgesic medication in the early postoperative period, so TENS is included in postoperative pain management guidelines.

On the other hand, peripheral blocks have become the preferred method of anesthesia in order to avoid the complications of general anesthesia. When adjusting TENS amplitude for postoperative pain control in these patients, either low amplitudes are preferred or for the amplitude adjustment as a reference, the contralateral side without block is used.

Cautious application is recommended in patients with sensory impairment, impaired cognitive functions, and pediatric patients. In such cases, it is preferable to use TENS at low amplitudes to avoid complications in daily practice. However, using the contralateral extremity as a reference may cause undesirable results as the electrical resistance of the edematous tissue may change.

In this study, it was aimed to compare the amplitude settings of three different frequency TENS modes (Conventional TENS, LF TENS, HF TENS) in patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty, both in the preoperative state and with the contralateral knee.

Connect with a study center

Karaman Training and Research Hospital
Karaman, 70200
Turkey
Active - Recruiting

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