Effects of Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation on Chronic Pain
Author Information
Author(s): Kariny Realino do Rosário Ferreira, Maria de Cássia Souza Macedo, Ana Luiza Guimarães Alves, Arthur Ferreira Esquírio, Bianca Rossi Botim, Gabrielly Souza Jacob, Mayra Evelise Cunha dos Santos, Gabriela Lopes Gama, Michelle Cristina Sales Almeida Barbosa, Alexandre Wesley Carvalho Barbosa
Primary Institution: Federal University of Juiz de Fora
Hypothesis
Does transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) at different intensities affect pain perception in individuals with chronic pain?
Conclusion
A single 20-minute session of 2 mA and 0.5 mA tsDCS improves chronic pain perception equally for both intensities.
Supporting Evidence
- Both 2 mA and 0.5 mA tsDCS improved pain scores equally.
- Significant temporal effects were observed for both VAS and pressure algometry.
- No significant between-group differences were found for pain perception.
Takeaway
This study tested a method to help people with long-lasting pain feel better using a special kind of electrical stimulation on their spine, and found that both strong and weak versions worked the same.
Methodology
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 2 mA or 0.5 mA tsDCS for 20 minutes, and pain was measured before and after using a visual analog scale and pressure algometry.
Potential Biases
Potential placebo effects due to the absence of a control group.
Limitations
The study lacked a sham group and was not double-blinded, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 18 to 85 years, with chronic pain lasting more than 3 months.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001 for VAS, p = 0.04 for pressure algometry
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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