Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Peripheral Artery Disease TENS-PAD Study / TENS-AOMI

Overview

Purpose: The investigators team recently carried out a proof of concept study testing the efficacy of one single 45-minute session of 10 Hz TENS prior to walking, versus placebo. In this randomized study, the investigators found that TENS significantly delayed pain onset and increased the pain-free walking distance in patients with class II PAD. From these encouraging results, the investigators now seek to assess the efficacy of an intervention that includes the daily use of TENS for 3 weeks (5 days a week) on walking distance in PAD (Leriche-Fontaine stage II). Methods/Design: prospective multicentre study / randomized controlled trial / double blinding.

Interventions (2 groups): Experimental group (TENS group): the treatment will consist of stimulation of the leg (frequency of 10 Hz, Biphasic, with a pulse width of 200 µs, maximal intensity below motor threshold), 45 minutes per day, in the morning before the exercise rehabilitation programme, for 3 weeks, 5 days per week. Control group (group SHAM): the stimulation placebo will be delivered according to the same modalities as for the TENS group but with a voltage level that vanishes automatically after 10 seconds of stimulation. 15 days of interventions (TENS or SHAM) between J0 and J23, End of study for patient at J24-J25, two days for the last analyses who are the same of inclusion's visit J0. Primary outcome: walking distance (metres) measured on a treadmill with a standardized protocol. Secondary outcomes: transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) measured during a Strandness exercise test, peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) (ml.min.kg-1), endothelial function (EndoPAT®), ankle-brachial pressure index, body mass index, lipid profile (LDL-C, HDL-C, Triglycerides), fasting glycaemia, HbA1c, WELCH questionnaire.