Percutaneous electrolysis is a minimally invasive approach that consists in the application of a galvanic current through an acupuncture needle. Although several mechanisms and effects are attributed to percutaneous electrolysis, currently there are only a few publications that delve into this topic. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of percutaneous electrolysis on the endogenous pain modulation. Four groups of intervention will be involved: no-intervention, isolated needling procedure, low intensity percutaneous electrolysis and high intensity percutaneous electrolysis. The effects on the pain modulation system will be evaluated before and immediately after the intervention, through pressure pain thresholds, conditioned pain modulation and temporal summation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
46
The needle will be inserted into the common extensor tendon of the epicondyle (dominant elbow) for 90 seconds without galvanic current.
Once the needle is located in the common extensor tendon of the epicondyle (dominant elbow), a single impact of galvanic current will be applied with an intensity of 0.3 mA for 90 seconds.
The needle will be inserted in the target position during the same time as in the other groups (90 seconds). During the first stage of intervention the needle will be imbedded without galvanic current and when the end of the application time approaches (approximately 75 seconds) three impacts of galvanic current will be applied with an intensity of 3 mA and a duration of 3 seconds each.
Facultad de Enfermería y Fisioterapia de la Universidad de Salamanca
Salamanca, Spain
Change from baseline Conditioned Pain Modulation (evaluated by pressure algometry) immediately after the intervention
Assessed by algometry. Conditioning stimulus: pressure cuff on the arm. Measured at three locations (bilaterally): common extensor tendon of the epicondyle, cervical spine and tibialis anterior muscle.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the intervention
Change from baseline Pressure Pain Thresholds immediately after the intervention
Assessed by algometry. Measured at three locations (bilaterally): common extensor tendon of the epicondyle, cervical spine and tibialis anterior muscle.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the intervention
Change from baseline Temporal Summation (evaluated by VNRS) immediately after the intervention
Assessed by Verbal Numeric Rating Scale (11-point). Temporary stimuli: 10 consecutive pressures with the algometer at the intensity of the pressure pain threshold. Three locations (bilaterally): common extensor tendon of the epicondyle, cervical spine and tibialis anterior muscle.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after the intervention
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