The Immediate Effect of Applying Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on Sympathetic Ganglion and Gastrocnemius for Popliteal Blood Flow

Kaohsiung Medical University43 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to evaluate the immediate hemodynamic effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the popliteal artery and vein. Vascular issues like PAOD and DVT are common in patients with diabetes, obesity, or immobility due to increased resistance and reduced blood flow. Traditional treatments (medication or surgery) are not always feasible, prompting interest in TENS as an alternative. Although primarily used for pain relief, TENS may enhance blood flow. This research compares different stimulation frequencies (80 Hz vs. 4 Hz) and sites (gastrocnemius muscle vs. thoracolumbar sympathetic ganglia) to identify the most effective configuration.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)Popliteal Blood Flow Sympathetic Ganglia

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Healthy people 2. Age: 18 years and above (inclusive) 3. Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to complete two interventions within a week 2. Have contraindications to electrotherapy (for example: metal implants in the body, open wounds, pregnancy, sensory loss) 3. Obvious varicose veins 4. Unable to lie down for about 1 to 2 hours 5. Taking drugs or nutritional supplements that affect autonomic nervous activity or vasodilation (for example: Ginkgo biloba) 6. Smoking 7. Ankle and Ankle Index (ABI) less than 0.9 or greater than 1.3

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Doppler ultrasound measurement of changes in popliteal fossa blood flow

Using Doppler ultrasound to measure blood flow before, during, immediately after, and 15 minutes after electrical stimulation to observe the effects of electrical stimulation on blood flow.

Time frame: 45 minutes

Secondary Outcomes

heart rate

oximeter to measure heart rate before, during, immediately after, and 15 minutes after electrical stimulation to observe the effects of electrical stimulation on heart rate.