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Effects of High-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Limb Blood Flow in Healthy Humans

HJ Indergand is a student in the Physical Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706.
BJ Morgan, PhD, PT, is Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy Program, Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Background and Purpose. Although transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been used clinically for more than 20 years, the hemodynamic effects of this intervention remain controversial. Our goal was to determine the effects of high-frequency TENS on calf blood flow in healthy subjects. Subjects. Four men and seven women ranging in age from 20 to 44 years (=30, SD=9) served as subjects. Methods. We measured calf blood flow during 20-minute TENS applications over the common peroneal and tibial nerves at intensities above and below the motor threshold. Results. Calf blood flow was not changed by sensory-level TENS (3.2±1.0 versus 2.9±1.0 mL/100 mL/min) or by motor-level TENS (3.1±1.2 versus 2.8±1.0 mL/100 mL/min). Conclusion and Discussion. Neither sensory-level nor low-intensity motor-level TENS applied over peripheral nerves at clinically relevant pulse durations and frequencies altered limb blood flow in asymptomatic individuals. The applicability of these findings in conditions of abnormally elevated or diminished vascular resistance has not been determined.

Key Words: Regional blood flow • Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation

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