Feasibility of Using Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation for Pain in Persons with Parkinson's Disease. (13th April 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rintala, Diana H.; Tan, Gabriel; Willson, Pamela; Bryant, Mon S.; Lai, Eugene C. H.
• Other Names: Tan Eng King Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Parkinson's disease. Volume 2010(2010)
• Publication Date: 2010-04-13
• Subjects: Parkinson's disease -- Periodicals; Parkinson's disease -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 616.833005
• DOI: 10.4061/2010/569154
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-8083

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives. To assess the feasibility of treating musculoskeletal pain in the lower back and/or lower extremities in persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) with cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES). Design. Randomized, controlled, double-blind trial. Setting. Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Community. Participants . Nineteen persons with PD and pain in the lower back and/or lower extremities. Thirteen provided daily pain rating data. Intervention. Of the thirteen participants who provided daily pain data, 6 were randomly provided with active CES devices and 7 with sham devices to use at home 40 minutes per day for six weeks. They recorded their pain ratings on a 0-to-10 scale immediately before and after each session. Main Outcome Measure. Average daily change in pain intensity. Results. Persons receiving active CES had, on average, a 1.14-point decrease in pain compared with a 0.23-point decrease for those receiving sham CES (WilcoxonZ = − 2.20, P = .028 ). Conclusion. Use of CES at home by persons with PD is feasible and may be somewhat helpful in decreasing pain. A larger study is needed to determine the characteristics of persons who may experience meaningful pain reduction with CES. Guidelines for future studies are provided.