Effects of a Single Application of ScenarTM, a Low-Frequency Modulated Electric Current Therapy, for Pain Relief in Patients with Low Back and Neck Pain: A Randomized Single Blinded Trial.

We aimed to demonstrate the antalgic effectiveness of ScenarTM (Self-Controlled Electro Neuro Adaptative Regulation) in patients experiencing low back and neck pain. Sixty patients were included and equally assigned by randomization to a Scenar-On group and to a Scenar-Off group (sham group). All patients received a 20 min application of ScenarTM on the area where they experienced pain. The pain at rest and during movement and the sensation of stiffness were assessed using a numeric rating scale at baseline, immediately after the session and 24 h after the session. The patients' characteristics at entry were similar between groups. The pain at rest decreased after the session in both groups (from 8 (4) to 5.0 (3) in the Scenar-Off group, p = 0.0001, and from 7 (3) to 4 (4) in the Scenar-On group, p < 0.0001). The difference was not statistically significant for the groups (p = 0.22). Similar results were observed during movement, but the sensation of stiffness was not modified. Such beneficial results did not last until the next day. No undesirable major effects were noticed. Our study does not support the fact that one ScenarTM session improves low back and neck pain better than a sham session.

Implementation of Electrical Auricular Acupuncture and Low Frequency Modulated Electric Current Therapy in Pain Management of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Pilot Trial.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is a major cause of knee pain. Conservative therapy resources are limited due to adverse effects. Therefore, alternative non-invasive therapy approaches to reduce pain medications are gaining importance. The current study analyses if electrical auricular acupuncture (EAA) or low frequency modulated electric current therapy (LFMECT) could support analgesic treatment. METHODS: In a randomized pilot trial patients with painful knee OA were treated with EAA (group 1) or LFMECT (group 2) additional to standard pharmacological analgesic treatment. In total 19 female and 10 male patients with a mean age of 59.1 years (standard deviation ± 13.6) and a mean BMI of 28.9 kg/m2 (± 5.2) were included. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the groups stratified for age, gender and BMI. Before starting of the active study period and collecting of the initial data on day 1, all patients received a pharmacological analgesic baseline therapy for one week. At the next study stage patients started their randomly assigned treatment protocol for 42 days and final follow-up was set on day 70. Patients recorded their pain intensity (numerical rating scale; NRS) using a standardized patient diary. The pain free walking time in min was recorded and range of motion was assessed. RESULTS: Rescue medication intake was comparable between both groups on day 42 (p = 0.55) and day 70 (p = 0.35). After the active study period (day 42) pain scores decreased significantly in both groups (group 1 p = 0.02; group 2 p = 0.0006). At follow up median pain scores further decreased in group 1 (p = 0.0002) and remained at a low level in group 2 (p = 0.001). Level of pain decreased in about 50% in both groups and was comparable during the study period. Total mean range of motion (ROM) increased in both groups (group 1 p = 0.0003; group 2 p = 0.02). Group 1 had more improvement of mean total ROM compared to group 2 (p = 0.034). Pain-free walking time increased in both groups and was comparable between both groups (p = 0.31). Any adverse effects due to EAA or LFMECT were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Data of the current study indicates that implementation of EAA or LFMECT seems to be beneficial to reduce knee pain and improve knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis.