Analgesic Mechanisms of Percutaneous Electrolysis
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
Percutaneous electrolysis is based on the application of a galvanic current through an acupuncture needle. The underlying mechanisms that explain the efficacy of this technique are not completely well understood. The objective is to delve into the neurophysiological analgesic effects of percutaneous electrolysis. Participants will be assigned to one of three intervention groups. The analgesic effects of the technique will be evaluated by means of variables related to endogenous pain modulation.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Sham Comparator: Sham intervention The needle will be inserted for 90 seconds without galvanic current. |
Other: Sham intervention
The needle will be inserted into the right common extensor tendon of the epicondyle for 90 seconds without galvanic current.
|
| Experimental: Low intensity percutaneous electrolysis Galvanic current will be applied with an intensity of 0.3 mA for 90 seconds. |
Other: Low intensity percutaneous electrolysis
A single impact of galvanic current will be applied in the common extensor tendon of the epicondyle (right side) with an intensity of 0.3 mA for 90 seconds.
|
| Experimental: High intensity percutaneous electrolysis Participants will receive three impacts of galvanic current with an intensity of 3 mA for 3 seconds each. |
Other: High intensity percutaneous electrolysis
Three impacts of galvanic current will be applied in the common extensor tendon of the epicondyle (right side) with an intensity of 3 mA and a duration of 3 seconds each.
|
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Changes from baseline in Pressure Pain Thresholds (PPT) [Baseline and immediately after the intervention]
PPTs will be measure by algometry in the common extensor tendon of the epicondyle, bicipital groove and tibialis anterior muscle (all of the right side).
Secondary Outcome Measures
- Changes from baseline in Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) [Baseline and immediately after the intervention]
CPM will be assess by upper extremity submaximal effort tourniquet test with algometric measures in the common extensor tendon of the epicondyle, bicipital groove and tibialis anterior muscle (all of the right side).
- Changes from baseline in Temporal Summation (TS) [Baseline and immediately after the intervention]
Assessed by Verbal Numeric Rating Scale (11-point). 10 consecutive pressures will be applied in the three previous locations (epicondyle, bicipital groove and tibialis anterior) with the algometer at the intensity of the pressure pain threshold
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
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Asymptomatic subjects
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Signature of the informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
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Fear of needles
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Any pathology or process that causes pain
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Neurological, rheumatologic, cardiovascular or metabolic diseases
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Cutaneous alterations and cognitive or sensitivity disorders
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Pregnancy
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Recent intake of alcohol or caffeine
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Vigorous physical activity on the day of testing
Contacts and Locations
Locations
| Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Facultad de Enfermería y Fisioterapia de la Universidad de Salamanca | Salamanca | Spain | 37007 |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- University of Salamanca
Investigators
None specified.Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
- Abat F, Gelber PE, Polidori F, Monllau JC, Sanchez-Ibañez JM. Clinical results after ultrasound-guided intratissue percutaneous electrolysis (EPI®) and eccentric exercise in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2015 Apr;23(4):1046-52. doi: 10.1007/s00167-014-2855-2. Epub 2014 Jan 30.
- Abat F, Valles SL, Gelber PE, Polidori F, Stitik TP, García-Herreros S, Monllau JC, Sanchez-Ibánez JM. [Molecular repair mechanisms using the Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis technique in patellar tendonitis]. Rev Esp Cir Ortop Traumatol. 2014 Jul-Aug;58(4):201-5. doi: 10.1016/j.recot.2014.01.002. Epub 2014 May 10. Spanish.
- Cagnie B, Dewitte V, Barbe T, Timmermans F, Delrue N, Meeus M. Physiologic effects of dry needling. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2013 Aug;17(8):348. doi: 10.1007/s11916-013-0348-5. Review.
- de Miguel Valtierra L, Salom Moreno J, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Cleland JA, Arias-Buría JL. Ultrasound-Guided Application of Percutaneous Electrolysis as an Adjunct to Exercise and Manual Therapy for Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Pain. 2018 Oct;19(10):1201-1210. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2018.04.017. Epub 2018 May 16.
- García Bermejo P, De La Cruz Torres B, Naranjo Orellana J, Albornoz Cabello M. Autonomic Responses to Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Needle Electrolysis: Effect of Needle Puncture or Electrical Current? J Altern Complement Med. 2018 Jan;24(1):69-75. doi: 10.1089/acm.2016.0339. Epub 2017 Jan 30.
- Yarnitsky D, Bouhassira D, Drewes AM, Fillingim RB, Granot M, Hansson P, Landau R, Marchand S, Matre D, Nilsen KB, Stubhaug A, Treede RD, Wilder-Smith OH. Recommendations on practice of conditioned pain modulation (CPM) testing. Eur J Pain. 2015 Jul;19(6):805-6. doi: 10.1002/ejp.605. Epub 2014 Oct 20.
- EP550