Physical Therapy Korea (한국전문물리치료학회지)

Korean Research Society of Physical Therapy (한국전문물리치료학회)
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The Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Sympathetic Tone

경피신경 전기자극법이 교감신경 긴장성에 미치는 영향

  • An, Soo-Gyung (Dept. of Rehabilitation, College of Health Science, Yonsei University) ;
  • Yoo, Hwan-Suk (Dept. of Rehabilitation, College of Health Science, Yonsei University) ;
  • Lee, Ji-Hyun (Dept. of Rehabilitation, College of Health Science, Yonsei University) ;
  • Kim, Young-Rok (Dept. of Rehabilitation, Hanlyo Sanyp University)
  • 안수경 (연세대학교 보건과학대학 재활학과) ;
  • 유환석 (연세대학교 보건과학대학 재활학과) ;
  • 이지현 (연세대학교 보건과학대학 재활학과) ;
  • 김영록 (한려산업대학교 재활학과)
  • Published : 1996.09.21
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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) on sympathetic tone in healthy subjects. Stimulation in the conventional and burst modes was applied to the skin of the forearm overlying the median nerve. TENS was applied for 20 minutes at an intensity sufficient to produce a perceptible though not uncomfortable sensation and no muscle contracion of the forearm musculature. The change in sympathetic tone was measured with skin temperature. Skin temperature was measured at the index finger and on the volar surface of the forearm in the stimulated limb. The conventional and burst modes did not change the skin temperature at any of the two measurement sites. We conclude that TENS, as applied in this study, does not influence sympathetic tone. Further research is needed to assess the sympathetic effects of TENS on patient groups, long term treatment and other modalities.

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