• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.145-154
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• 1989

Pain is a common and important clinical symptom, and treatments aimed at relieving pain have a central position in medical practice. Recently Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) has been effectively used to control acute and chronic conditions that produce pain. But the mechanism of analgesia resulting from TENS remains obscure. In order to investigate the analgesic effect of TENS and it's action mechanism, TENS was applied in 40 rabbits with different frequencies, low frequency (2Hz) and high frequency (100Hz), for 20 minutes. And the pain threshold was measured by the temperature before and after stimulation, and an attempt was made to antagonize the stimulation effect with naloxone pretreatment (0.4 mg/kg) The results are as follows: 1) Both low frequency and high frequency TENS resulted in increasing the pain threshold significantly (Both p<0.01). 2) Naloxone pretreatment could antagonize the effect of increasing the pain threshold with low frequency TENS significantly (p<0.01), but not with high frequency TENS. Plasma beta-endorphin was measured by radioimmunoassay using an Beta-Endorphin Kit (Immunonuclear Corporation, Stillwater, Minnesota, USA) and Automatic Gamma Scintillation Counter (Micromedic System 4/2000) before and after stimulation. An attempt was made to reverse the stimulation effect with naloxone pretreatment (0.4 mg/kg). The results are as follows: 1) Low frequency TENS resulted in increasing the level of plasma beta.endorphin significantly (p<0.01), but high frequency TENS did not. 2) Naloxone pretreatment could reverse the effect of increasing the plasma beta-endorphin level with low frequency TENS significantly (p<0.01).

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.63-72
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• 2013

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate difference of the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) with different frequencies in participants having delayed onset muscle soreness(DOMS). Methods : We recruited 36 healthy participants, but 3 of them were dropped out. They were randomly divided into 3groups : 3 Hz TENS(n=11), 100 Hz TENS(n=11) and sham TENS(n=11). DOMS of the both triceps surae muscle induced by repetitive concentric, ecentric exercise. The result measurements were pain perception(visual analogue scale, VAS), mechanical pain threshold(MPT) by pressure algometer, electrical contraction and fatigue by surface electromyography. The measurements were on first visit, before and after treatment except first. This study was prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial. Results : In 100 Hz TENS group, VAS was significantly decreased during whole session compared with 3 Hz and control group, and after each treatment, too. In 3 Hz TENS group, VAS was significantly decreased during whole session compared with control group, and after 2nd, 3rd treatment, too. In 100 Hz TENS group, MPT increased the most among 3 groups during whole session and after 1st treatment, but there were no statistical significances. Conclusions : Both 3 Hz and 100 Hz TENS improved delayed onset muscle soreness, but 100 Hz TENS group is more effective than 3 Hz TENS group.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.1-12
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• 2005

The purpose of this study is compare the effects of two therapeutic processes-i) conservative Myofacial Release Technique along and ii) Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve stimuliation alone - on the increase in the range of motion(ROM) and on the decrease in patient's pain with chronic Neck pain. The subjects of the study were student with choronic neck pain in Daegu health university. Half of them (10) took conservative Myofacial Release Technique along and the others (10) took Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve stimuliation alone. I used 3D Motion analysis. The range of motion (ROM) in six areas-flexion, extension, left lateral flexion, right lateral flexion, left rotation, right rotation-to check the effectiveness of the two combinations of methods, measured pain with visual analogue scale (VAS) to see the effect on pain reduce. Assement was conducted to the groups before the treatment began and affer the four weeks treatment ended. This study shows that both groups demonstrated significant improvement in ROM increase and pain reduction. Flexion ROM increases were significant in MFR and TENS after treatment 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Extension ROM increases were significant in MFR and TENS after treatment 2 weeks. Right rotation ROM was no significant differences were found in MFR and TENS after treatment all weeks. Right lateral flexion ROM increases were significant in MFR and TENS after treatment 3 weeks. Left lateral flexion ROM increases were significant in MFR and TENS after treatment 1 weeks. But the others no significant differences were in MFR group and TENS group during 4 weeks.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.107-115
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study is to find the location of acupoints that are effective for increasing parasympathetic nervous system(PNS) activity among acupoints used to relieve symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy adult men participated in this experiment. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation(TENS) was applied to P6(Neiguan), ST36(Zusanli) and BL20(Pishu) for 30 minutes. For 5 minutes before and after stimulation, Electrocardiogram(ECG), Electrodermal activity(EDA), Respiration, and Skin temperature(SKT) were measured using biosignalsplux Professional(biosignalsplux; Portugal). Paired t-test was performed for the results before and after stimulation, and a one-way ANOVA test between stimulations was performed for the rate of change before and after stimulation. Results: When each acupoint was stimulated with TENS, it was found that the PNS was generally activated. In addition, when considering the change in biosignals after stimulation, the participants stimulated with P6 showed the most consistent results. Conclusion: As a result of stimulating each acupoint, it was found that stimulating P6 can effectively increase PNS activity. These results indicate that methods of stimulating P6 may be most effective in alleviating symptoms of motion sickness.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.75-83
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the resistance respiratory muscle exercise with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the respiratory muscle tone and pulmonary function of stroke patients. METHODS: Twenty stroke patients were divided into the TENS group (n = 7), placebo TENS group (n = 7), and control group (n = 6), and each intervention was performed on the three groups 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The assessment was carried out by measuring changes in the muscle tone of the latissimus dorsi and abdominal external obliques, and pulmonary function. RESULTS: In this study, the TENS group and the placebo TENS group had significant increases in the paretic side latissimus dorsi muscle tone, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF). There was no significant difference in changes in respiratory muscle tone between the three groups. The pulmonary function was significantly different between the three groups, and it was observed from the results of the post-hoc test that FVC showed a significant increase in the TENS group and the placebo TENS group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Through this study, it was found that the respiratory muscle resistance exercise was more effective as a method to increase respiratory muscle tone and pulmonary function in stroke patients than combined transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.375-386
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to summarize current clinical study trends and results regarding transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment for xerostomia. Methods: Studies published from 2017 to 2022 were searched on domestic databases and PubMed. The included studies were analyzed according to the year, language, study design, diagnosis xerostomia method, and TENS treatment method. Results: Nine studies were included. There were three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), three case series, one case report, one case-control study, and one cross-sectional study. Conventional TENS was used in seven studies, and acupuncture-like TENS (ALTENS) was used in one study. The most common TENS attachment site was externally on the skin overlying the parotid gland region, and the setting of TENS was 50 Hz-250 μs the most. In all nine studies, TENS was effective for xerostomia as assessed by salivary flow rate or quality of life questionnaire. Additionally, no persistent adverse events were reported after TENS treatment. Conclusions: TENS treatment for xerostomia can be considered effective and safe, so it can be used in clinical practice.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.33-40
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• 2023

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is known to be effective in improving symptoms of numerous diseases such as depression and epilepsy by increasing vagus nerve activity through electrical stimulation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of vagus nerve stimulation on the activity of autonomic nervous system and the changes in postprandial blood glucose levels. Seven healthy adults participated in a non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation experiment. taVNS (25 Hz, 200 ㎲, biphasic pulse) was applied to the cymba concha (taVNS group) or the earlobe (Sham-taVNS group) of the left ear. As autonomic nervous system signals, skin conductance level, skin temperature, and heart rate were recorded during the application of taVNS. Postprandial blood glucose changes due to food intake were recorded at 5 min intervals for 25 minutes after taVNS or sham-taVNS. The taVNS showed a significantly lower skin conductance level than the shamtaVNS (p < 0.05). The increase rate of postprandial blood glucose was significantly lower in the taVNS than in the sham-taVNS (p < 0.05). These results showed that taVNS reduced the activity of the sympathetic nerve system and alleviated early rise in postprandial blood glucose. Although further studies in diabetic patients are needed, this study suggest that taVNS has a potential for clinical use to improve postprandial blood glucose.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.129-136
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• 2022

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of applying intensity on the muscle activity and muscle hardness of the upper trapezius muscle in adult males when TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) was applied. In addition, this study intends to prepare the scientific basic data of TENS for the purpose of relaxation based on the experimental results. Methods : Eighty-seven healthy adult males participated in the experiment, and they were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. All subjects in this study were healthy subjects without musculoskeletal or nervous system damage. All subjects were subjects who voluntarily consented to the purpose and method of the experiment. All subjects were provided with a load by typing for 20 minutes, and muscle activity and muscle hardness of the upper trapezius muscle were measured immediately. Afterwards, TENS was given to each groups for 15 minutes, and the experimental group received stimulation at the motor threshold level, and the control group received a placebo stimulation. After stimulation, muscle activity and muscle hardness of the upper trapezius muscle were measured in the same method. The measured data were compared between groups through an independent t-test and dependent t-test. The statistical significance level was set at .05. Results : The application of TENS statistically significantly decreased the muscle activity and muscle hardness of the trapezius muscle in the experimental group, and the results showed a significant difference from the control group. Conclusion : Application of TENS significantly decreased the muscle activity and muscle stiffness of the upper trapezius muscle. The application of TENS of applying intensity that induces muscle contraction may induce relaxation by reducing the muscle activity and muscle hardness of the trapezius muscle.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.145-163
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• 1994

This study was done to determine differences in effect of postoperative pain control in patients receiving auricular electroacustimulation vs transcutaneous electrical nerve stimualtion following total knee replacement surgery. Thirty-one cases referred to physical therapy department after treated by total knee replacement surgery by orthopedic surgery department at the Pohang St. Mary's Hospital from January 1993 through June 1994. Of 31 total knee replacement cases, 13 cases were auricular electroacustimulation group, 11 cases were transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group, and 7 cases were control group. The results of the study summerized are as follows: Thirty-one total knee replacement cases(male in 12 cases, female in 19 cases), ranging in age from 34 to 61 years(mean${\pm}$SD=49.90 7.56) with diagnoses of degenerative arthritis(20 cases), rheumatoid arthritis(9 cases), and other(2 cases). In auricular electroacustimulation group, there was a significant change of pain intensity, unpleasantness, and active range of motion after treatment(p<0.01). In transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group, there was a significant change of pain intensity, unpleasantness, and active range of motion after treatment(p<0.01). In control group, did not show significant pre-posttreatment differences in pain intensity, unpleasantness, active range of motion(p>0.05). The mean change in pain intensity and unpleasantness, active range of motion from pretreatment baseline for the 3 groups. Auricular electroacustimulation group showed the large magnitude of increase in pain intensity and unpleasantness, active range of motion when compared to its own pretreatment cycle. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation group showed small magnitude of increase in pain intensity and unpleasantness, active range of motion when compared to its own pretreatment cycle. No significant changes were observed in control group. Highly significant differences in pain intensity, unpleasantness, and active rage of motion were found using an ANOVA measures between treatment groups and control group(p<0.01). The squares correlation coefficients of pain and function measures pretreatment-posttreatment differences for each group. In treatment group, there was significant correlation between pain scale and function(p<0.001). In control group, there was no correlation between the pain scale and function (p>0.05). The continuous study is needd for many interesting issues of auricular electroacustimulation in new future.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.65-81
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• 2024

Objectives This study aimed to understand the general research trends, applicated disease, and methodology of transcutaneous/percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, contemplating its clinical use in traditional Korean medicine and future research directions. Methods A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley Framework Stage and adhering to the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews: checklist and explanation. Papers published until October 30, 2023, were investigated across 10 databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Korean Studies Information Service System, KMbase, Science ON, Research Information Sharing Service. The search terms used were 'Transcutaneous/Percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation'. Results Since 2021, the application of transcutaneous/percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for musculoskeletal symptoms has been actively researched, predominantly in Asia (37%), Europe (37%), and North America (21%). All 19 papers were part of clinical studies. Chronic pain was noted that most applied disease, it also was found to potentially aid in acute post-surgical pain relief. Major assessment tools include not only simple pain metrics but also pain perception, vagal nerve tension, quality of life, and inflammatory markers. Most procedures were carried out through the ear, which offers a favorable site for therapeutic stimulation without notable side effects. And parameter analysis, frequencies typically ranged around 25 Hz to 30 Hz, while pulse widths were commonly set at 250 ㎲ or 300 ㎲. Conclusions Transcutaneous/percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation is easily accessible through acupuncture in Korean medicine. Therefore, if future studies establish parameters and clinical significance, it could be utilized as a therapeutic modality.