RecruitingACTRN12610000466044

Evaluation of the effect of transcutaneous electric nerve simulation (TENS) for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial of the effectiveness of high and low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on pain intensity in primary dysmenorrhea.

Sponsor

University of Pernambuco

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

Mar 1, 2010

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Primary Dysmenorrhea

Summary

This is a controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical study that compares three study groups; high-frequency TENS, low-frequency TENS and placebo TENS. The aim of this study will be to determine the effectiveness of high and low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation when compared to placebo for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

Eligibility

Sex: FemalesMin Age: 15 Yearss

Inclusion Criteria1

Women of reproductive age; women with moderate to severe primary dysmenorrhea; women affected by dysmenorrhea in >50% of their menstrual cycles.

Exclusion Criteria1

women with secondary dysmenorrhea; women with dysmenorrhea due to the presence of an intrauterine device; women with mild or infrequent dysmenorrhoea.

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Interventions

The subjects will assigned randomly to one of 3 groups: 1) TENS High frequency, will receive conventional TENS of 100 Hz, pulse width of 100 microseconds; 2) TENS Low frequency, will receive TENS o

The subjects will assigned randomly to one of 3 groups: 1) TENS High frequency, will receive conventional TENS of 100 Hz, pulse width of 100 microseconds; 2) TENS Low frequency, will receive TENS of 4 Hz, pulse width of 100 microseconds; 3) TENS Placebo. The treatment will be performed in a single session, and the TENS will be applied for 30 minutes. Each subject will notified the investigator upon onset of her pain. The treatment will be administered when the subject notifies investigator that she is experiencing pain during a menstrual cycle or 3 days before the menstruation.The subjects will instructed to take no pain medication for at least six hours before treatment. Two electrodes will placed on the low back area (L3, L4), and the others two over suprapubic area.