Effects of high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on limb blood flow in healthy humans.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been used clinically for more than 20 years, the hemodynamic effects of this intervention remain controversial. Our goal was to determine the effects of high-frequency TENS on calf blood flow in healthy subjects.

SUBJECTS

Four men and seven women ranging in age from 20 to 44 years (mean = 30, SD = 9) served as subjects.

METHODS

We measured calf blood flow during 20-minute TENS applications over the common peroneal and tibial nerves at intensities above and below the motor threshold.

RESULTS

Calf blood flow was not changed by sensory-level TENS (3.2 +/- 1.0 versus 2.9 +/- 1.0 mL/100 mL/min) or by motor-level TENS (3.1 +/- 1.2 versus 2.8 +/- 1.0 mL/100 mL/min).

CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION

Neither sensory-level nor low-intensity motor-level TENS applied over peripheral nerves at clinically relevant pulse durations and frequencies altered limb blood flow in asymptomatic individuals. The applicability of these findings in conditions of abnormally elevated or diminished vascular resistance has not been determined.