CompletedNot Applicable

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain and Disability in Patients With Osteoarthritis

Netherlands72 participantsStarted 2008-07

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on pain and mobility by comparing different stimulation sitesP: 1. the location with the lowest resistance 2. the location that causes an irradiation sensation 3. a random stimulation site (but within a 10x10cm area of the irradiation site). The effect is defined as the pain VAS baseline-measurement before treatment minus the pain VAS repeat-measurement after the given treatment

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * osteo-arthritis patients diagnosed by medical professional * at least 18 years old * VAS higher than 40mm, lower than 70mm (on a 100 mm VAS scale) at the moment of the investigation * pain symptoms duration longer than 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * unable to comprehend instructions * unable to co-operate * malignancy * recent bleeding tissue or haemorrhage in knee * epilepsy * advanced cardiovascular conditions, e.g. severe angina or cardiac arrhythmias * Pacemakers or cochlear implants * pregnant * sensory loss of the area to be treated * devitalised skin e.g. after recent radiotherapy; * local acute skin conditions e.g. eczema, dermatitis * doubtful diagnoses * global, multiple location pain (other than both knees) * people who undergo currently a TENS treatment

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Determine the effect of TENS on pain and mobility for each treatment group separately. Also determine the differences of the effect of TENS by comparing different stimulation sites;

Timeframe: 1 year

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01137266

SponsorMaxima Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2010-09

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