CompletedNot Applicable

Transcutaneous vs Percutaneous Electrical Stimulation of the Radial Nerve

Spain120 participantsStarted 2026-01-15

Plain-language summary

This study aims to compare the effects of two types of electrical nerve stimulation techniques-Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS)-on the sensory and motor components of the radial nerve in healthy volunteers. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive, low-cost, and widely used electrotherapy technique that applies electrical currents through surface electrodes on the skin to relieve pain. Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) is a minimally invasive technique that delivers the electrical current through fine needles inserted near a peripheral nerve, potentially producing stronger physiological effects. In this randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial, 120 healthy participants aged 18-60 years will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) Sham Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) (placebo) Sham Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (placebo) Each participant will receive one 20-minute stimulation session. Outcomes will include: Pressure pain threshold (PPT) (measured with an algometer), Thermal pain threshold (measured with a thermode), Maximal Isometric wrist extensor strength (measured with a hand-held dynamometer). The goal is to determine whether Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) produces greater changes in sensory and motor parameters than Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and to evaluate differences compared to placebo. This research will improve understanding of the physiological effects of these commonly used electrotherapy modalities and support evidence-based decision-making in clinical practice.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 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: * Healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 60 years. * No history of musculoskeletal or neurological disorders. * No alterations in sensitivity in the upper limb. * Not taking any medication in the previous two weeks. * Able to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Any neurological or neuromuscular disease. * History of upper limb trauma, surgery, or persistent pain. * Contraindications to electrical stimulation or invasive techniques. * Presence of cardiac pacemaker, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer, or cardiovascular disease. * Skin lesions or infections in the stimulation area. * Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.

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

Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)

Timeframe: Baseline and immediately post-intervention

Thermal Pain Threshold

Timeframe: Baseline and immediately post-intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07247721

SponsorUniversity of Castilla-La Mancha

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-03-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Pain Modulation trials