Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy-An International Journal

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access
Open Access Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Restricted Access Subscription Access

The effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Pain Relief on Patient of Rib Fracture


Affiliations
1 K. M. Patel Institute of Physiotherapy, Shree Krishna Hospital, Gokal Nagar, Karamsad, Gujarat, India
     

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


Background: Patients with multiple rib fracture face high rates of pulmonary complications. Effective pain relief instituted early in these cases would be of immense benefit. The aim therefore was to find out the immediate effect of TENS on pain relief in patients with rib fractures.

Methods: This was one time observational design, convenient sampling used, 7 consecutive patients with rib fracture were recruited from the Shree Krishna hospital, Karamsad. The patients were explained about Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy & were given dual channel high TENS parameters for 30 minutes covering the site of pain. Before and immediately after TENS therapy, their Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) & oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded & response was compared.

Results: After data analysis the mean difference in VAS is from 6.43 to 3, which suggests that after application of TENS there is relief in pain by pain gate mechanism. There is markedly increase in PEFR from 90 to 121.43 (l/min). It reflects that patients breathing capacity is improved because of pain relief following TENS therapy. There is also increase in SpO2 level from 97.28% to 99%.

Conclusions: It is concluded that TENS therapy is an effective, reliable and practical method in controlling pain and thereby improving pulmonary functions in the patients with rib fractures.


Subscription Login to verify subscription
User
Notifications
Font Size


  • Hanel J.B., Moore F.A., Moore E.E., Sauaia A., Read R.A., Burch J.M. Extrapleural bupivacain for amelioration of multiple rib fracture pain. J Trauma. 1995;38:22-27.

  • Karmakar MK. Acute pain management of patients with multiple fractured ribs. J Trauma 2003;3: 615-625.

  • Ziegler D W, Agrawal NN. The morbidity and mortality of rib fracture. J Trauma. 1994;37: 975-979.

  • Wister D.H. Trauma to the chest. In: Sabiston D.S., Spencer F.C., eds surgery of the chest. Philadelphia:W.B.Saunders Com,1995:456-493.

  • Val Robertson, Alex Ward, Jhon Low and Ann Read. Types of current & implications of different parameters. Electrotherapy explained: principles and practice (4th ed.) 2009:110-111.

  • Blackall G.F. Physical methods of pain management. In:Raj P.P., 3rd ed. St.Louis:Mosby Inc,2000:523-543.

  • Sloan J.P.,Muwanga C.L., Waters E.A., Dove A.F., Dave S.H. Multiple rib fractures: TENS versus conventional analgeasia. J Trauma 1986;26: 1120-1122.

  • Mustafa Oncel, Sureyya Sencan, Hakan Yildiz, Necmi Kurt. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for pain management in patients with uncomplicated minor rib fractures. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2002;22:13-17.

  • Palvanen M., Kannus P., Niemi S et al. Epidemiology of minimal trauma rib fractures in the elderly. Calcif Tissue Int. 1998;62:274-277.

  • Alexzandra Hough (2001) Physiotherapy in respiratory care. 3rd edition, 259.

  • Anna Maria Carisson: Assessment of chronic pain 1.aspects of reliability and validity of Visual Analogue scale,1983;16(1):87-101.

  • Mukerrem Erdogan, Abdullah Erdogan, Nazmiye Erbil, Hanife (Kabukcu) Karakaya, Abid Demircan. Prospective, Rendomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Effect of TENS on Postthoracotomy Pain & Pulmonary Function. World journal of surgery 2005;29:1563-1570.

  • K Sembulingam & prema Sembulingam, Essential of medical physiology.4th edition, 627.

  • Susan B O’Sullivan, Thomas J Scho Mits, Physical Rehabilitation. 5th edition, 102.


Abstract Views: 476

PDF Views: 0




  • The effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Pain Relief on Patient of Rib Fracture

Abstract Views: 476  |  PDF Views: 0

Authors

Jigar N. Mehta
K. M. Patel Institute of Physiotherapy, Shree Krishna Hospital, Gokal Nagar, Karamsad, Gujarat, India

Abstract


Background: Patients with multiple rib fracture face high rates of pulmonary complications. Effective pain relief instituted early in these cases would be of immense benefit. The aim therefore was to find out the immediate effect of TENS on pain relief in patients with rib fractures.

Methods: This was one time observational design, convenient sampling used, 7 consecutive patients with rib fracture were recruited from the Shree Krishna hospital, Karamsad. The patients were explained about Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy & were given dual channel high TENS parameters for 30 minutes covering the site of pain. Before and immediately after TENS therapy, their Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) & oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded & response was compared.

Results: After data analysis the mean difference in VAS is from 6.43 to 3, which suggests that after application of TENS there is relief in pain by pain gate mechanism. There is markedly increase in PEFR from 90 to 121.43 (l/min). It reflects that patients breathing capacity is improved because of pain relief following TENS therapy. There is also increase in SpO2 level from 97.28% to 99%.

Conclusions: It is concluded that TENS therapy is an effective, reliable and practical method in controlling pain and thereby improving pulmonary functions in the patients with rib fractures.


References