Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain, inspiratory capacity, and cough in patients undergone median sternotomy

Abstract

Background: Occurrence of postpulmonary complications (PPCs) is common after thoracic incisions. Significant reduction in pulmonary functions reported in patients after median sternotomy is known to be associated with postoperative pain which potentiates risks for PPCs. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a low-frequency electrical current used for efficient pain modulation in managing various types of pain, including that after thoracic surgery. Aim: The aim of this study was to study the effect of TENS on Pain, Inspiratory Capacity, and Cough (PIC Score) in patients who have undergone median sternotomy. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients who underwent median sternotomy were randomly divided into control and experimental groups on the postoperative 1st day. Participants of the experimental group received TENS, and the control group received placebo TENS for 5 days. PIC Score was used as an outcome tool and was assessed at baseline (before commencement) and the endpoint (on the 5th day after the intervention). Results: Although both the groups showed improvements in PIC Scores, the experimental group showed superior results than the placebo group (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Conventional TENS effectively reduces pain and improves inspiratory capacity and coughing (PIC Score) in patients who have undergone median sternotomy.

Keywords

• low-frequency current
• pain gate theory
• physiotherapy
• postpulmonary complications
• thoracotomy