The Combination of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and TENS - Its Effectiveness on Pain and Functional Outcomes in Knee OA Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The goal of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of combination of Transcranial direct current
stimulation (tDCS) and TENS on pain and functional outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Study
Design: 4-arm parallel group, participant blinded; sham (placebo) controlled randomized trial. Sampling:
Simple random Sampling. Sample: 40 patients based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited
and randomized into following four groups: Active tDCS/active TENS (group 1), Sham tDCS/active TENS
(group 2), Active tDCS/sham TENS (group 3), Sham tDCS/sham TENS (group 4). Procedure: tDCS 2 mA
on M1-SO montage and High frequency TENS at 100 Hz for 20 min for 5 consecutive days followed by
supervised exercise sessions for next 5 weeks. Outcome variables: Pain, Six minute walk test and selfreported
questionnaire KOOS. Result: Significant pain reduction and functional improvement in Active
tDCS/Sham TENS group. Conclusion: tDCS effective in reduction of pain and improving the functions
and quality of life. However use of tDCS in isolation or in combination with TENS should be further
investigated.
Trial Registration: CTRI/2018/02/012027.