Reducing Fatigue in People With Multiple Sclerosis by Treatment With Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
University of Colorado, Boulder
Summary
The objective of the randomized, sham-controlled trial will be to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) at reducing the level of fatigue experienced by people with MS.
Description
We will compare the changes in self-reported levels of fatigue (symptom intensity) and measures of fatigability (work capacity) from before to after a 6-week intervention. Participants (18-65 yrs) will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive an effective dose of TENS and the other group (control) will be given a sham dose of TENS. The treatment will be applied during 18 sessions (3x/week for 6 weeks) and delivered through electrodes placed on the skin overlying the dorsiflexor (tibialis anterior) and hip flexor (rectus femoris) muscles of both legs. Participants will…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women18-65 yrs * Able to read, understand, and speak English to ensure safe participation in the project * Clinical diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS * Self-reported difficulty with walking * On stable doses of Ampyra, provigil, or other symptomatic-treating medications * No relapse or systemic steroids within the last 30 days * Able to arrange transportation to the Boulder campus Exclusion Criteria: * Vision or hearing problems that have not been corrected * Problems with sensations to temperature, pressure, or pain * Any arm or leg problems that would influ…
Interventions
- DeviceTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Electrical stimulation applied over selected leg muscle will activate sensory receptors that will transmit signals back into the central nervous system.
Location
- University of ColoradoBoulder, Colorado