Study

Reason for exclusion

Janke 1984

The trial compared low‐frequency TENS with a control that was a mixture of high‐frequency TENS and placebo TENS. This combination did not clearly fit any of the intended comparisons of the review so the trial was excluded. Methods: low‐frequency TENS, high‐frequency TENS, and placebo TENS Participants were divided into two treatment groups. The experimental group received low‐frequency TENS to four acupuncture points bilaterally. Intensity of stimulation was adjusted to a level as intense as tolerable for 30 min (varied from 35‐70 amps). If the participant reached the maximum intensity and could take a stronger stimulation the pulse width was adjusted to a tolerable level for 30 min (varied from 40‐100 msec). The control group received high‐frequency TENS to four non‐acupuncture points close to the acupuncture points used in the experimental group, the intensity was adjusted to a just noticeable level. Electrodes were also placed on the same back points as those used for the experimental group but current was not delivered. Outcome assessment was the same for both treatment groups. Not stated if random No information on blinding Parallel design 20 participants, 10 in each group No drop outs Participants: Inclusion: self‐reported dysmenorrhoea, aged between 18‐40 years Exclusion: known pelvic pathology, other medical problems, use of NSAIDs or other pain medication 4 hr prior to treatment Age: mean 25.7, range 19‐40 years Location: Alabama, USA Source: volunteers from university area Interventions: 1. Experimental group acupuncture‐like (low rate) TENS over four acupuncture points bilaterally, intensity 0 mA initially (adjusted to a level as intense as tolerable between 35‐70 mA), pulse width 40 msec initially (adjusted to within 40‐100 msec as tolerable, rate 1pulse/sec 2. Control group of conventional TENs to 4 non‐acupuncture points, rate 40 pulses/sec width 100msec. Electrodes were also placed on 4 acupuncture points but no current delivered. Location: Acupuncture points Spleen 6, Stomach 36, Bladder 21, Bladder 29 were used for the experimental group. For the control electrodes were placed on B21 and B29 bilaterally but not stimulated. Two non‐acupuncture points on the leg near ST36 and SP6 were stimulated Duration: 30 min treatment while subject was experiencing dysmenorrhoea, for one cycle Outcomes: Pain scores ‐ VAS (0‐10 cm) and McGill Pain Rating Index (scores 1‐78) taken at baseline, 30, 60, 90, 150, 210 min after start of treatment. Raw data reported for each participant