Chevalier A, et al.
J Cell Mol Biol 2017 1: 001

Detailed Heart Rate Variability, Exercise Tolerance, Cortical and Vas Pain Scale Analysis of Two Forms of Electro-Therapy Applied To A Patient with Chronic Back Neuropathic Pain

Antoine Chevalier, K Armstrong and R Gokal

Abstract

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and stress are closely related to health and well being in humans. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of different electro therapy currents on various autonomic nervous system and hormonal stress markers. A detailed comparison of autonomic nervous system response to Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC), was undertaken on a single patient with a history of chronic neuropathic back pain. Evaluations entailed a baseline pain score (VAS pain scale), status of autonomic nervous system functions and hormonal cortisol levels all repeated subsequent to electro therapy using 2 separate electro modalities (AC-TENS and DC (Microcurrent Point Stimulation – MPS).

MPS was applied twice, once as a non acupuncture trigger control and thereafter to active acupuncture trigger points. AC-TENS was applied transcutaneously to the same active acupuncture trigger points. The autonomic nervous system response with MPS showed a measurable improvement in parasympathetic tone, and reductions in the pain score compared to baseline measurements compared to using AC TENS. MPS significantly decreased salivary cortisol levels with both non acupuncture trigger and active acupuncture point’s application, whilst AC TENS provided negative outcomes with cortisol levels, no improvement in the pain score and marked deterioration in some of the scores of sympathetic outcomes as compared to baseline.

Further cohort studies are warranted to determine the validity of these outcomes. The positive results of MPS in this case study could have applications to other pathologies in consideration of the impact of sympathetic nervous system activation on the body.

Alternating Current (AC); Cortisol; Direct Current (DC); Heart Rate Variability (HRV); Chronic neuropathic pain

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