Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation associated to exercise for pain in Parkinson's disease: a randomized crossover clinical trial

Pain Manag. 2026 May 4:1-10. doi: 10.1080/17581869.2026.2660894. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) causes debilitating motor and non-motor symptoms, including chronic pain. While TENS and exercise are potential treatments, their combined effects require investigation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of TENS added to an exercise program on pain intensity (primary outcome), fatigue, temporal summation, pain catastrophizing, skin sensitivity, and depression in PD.

METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, crossover trial included 13 patients (Hoehn & Yahr II-III). Participants received active or placebo TENS (1:1 ratio) followed by the reverse order after a 7-day washout. Both phases included a 20-minute exercise program. Active TENS (100 Hz, 100 μs) was applied to thoracic and lumbar regions at motor threshold. Outcome assessors and participants were blinded to the intervention.

RESULTS: All 13 participants completed both phases (n = 26). Compared to placebo, the active TENS group showed significant improvements in primary outcome of pain intensity (p = 0.006). Significant improvements were also observed in temporal summation (p = 0.004) and cutaneous sensibility (thoracic right (p = 0.002), left (p = 0.041). No adverse events were reported during the interventions.

CONCLUSIONS: TENS combined with exercise is effective for reducing pain intensity, temporal summation, and fatigue, as well as improving cutaneous sensibility in patients with PD.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ReBEC identifier is RBR-4bvwxq (UTN: U1111-1159-1101).

PMID:42083446 | DOI:10.1080/17581869.2026.2660894