Analgesia, Endogenous Analgesia System, Pain, Pain Modulation, Percutaneous Electrolysis
Conditions
Brief summary
Percutaneous electrolysis is based on the application of a galvanic current through an acupuncture needle. The underlying mechanisms that explain the efficacy of this technique are not completely well understood. The objective is to delve into the neurophysiological analgesic effects of percutaneous electrolysis. Participants will be assigned to one of three intervention groups. The analgesic effects of the technique will be evaluated by means of variables related to endogenous pain modulation.
Interventions
OTHERSham intervention
The needle will be inserted into the right common extensor tendon of the epicondyle for 90 seconds without galvanic current.
A single impact of galvanic current will be applied in the common extensor tendon of the epicondyle (right side) with an intensity of 0.3 mA for 90 seconds.
Three impacts of galvanic current will be applied in the common extensor tendon of the epicondyle (right side) with an intensity of 3 mA and a duration of 3 seconds each.
Sponsors
University of Salamanca
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Asymptomatic subjects * Signature of the informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Fear of needles * Any pathology or process that causes pain * Neurological, rheumatologic, cardiovascular or metabolic diseases * Cutaneous alterations and cognitive or sensitivity disorders * Pregnancy * Recent intake of alcohol or caffeine * Vigorous physical activity on the day of testing
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes from baseline in Pressure Pain Thresholds (PPT) | Baseline and immediately after the intervention | PPTs will be measure by algometry in the common extensor tendon of the epicondyle, bicipital groove and tibialis anterior muscle (all of the right side). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Changes from baseline in Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) | Baseline and immediately after the intervention | CPM will be assess by upper extremity submaximal effort tourniquet test with algometric measures in the common extensor tendon of the epicondyle, bicipital groove and tibialis anterior muscle (all of the right side). |
| Changes from baseline in Temporal Summation (TS) | Baseline and immediately after the intervention | Assessed by Verbal Numeric Rating Scale (11-point). 10 consecutive pressures will be applied in the three previous locations (epicondyle, bicipital groove and tibialis anterior) with the algometer at the intensity of the pressure pain threshold |
Countries
Spain
Outcome results
None listed