Pilot study using transcutaneous electrical stimulation (interferential current) to treat chronic treatment‐resistant constipation and soiling in children

Chase, Janet; Robertson, Val J.; Southwell, Bridget R.; Hutson, John M.; Gibb, Susan

doi:10.1111/j.1440-1746.2005.03863.x

Cited by 101 publications

(116 citation statements)

References 52 publications

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“…Results from the first pilot study on interferential current therapy in children were published in 2005 9 with findings supporting a "proof-of-concept" that neuromodulation via interferential therapy improved colonic function. Eight children with severe constipation, of whom 7 had significant soiling problems, were treated via a physiotherapist.…”

Section: Studies In Childrenmentioning

confidence: 91%

“…The beat frequency sweep varied in pediatric studies from 80-120 Hz to 80-150 Hz. 9,33,35 To date, no serious adverse effects have been described. The only reported side effect is diarrhea, which was the trigger for investigating its application in constipation in the first place.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…13 Participants received between 9 and 12 stimulation sessions over a 4-week period. 9 Soiling disappeared in the first 2 weeks after interferential current therapy in 6 of the 7, although long-term effects were less impressive. Constipation was considered resolved in 7 of the 8 children.…”

Section: Studies In Childrenmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…19 In this study, their leads were all on the one plane, which contrasts to previous reports of the transabdominal approach where 2 electrodes are on the abdomen and 2 on the back, and the currents cross diagonally through the abdomen. 9,13 This may have affected the outcomes. As the results were presented as the number of patients who reported improvement, not as individual scores, the overall effect size is not clear.…”

Section: Studies In Adultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…6 Given this, sacral nerve stimulation is not recommended as a first-line management strategy. Other noninvasive and more economical neuromodulatory techniques have thus been explored, such as pudendal nerve stimulation, 7 posterior tibial nerve stimulation, 8,9 and magnetic stimulation of the sacral nerves. 10 This review will address the latest technique, transcutaneous interferential current therapy.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Neuromodulation via Interferential Electrical Stimulation as a Novel Therapy in Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Moore

Burgell

2018

J Neurogastroenterol Motil

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The concept of therapeutic percutaneous neuromodulation has, until recently, been limited by the ability to penetrate deeply enough to stimulate internal organs. By utilizing 2 medium frequency, slightly out of phase electrical currents passing diagonally through the abdomen, a third, low frequency current is created at the point of bisection. This interferential current appears to stimulate nerve fibers in the target organs and may have a therapeutic action. The aim of the study is to review the use of transcutaneous interferential electrical stimulation with a focus on its application in gastroenterology, particularly in motility disorders. Studies involving use of interferential current therapy were searched from Medline, PubMed, and Scopus databases, and articles pertaining to history, its application and all those treating abdominal and gastrointestinal disorders were retrieved. Seventeen studies were identified, 13 involved children only. Eleven of these were randomised controlled trials (3 in adults). Four trials were from the one center, where each paper reported on different outcomes such as soiling, defecation frequency, quality of life, and colon transit studies from the one pool of children. All studies found statistically significant improvement in symptom reduction. However, weaknesses in study design were apparent in some. In particular, finding an adequate placebo to interferential current therapy has been difficult. Interferential current therapy shows potential as a novel, non-pharmacological and economical means of treating gastrointestinal dysfunction such as constipation. More studies are needed particularly in the adult population. However, the design of a suitable placebo is challenging. Search MethodA search of Medline, PubMed, and Scopus databases for information on electrical interferential current and its application using search words such as "electrical interferential current," "transcutaneous," "therapeutics or uses," "mechanisms of action," and "gastrointestinal" was performed. Articles that were available in English were included. This review focuses on the use of transcutaneous interferential current therapy in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms. The Nature of Interferential Current TherapyInterferential current therapy has been used in a variety of settings including low back pain 11 and neurological disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome. 12 More recently, interferential current therapy has been found to be effective in small studies in managing conditions such as fecal incontinence and constipation. It has the benefit of being completely non-invasive, cost effective and convenient, as it can be self-administered at home. 13Despite increased convenience to the patient, doctor and payer, the use of transcutaneously-delivered current can be problematic. To stimulate the nerve of interest, the current has to pass through the skin and surrounding muscle to reach its target. This causes resistance to flow, requiring the use of a higher current to achieve the desired resu...

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Section: Studies In Childrenmentioning

confidence: 91%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Studies In Childrenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Studies In Adultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Neuromodulation via Interferential Electrical Stimulation as a Novel Therapy in Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Moore

Burgell

2018

J Neurogastroenterol Motil

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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for treatment of constipation in children

Lai

Lee

et al. 2013

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

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Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) for treatment of constipation in children

Ng¹,

Lee²,

Ang³

et al. 2016

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

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The very low quality evidence gathered in this review does not suggest that TES provides a benefit for children with chronic constipation. Further randomized controlled trials assessing TES for the management of childhood constipation should be conducted. Future trials should include clear documentation of methodologies, especially measures to evaluate the effectiveness of blinding, and incorporate patient-important outcomes such as the number of patients with improved CSBM, improved clinical symptoms and quality of life.

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Pilot study using transcutaneous electrical stimulation (interferential current) to treat chronic treatment‐resistant constipation and soiling in children

Cited by 101 publications

References 52 publications

Neuromodulation via Interferential Electrical Stimulation as a Novel Therapy in Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Neuromodulation via Interferential Electrical Stimulation as a Novel Therapy in Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for treatment of constipation in children

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) for treatment of constipation in children

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