A single session of Acu-TENS increases FEV1 and reduces dyspnoea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Lau KSL and Jones AYM

Forty-six ambulatory patients with a mean age of 75 years, with stage I or II chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and with no previous experience of TENS or acupuncture were included in the study. The experimental group received a treatment of 45 minutes of Acu-TENS, while the control group received placebo-TENS with identical electrode placement.

The experimental group had an increased FEV1 and decreased dyspnoea scores when compared to the control group. Acu-TENS may be a useful non-invasive adjunctive intervention in the management of dyspnoea in patients with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease.

Australian Journal of Physiotherapy 2008; 54: 179–184

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