The effect of Acu-TENS on FEV1, six minute walk distance and dyspnoea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised trial

Abstract

Aim: To see the effect of Acu-TENS on FEV1, six minute walk distance and dyspnoea in patients of COPD. Method: Fifty five patients with a mean age of 68years suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with no previous exposure of TENS or acupuncture were selected. The experimental group received 45 minutes of Acu-TENS over acupoint bilaterally while the control group received placebo-TENS with identical electrode placement but no output despite a flashing light indicating stimulus delivery. Lung function was measured as FEV1 and FVC, six minute walk distance was measured using 6MWT, while dyspnoea was measured using a shortness of breath 100-mm visual analogue scale. Result: After 45 minutes of Acu-TENS, the experimental group had increased FEV1 by 4.37% (95% CI 2.71 to 6.04) and FVC by only 0.65 % (95% CI -0.40 to 1.71). Six minute walk distance increased by 14.32 metres (95% CI 10.67 to 17.99) more in the experimental group. Dyspnoea decreased by 1.29 mm (95% CI-3.00 to 0.41) more than the control group. Conclusion: Acu- TENS may be a useful non-invasive alternative in the management of dyspnoea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study showed the effect of long-term Acu-TENS. A single session of AcuTENS increases FEV1, 6MWT and reduces dyspnoea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.