TSE v. TENs & Other Electrophysiological Devices

Currently there has been very little research conducted which compares Transcutaneous Spinal Electroanalgesia (TSE) to other electrophysiological devices. However, Acticare has made some comparisons between their TSE and TENS devices and the table below portrays the differences between the devices.

 Table comparing Acticare TSE to TENS. Table obtained from Acticare (Referenced Below)

Although Acticare has claimed to have produced a product with positive results, some clinical trials conducted independently have produced different results. A recent clinical trial compared the effects of TSE and TENS in reducing chronic pain caused by Brest cancer (Robb et.al, 2007). The results showed that both TSE and TENS were both effective in reducing pain, however these changes may be have been caused by a placebo response.  Therefore, suggesting that TSE could be used clinically as a tool to treat chronic pain instead of TENS.

Another randomized controlled trial compared the affects of TENs, TSE and a placebo on altering the mechanical pain thresholds of thirty-four healthy adults (Palmer et.al, 2009). The results show that neither the control nor the intervention groups did not affect the mechanical pain threshold of the individuals. Therefore, the subjects in this study did not achieve a higher pain threshold.

Currently there is little literature which compares the effects of TSE to TENs or any other electrophysiological agent. Hence, to gain a greater understanding of Acticare TSE and how it can fit clinically into physiotherapy treatment, more research must be conduced on TSE. However, the current research suggests that TSE is no more beneficial then TENs or other electrophysiological agents.

References 

A table comparing Acticare TSE and TENs. Retrieved March 29, 2012, from http://www.acticare.com.au/home/about/TSEvsTENS.asp

Palmer, S., Cramp. F, Propert, K. & Godfrey, H. (2009). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and transcutaneous spinal electroanalgesia: A preliminary efficacy and mechanisms-based investigation. Physiotherapy, 95 (3), 128-191.

Robb, K. A., Newham, D. J. & Willians, J. W. (2007). Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation vs. Transcutaneous Spinal Electroanalgesia for Chronic Pain Associated with Breast Cancer Treatments. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 33 (4), 410- 419.