Welcome back to the ORIEMS FIT Research Digest Series! In every post, we explore fresh research findings that you may find to be interesting.

This time, we’re diving into a study that looks at transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a method somewhat related to EMS (electrical muscle stimulation), to understand how these electric pulses might help with certain types of discomfort. We’re here to bring science closer to you without the tricky language. Our goal? To inspire curiosity and maybe even help you start your own research journey!

Research Article Name: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Primary Dysmenorrhoea
Authors: Michelle Proctor, Cindy Farquhar, Will Stones, Lin He, Xiaoshu Zhu, and Julie Brown.

Who Conducted This Research, and Where?

This study was conducted by researchers from various prestigious institutions, including the University of Auckland in New Zealand and the University of Western Sydney in Australia. The research appeared in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, which is known globally for publishing trusted, high-quality reviews that help people make better health decisions.

What Is This Research Specifically About?

This study examines how electric pulses, a type of device that delivers electrical pulses to the skin, might help relieve pain, specifically for primary dysmenorrhoea (painful menstrual cramps).

Electric pulses are used in TENS and EMS devices , TENS is similar to EMS devices in that both use electric pulses, though TENS primarily targets nerves to help blocking out pain signal , to help to reduce pain. This review aimed to compare different electric pulses settings (like high-frequency and low-frequency pulses) to see which might work best for pain relief.

Who Was Studied?

The researchers focused on women of reproductive age who experience primary dysmenorrhoea—a common issue where severe cramps make normal activities difficult during menstrual cycles. To make the study thorough, they only included women with no underlying medical conditions that might also cause pain.

How Did They Research This?

The researchers used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) approach, a method known for providing reliable evidence. Women were divided into groups that used either high-frequency electric pulses, low-frequency electric pulses, or placebo electric pulses, and their pain levels were monitored and compared. This method helps ensure that the results reflect true effects of the treatment, rather than other factors.

What Positive Effects Did the Researchers Find?

In short, high-frequency electric pulses appeared to be more effective than placebo in relieving pain. Women using high-frequency electric pulses reported lower pain levels, making it a promising option for pain management. Low-frequency electric pulses, however, showed mixed results, with some trials suggesting it was no more effective than a placebo.

Why electric pulses in EMS (and TENS) Could Be Helpful for Certain Pain

Both EMS and TENS use electric pulses, which may help manage pain by “distracting” nerves or reducing the sensation of pain. This approach doesn’t directly impact muscles but may help people manage their daily activities with less discomfort.

How This Study Might Specifically Help Electric Pulses Device Users

For users of EMS devices, this research highlights the potential of electrical stimulation as a tool for comfort. While TENS focuses on nerve stimulation, the principle of using gentle pulses to manage certain types of discomfort might give EMS users more insight into how electric stimulation can benefit overall well-being.

Research Paper Original Name: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Primary Dysmenorrhoea
Simplified Research Paper Name: How TENS Helps Relieve Menstrual Pain

Link to Study: Access the study here.

This link is hosted by the Cochrane Library, a source trusted for unbiased reviews that gather reliable evidence to support informed health choices.

This blog post is part of our ORIEMS FIT Research Digest, where we share intriguing research to fuel your curiosity. For more interesting reads, check out our blog, where you can start exploring the world of science yourself.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational and recreational purposes only and doesn’t replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new treatments. For full details on our disclaimer, visit here.