BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been suggested for managing the pain of older persons. However, age-related changes may limit TENS applicability. The purposes of this study were to: (1) determine the effectiveness and comfort of TENS during initiation of treatment for chronic pain in older persons, and (2) assess the influence of age on pain control and comfort of TENS. METHODS: Sixteen assisted-living residents (76.1 +/- 10.0 years old) with chronic musculoskeletal pain were divided into 2 groups (55 to 75 and >= 76 years of age). Every 48 hours over one week, each of 3 treatments was randomly assigned: conventional, pulse-burst and control (sham) TENS. RESULTS: Age did not have a significant impact on pain (p = 0.576) or TENS comfort (p = 0.517). Conventional and pulse-burst TENS did not differ in decreasing pain (p = 0.100); however, both were significantly different from control TENS (p = 0.050 and p = 0.010, respectively). Pain was decreased significantly (p < 0.001) for both conventional and pulse-burst TENS, averaging 23% and 32% respectively. Control TENS produced only a 9% decrease in pain (p = 0.122). Conventional TENS was more comfortable than pulse-burst TENS (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Based upon pain relief and comfort of TENS, treatment of older persons with chronic musculoskeletal pain should be initiated using conventional TENS.

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