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Electrotherapy of chronic musculoskeletal pain: comparison of electroacupuncture and acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
Cheng RSS, Pomeranz B
The Clinical Journal of Pain 1987 Sep;2(3):143-149
clinical trial
2/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: No; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: No. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

This study compared two ways of treating chronic musculoskeletal pain, using randomized assignment of 131 patients to one of two electrotherapy methods: electroacupuncture or acupuncture-like TENS. For the latter a new device called Codetron (Trademark EHM) was used which had many features to ensure strong and unhabituated stimulation. For both methods, frequencies of 4 Hz and 200 Hz were used to optimize release of endorphins and serotonin. Initial outcomes were evaluated using visual analogue scales for pain relief and activity improvements. The "initial" outcomes during treatment weeks were not significantly different for both electrotherapy methods. Follow-up data were obtained by telephone 4 to 8 months after cessation of therapy: these were significantly better for Codetron than for electroacupuncture but we must remain cautious about telephone interviews.

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