Effect of tDCS in combination with TENS with exercises on pain in patients with upper limb radiculopathy

Purpose: To find the combined effect of transcranial direct electrical stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with an exercise intervention on pain in individuals with cervical radiculopathy.
Method: 44 subjects (male:female=26:18) of age group 18-50 years were recruited and randomly allocated into two equal groups, experimental group and control group. Experimental group received active anodal tDCS for 20 min with an intensity of 2mA while control group received sham anodal tDCS. TENS over the pain distribution area for 20 min with 5 Hz intensity and 80-150 ms pulse duration followed by neck specific exercises were given in both groups. This protocol was given for 5 days in a week for 2 weeks. Pre and post assessment was obtained through outcome measures i.e. Numeric Pain Rating scale and Neck Disability Index for the measurement of pain, functional disability and quality of life.
Result: Paired t test was used for within group analysis and it showed significant effect in both group (p=0.001). Independent t-test was used for between group analysis, showed effect was more profound in experimental group (p value =0.001 for NPRS and NDI).
Conclusion: It was concluded that active tDCS along with TENS and exercise intervention was effective on pain, disability and quality of life patient with cervical radiculopathy.