The role of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in rehabilitation of cerebral palsy: a systematic review

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most important causes of disability across the globe. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been proposed as a potential adjunct therapy.
This systematic review aims to explore the application of TENS in the rehabilitation of individuals with CP.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases for studies published up to December 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed clinical studies that evaluated the effects of TENS on rehabilitation outcomes in individuals with CP. Data were extracted and synthesized in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist based on the study design.
A total of 11 studies were eligible for entering this systematic review. Studies reported the application of TENS for different CP-induced conditions, including motor function, spasticity, and gait. Following the administration of TENS in CP patients, an overall favorable trend with few to no side effects was reported. Nevertheless, most of the included studies were of low to moderate quality.
Although this review offers a comprehensive examination of the use of TENS in CP rehabilitation, the scarcity of high-quality studies indicates that further research is necessary to confirm its efficacy in this population.