TY - JOUR
T1 - Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on non-pain related cognitive and behavioural functioning
AU - Van Dijk, Koene R.A.
AU - Scherder, Erik J.A.
AU - Scheltens, Philip
AU - Sergeant, Joseph A.
PY - 2002/1/1
Y1 - 2002/1/1
N2 - An extensive search through nine electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ERIC, PsychINFO, Psyndex, Cinahl, Biological Abstracts, Rehab-data) was performed in order to review the effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on non-pain related cognitive and behavioural functioning. Eight studies were identified on neglect due to stroke, six studies on Alzheimer's disease (AD), one study on aging, and two studies on coma due to traumatic brain injury. The results of the various studies revealed that TENS has a variety of effects. These consist of enhancement of somatosensory functioning, visuo-spatial abilities and postural control in neglect, improved memory, affective behaviour and rest-activity rhythm in AD and acceleration of awakening in coma. Effectiveness of TENS is discussed in relation to various stimulation parameters: duration, frequency, pulse width and intensity. It is argued that arousal may underlie the beneficial influence of TENS in various conditions. Finally, suggestions are offered for future research.
AB - An extensive search through nine electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ERIC, PsychINFO, Psyndex, Cinahl, Biological Abstracts, Rehab-data) was performed in order to review the effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on non-pain related cognitive and behavioural functioning. Eight studies were identified on neglect due to stroke, six studies on Alzheimer's disease (AD), one study on aging, and two studies on coma due to traumatic brain injury. The results of the various studies revealed that TENS has a variety of effects. These consist of enhancement of somatosensory functioning, visuo-spatial abilities and postural control in neglect, improved memory, affective behaviour and rest-activity rhythm in AD and acceleration of awakening in coma. Effectiveness of TENS is discussed in relation to various stimulation parameters: duration, frequency, pulse width and intensity. It is argued that arousal may underlie the beneficial influence of TENS in various conditions. Finally, suggestions are offered for future research.
KW - Alzheimer's disease
KW - Coma
KW - Neglect
KW - Stroke
KW - Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0036397763&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1515/REVNEURO.2002.13.3.257
DO - 10.1515/REVNEURO.2002.13.3.257
M3 - Review article
C2 - 12405228
AN - SCOPUS:0036397763
VL - 13
SP - 257
EP - 270
JO - Reviews in the Neurosciences
JF - Reviews in the Neurosciences
SN - 0334-1763
IS - 3
ER -