PENS vs TENS for Hand Function in Multiple Sclerosis
Percutaneous Versus Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation of the Median, Radial, and Ulnar Nerves: Effects on Hand Function in Multiple Sclerosis
What it found
A paper reports the results; we have not read it yet. See Papers below.
What was tested
Treatment tested
- Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS)
Compared with
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
What it measured
Main measures
Fine Manual Dexterity
Baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 72 hours post-intervention.
Arm and hand function
Other measures (1)
Gross Manual Dexterity
Baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 72 hours post-intervention.
Arm and hand function
Who could take part
MS (type not specified) · 18 to 80
Show the full criteria
Inclusion criteria
* Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to McDonald criteria. * Age between 18 and 80 years. * Clinically stable for at least 2 months before enrollment. * No recent corticosteroid treatment. * Functional ability to complete the study assessments, defined as a Nine Hole -Peg Test time of less than 300 seconds and the ability to transfer at least 1 block in the Box and Block Test. * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
* Musculoskeletal disorders or injuries affecting the upper limb. * Implanted electrical devices. * Skin lesions or dermatological conditions at the stimulation sites. * Cognitive impairment that interferes with understanding or performing the assessments. * Recent relapse or any concomitant neurological condition that could interfere with study participation or evaluation.
As registered. Criteria can change, so ask the trial team or your neurologist.
About this trial
In the sponsor's words
This randomized, parallel, single-blind clinical trial aims to compare the immediate and short-term effects of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) versus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), applied simultaneously to the median, radial, and ulnar nerves, on hand function in people with multiple sclerosis. Participants will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 72 hours later. Outcomes include fine manual dexterity, gross manual dexterity, pinch strength, and tactile sensitivity.
Papers
Results
Javier-Ormazabal A, Herrero P, Gonzalez-Platas M. Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation in Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis. 2023 Jan 27;13:15-20. doi: 10.2147/DNND.S395082. eCollection 2023.Results
Kraft GH, Amtmann D, Bennett SE, Finlayson M, Sutliff MH, Tullman M, Sidovar M, Rabinowicz AL. Assessment of upper extremity function in multiple sclerosis: review and opinion. Postgrad Med. 2014 Sep;126(5):102-8. doi: 10.3810/pgm.2014.09.2803.Results
Bertoni R, Cattaneo D, Grosso C, Baglio F, Jonsdottir J. Distribution and relation of two arm function tests, Box and Blocks test and Nine Hole Peg test, across disease severity levels and types of multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2022 Mar;59:103683. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103683. Epub 2022 Feb 9.Results
Feys P, Lamers I, Francis G, Benedict R, Phillips G, LaRocca N, Hudson LD, Rudick R; Multiple Sclerosis Outcome Assessments Consortium. The Nine-Hole Peg Test as a manual dexterity performance measure for multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2017 Apr;23(5):711-720. doi: 10.1177/1352458517690824. Epub 2017 Feb 16.
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History
Started
Jan 2026
Main results due
Mar 2026
Finished
Apr 2026