TENS on Pain Intensity in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhoea is a common problem in women of reproductive age. It is associated with painful uterine contractions and discomfort. The primary aim of the study was to determine the effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on pain intensity associated with primary dysmenorrhoea among female undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University.

The study involved 50 females undergraduates of Obafemi Awolowo University with primary dysmenorrhoea lasting for at least 5 days. They were allocated in to two groups equally. One group was treated with TENS and other group served as control. The treatment was for 5 days and Pain intensity was measured before and after the treatment in the two groups. The post treatment pain intensity was then compared.

Subjects

Participants for this study were female undergraduates of OAU presenting with primary dysmenorrhoea.

Sample size determination

Sample size calculation was performed using the following equation: n = (Z2 P (1-P))/(d2), where n = sample size, Z = Z statistic corresponding to a chosen level of confidence, P = expected prevalence, and d = precision. In the calculation; Z will be= 0.9, P= 0.19 and d= 0.05. This calculation will result in a sample size of 50. TENS will be applied for 25 participants and 25 for control.

Sampling technique

A purposive sampling was use to select the Obafemi Awolowo University female students among the undergraduate (participants are volunteers). The consent of the participants were obtained.

Research design It is a true experimental study.

Instrument - Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (MH6000 Combo, MH6100 EMS, MH6200 TENS) manufactured by Medihightec Medical Co., LTD 30175 Hannover, Germany.

* Electrodes (a squared shaped 40 by 40 MM made in the USA).
* Cotton wool
* Methylated Spirit
* Couch
* A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (10 Point numerical scale) to rate pain perception of the subjects.

Procedure

Ethical approval was obtained from Health and Ethic Research Committee of Institute of Public Health, Obafemi Awolowo University. Subjects were randomly allocated to two groups. TENS group of 25 and the control of 25. The subjects in the Experimental group was placed in supine lying in a comfortable position as possible. The abdomen to the inguinal region was decently exposed, cleaned using methylated spirit and cotton wool for electrode placement, after inspection of the area for cuts, skin infections or any abnormalities. The absence of such skin conditions as well as intact skin sensation indicates suitability for further procedures. A pair of electrodes ( inactive electrodes) was placed a little below the umbilicus ( Right and Left) and the other pair(active electrode) along the inguinal region at the level of pubic symphysis ( Right and Left) according to. A quadripolar method was used for electrode placement.

Before the commencement of the procedure the subjects was educated about Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).This include how to indicate their pain level. The treatment period lasted for 30 minutes for each treatment sessions and it is once a day for a period of three days that is for the 1st, 3rd and 5th day . The other group did not receive TENS, they served as control. Pain intensity was assessed on the first, 3rd and 5th day from the two groups. Dependent t test was used to compare the mean value of pain intensity within the group on first and 5th day and independent t test was used to compare the mean value of pain intensity on the first day and 5th day between Experimental and control group. Alpha level was set at 0.05

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants with primary dysmenorrhoea, who is single, between the ages of 16 to 30 and have no history of conception, the primary dysmenorrhoea should be at least for five days.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals presenting with pelvic diseases.
* Individuals with cardiac problem.
* Undergraduate with primary dysmenorrhoea but with history of conception.
* Undergraduate with primary dysmenorrhoea currently using analgesia for pain relief.
* Undergraduate with primary dysmenorrhoea not up to five days.