Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Based on Wrist-Ankle Acupuncture Theory for Pain Relief during Non-Anesthetic Colonoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Colonoscopy is essential for diagnosing colorectal diseases but can cause pain during the procedure. This study explores the analgesic effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation based on Wrist-Ankle Acupuncture theory (TENS-WAA) in non-anesthetic colonoscopy. Methods: This prospective study included 120 participants undergoing non-anesthetic colonoscopies. The trial group receiving low-frequency, high-intensity TENS-WAA adjusted to the maximum tolerable current, while the control group received minimal current. Primary outcome was the retrospective pain VAS score. Secondary outcomes included time, heart rate, and credibility/expectancy questionnaire (CEQ) scores (ChiCTR2300076524). Results: Participants who received TENS-WAA intervention reported significantly lower pain VAS scores than the control group (estimated median difference -1.1, 95% CI: -2 to -0.4, P=0.002). Male participants in the trial group experienced significantly lower pain scores than the control group (mean difference -1.4, 95% CI: -2.41 to -0.39, P=0.008). Additionally, the trial group also had significantly lower heart rates (P<0.001) and higher CEQ scores (P=0.001) than the control group. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: TENS-WAA effectively reduces pain during non-anesthetized colonoscopy, especially in male participants, providing a promising non-invasive analgesic method.

Publication History

Received: 15 February 2024

Accepted after revision: 24 July 2024

Accepted Manuscript online:
25 July 2024