Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the salivary flow of patients with hyposalivation induced by radiotherapy in the head and neck region—A randomised clinical trial

Autor: Émille Dalbem Paim, Vera Beatris Martins, Monalise Costa Batista Berbert, Virgilio Gonzales Zanella, Fabrício Edler Macagnan
Rok vydání: 2019
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Oral Rehabilitation. 46:1142-1150
ISSN: 1365-2842
0305-182X
DOI: 10.1111/joor.12851
Popis: Hyposalivation is a frequent complication after treatment with radiotherapy. To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the hyposalivation assessed through stimulated salivary flow (SSF). In this clinical trial, 68 patients (with hyposalivation) were randomly assigned to control (n = 31) or TENS (n = 37) group. Participants in control group received habitual care, while those in TENS group received 8 sessions (20 minutes each) delivered twice a week for four weeks. The electrodes were attached over the skin covering the salivary glands. The electric pulse was adjusted at a frequency of 50 Hz, pulse width of 250 μs and as intense as tolerated. SSF was evaluated through sialometry. Self-perception of salivary flow (SPSF) and quality of life (QL) was evaluated prior to, during and at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment. Although no changes were observed in the control group for SSF at any timepoints, TENS group showed a progressive increase in SSF from the third session until the end of the treatment. Significant improvements were also found in SPSF, especially when the SSF reached values ≥0.7 mL/minute. The most expressive results were evident at 6 months after treatment so that SSF, SPSF and QL remained significantly higher (F = 9.5, P = 0.0001; H = 143.77, P
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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