Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TENS) Parameters in Individuals with Fibromyalgia: a Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background. Fibromyalgia is a non-inflammatory condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain in conjunction with a large number of specific areas of the body that are hypersensitive and painful to touch. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a potential non-pharmacological treatment for pain control in patients with fibromyalgia. Therefore, the present study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the literature to verify the therapeutic parameters of the application of TENS in people with fibromyalgia. Methods. This systematic review was performed according to the criteria established for the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis - PRISMA. Results. The application of TENS in patients with fibromyalgia is effective for the reduction of pain when associated with therapeutic exercises in relation to patients who perform the exercise alone. However, not enough studies with similar results were found to associate the effects of TENS application on quality of life, the impact of the disease, fatigue, and depression, but the meta-analyses carried out did not show advantages for the intensity of pain at rest. Conclusions. There is great variability in the parameters observed in the use of TENS in individuals with fibromyalgia, which generates the need for more primary studies that aim to establish optimal parameters for this condition.