The Effect of Acu-TENS Current on Shortness of Breath and Lung Function Indicators in Patients with COPD.

Background: The use of Acu-TENS is one of the physiotherapy methods to reduce shortness of breath and improve the quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this method in respiratory parameters and the quality of life of patients with moderate to severe COPD. Materials and Methods: The present study was a controlled clinical trial on 40 patients with COPD. Patients with moderate to severe COPD were randomly divided into two treatment groups. Exercise therapy was used in one group, and Acu-TENS (12 sessions over three weeks, Burst TENS (Frequency: 2 Hz; pulse duration: 200 ms, time: 45 minutes)) was used in the other group. Shortness of breath was evaluated using the Borg criteria, functional capacity was assessed using the six-minute walking test, quality of life was evaluated using the St. George questionnaire, and respiratory parameters were measured using a spirometer and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) questionnaire. Results: According to the results, after 12 treatment sessions, a significant difference was observed in FVC, FEV1, activity, CAT, and impact domains of St George's questionnaire. In contrast, other variables had no significant difference between the control and the intervention groups. Conclusion: Using Acu-TENS three times a week and for 12 sessions can play a significant role in the respiratory function of moderate to severe COPD patients. Also, this method is effective in reducing shortness of breath and improving the quality of life of these patients.