Desenvolvimento de um protocolo para verificar os efeitos da estimulação transcraniana por corrente alternada (ETCA) na dor lombar crônica

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and analyze the applicability of an ETCA application protocol for pain modulation in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Method: This is a randomized clinical trial (RCT), including people of both sexes aged between 18 and 45 with chronic low back pain. The Visual Analog Scale, McGill questionnaire, Brief Pain Inventory, Douleur Neuropathique and Paindetect were used to assess pain, and the Tampa, Catastrophic Thoughts, Beck and Hamilton scales were used to identify repercussions on psycho-emotional aspects. Results: The intervention with the ETCA showed a statistically significant response in the reassessment, with a positive influence on the responses to Catastrophic Thoughts (p=0.03) and the level of anxiety and depression on the Hamilton (p=0.03) and Beck (p=0.02) scales. This differed from the intervention group with the exercise program, which showed a positive and statistically significant response to the treatment in terms of fear of movement (p=0.001).Conclusion: This study resulted in an electrostimulation protocol that was effective in the intensity and interference of pain and in the psycho-emotional aspects of CLBP.