Authors (including presenting author) :
LAM CWF(1), CHAN OL(1), LAW MS(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Anaesthesiology and Operating Theatre Services, KWong Wah Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Scrambler Therapy
Keyword 2: :
Neuropathic pain
Keyword 4: :
Chronic pain
Keyword 5: :
Pain intensity
Keyword 6: :
Self efficacy
Introduction :
Scrambler Therapy (ST) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique designed to alleviate chronic neuropathic pain by interfering with pain signal transmission. This pilot study evaluated its efficacy in a small cohort of patients with persistent pain by specialist pain nurse.
Objectives :
This report analyzes the clinical data of 5 patients who received Scrambler Therapy (ST), focusing on changes in pain scores, pain relief duration, and related functional indicators (BPI, PSEQ, GC) before and after treatment. The aim is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ST in pain management. The secondary benefit of this study is stopping patient's anti-neuropathic drug, which can significantly improve a person's overall quality of life
Methodology :
Across 6 treatment sites, mean pre-ST pain scores decreased from 6.5 (Tx1) to 1.0 (Tx10), while post-ST scores declined from 2.8 (Tx1) to 0.0 (Tx10). Paired t-tests revealed significant pain reductions in 8 of 10 sessions (p < 0.05, ranging from 0.00001 to 0.029; non-significant for Tx5 [p=0.107] and Tx9/10 due to limited data). Mean pain relief duration increased from 7.2 hours (Tx1) to 8.5 hours (Tx9), though changes were non-significant (p > 0.05). BPI pain severity improved from 6.4 (baseline) to 4.6 (post-Tx5; p=0.109) and 1.8 (post-Tx10; p=0.010), with interference reducing from 6.0 to 4.1 (p=0.003 post-Tx5) and 2.5 (p=0.020 post-Tx10). Specific BPI domains showed variable significance, with notable improvements in sleep (p=0.014 post-Tx5; p=0.029 post-Tx10) and mood (p=0.029 post-Tx5; p=0.035 post-Tx10). PSEQ scores rose from 35.8 to 39.2 (p=0.126 post-Tx5) and 45.0 (p=0.227 post-Tx10), indicating trends toward enhanced self-efficacy.
Result & Outcome :
Five patients (one with bilateral hand involvement, treated as separate sites) underwent up to 10 daily ST sessions. Pain intensity was measured using a numerical rating scale (0-10) immediately before and after each session, with post-treatment pain relief duration recorded in hours. The Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) assessed pain severity and interference with daily functions (general activity, mood, walking, work, relations, sleep, enjoyment), and the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) evaluated self-efficacy, at baseline (pre-Tx1), post-Tx5, and post-Tx10. Paired one-tailed t-tests compared pre- vs. post-session pain scores and changes in BPI/PSEQ metrics. Patient stopped all anti-neuropathic medication before and during treatment.
