Although not statistically significant, the observed effects may have implications for the clinical prescription and the use of TENS within this population.

Active TENS was more effective than placebo TENS in decreasing VAS scores following each treatment although results were not statistically significant. Further work in this area is warranted and should include a larger number of participants in the form of a randomized controlled clinical trial to determine the efficacy of this modality.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of self-applied transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for low back pain in a population of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). In total, 15 participants diagnosed with MS (aged 37–71 years) presenting with low back pain were recruited and randomized into two active TENS groups and a placebo group under double-blind conditions (n=5 per group). Treatment involved self-application of TENS on a daily basis for 6 weeks. Outcome measures were recorded at weeks 1, 6, 10 and 32. Statistical analysis indicated significant changes in the McGill Pain Questionnaire affective subsection (P=0.01) throughout the trial. However, trends observed seem to indicate an improvement in both active TENS groups during the treatment period, with differential improvement maintained into the follow-up period. The findings of this study thus warrant further investigation by means of a randomized, controlled clinical trial within this population.

Background: Pressure ulcers are one of many secondary complications which may develop with the progression of disability in MS. Objective: To establish the incidence of pressure ulcers among people with MS in Northern Ireland (NI) and to identify the professionals responsible for the management. Methods: Postal questionnaire sent to general practitioners (GPs) within NI (n = 1,083). Results: The overall response rate was 67.5% (n = 731); of the 722 valid responses, 96.4% (n = 696) of the GPs reported having people with MS registered within their practice (n = 694). Of these GPs, 22.8% (n = 159) indicated that they encounter pressure ulcers amongst this population; 94.3% (n = 150) specified that district nurses were involved in the treatment and management of pressure ulcers. Caregivers, community physiotherapists and nurses based within the GP surgery also appear to have a significant responsibility. Other professionals included surgeons, podiatrists, GPs, nursing home staff and hospital staff. Conclusion: The results from this study have indicated that pressure ulcers may be a significant problem in people with MS and give an indication of the professionals involved in their management.

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