Both ipsilateral and contralateral localized vibratory stimulations modulated pain-related sensory thresholds on the foot in mice and humans

Abstract

PurposeThis study was aimed to investigate the effect of localized vibration on sensory thresholds in mice and humans using a novel quantitative method.Participants and methodsThe sensory thresholds of 7-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were measured with four sine-wave electrostimulation frequencies (5, 50, 250, and 2,000 Hz) before and after applying 2-minute vibration to the plantar side of the foot in mice. In human participants (16 males and 16 females; mean age, 21.0±0.8 years), the sensory threshold was measured at 50 Hz before and after applying 2-minute and 5-minute vibrations to the dorsal side of the foot.ResultsApplication of a 2-minute vibration at either the ipsilateral or contralateral side modulated the sensory thresholds elicited by a 5- or 50-Hz right electrostimulation in mice. In human participants, application of a 5-minute vibration at either the ipsilateral or contralateral side modulated the sensory threshold elicited by 50-Hz right electrostimulation, but had no effect on local skin temperature. These results suggest that the right side of pain-related Aδ fibers (50 Hz) or C fibers (5 Hz) was modulated by the localized ipsilateral or contralateral side of vibratory stimuli, respectively, in mice and humans.ConclusionThe ability of contralateral vibration to modify the right sensory thresholds suggests possible involvement of the central nervous system in vibratory modulation.

Local and Contralateral Effects after the Application of Neuromuscular Electrostimulation in Lower Limbs

“…Through Doppler laser, Ye and Griffin [32] reported vascular effects of cross-education related to the application of mechanical vibrations. Other studies, such as that of Doi et al [14], show changes of temperature, although not significant, measured with a thermometer after the application of ipsilateral and contralateral vibrotherapy.…”

“…In addition, although the majority of studies carried out in the field of rehabilitation have focused on analyzing the effects of different procedures at the local level, contralateral changes have also been noticed after applying acupuncture [9], external pneumatic compression [10], percutaneous electrolysis [11], or procedures to increase strength and coordination [12,13]. At the sensory threshold, they have also been recorded through the application of vibrotherapy [14]. These changes are explained by the phenomenon known as "cross-education", which has also been achieved through the application of NMES [15,16].…”

Short-Term Collagen Nerve Wrapping Facilitates Motor and Sensory Recovery from Nerve Degeneration in a Sciatic Nerve Injury Rat Model

“…Sensory thresholds were measured using 5-, 250-, and 2000-Hz sine electrostimulation (STG-4002, Multichannel Systems Inc., Reutlingen, DE, Germany) before and 1–3 weeks after surgery ( Figure 1A ). 21 The three different electrostimulation frequencies used in this study stimulated Aβ fibers (2000 Hz), Aδ fibers (250 Hz), and C fibers (5 Hz). An awake rat was briefly immobilized in the prone position in a plastic tube.…”

Free gait in a shallow pool accelerates recovery after exercise in model mice with fibromyalgia

“…Sensory thresholds were measured using 5-, 250-, and 2,000-Hz sine electrostimulation (product: STG-4002-160 μA, Multichannel Systems Inc., Reutlingen, Germany) before and after the reserpine injections (Fig. 1C, evaluation A) (Doi et al, 2018). The three different electrostimulation frequencies used in this study stimulated Aβ fibers (2,000 Hz), Aδ fibers (250 Hz), and C fibers (5 Hz).…”

“…The electrostimulation-induced withdrawal reflex of the mouse's hind limb resulted in a loss of contact with the electrode. The time from the onset of electrostimulation to the appearance of the withdrawal reflex was measured, and the intensity at which the withdrawal reflex occurred was calculated (μA) (Doi et al, 2018).…”