Combined transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and low-level laser photobiomodulation for postoperative pain after cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial.
Alane Macatrão Pires de Holanda Araújo Sena, Ivan Daniel Bezerra Nogueira, Kássio Rafael Rocha de Sena et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial compared combined transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and low-level laser photobiomodulation (PBM) with TENS alone, placebo, and control for postoperative recovery after cesarean section. Among 88 women, pain decreased over time in the combined-treatment and TENS groups, while functional independence increased in both. Walking capacity improved between assessments in all four groups. However, there were no significant between-group differences (p > 0.05), and the combination did not provide additional benefit over the other groups.
Key findings
- Pain decreased from 1.82 ± 1.18 at t2 to 1.30 ± 0.86 at t3 in the combined TENS + PBM group (p = 0.008).
- Functional independence increased from 14.9 ± 3.3 at t1 to 17.1 ± 3.6 at t3 with combined therapy (p = 0.034).
- Two-Minute Walk Test distance improved between t2 and t3 in all groups; no significant differences were observed between groups (p > 0.05).
Why it matters
Pain and functional recovery are relevant components of postpartum care after cesarean delivery. The findings show improvement over time in several outcomes, but do not establish that adding PBM to TENS improves recovery beyond the comparison groups. This distinction helps interpret changes observed during the postoperative period without attributing them specifically to the combined intervention.
What to keep in mind
The trial included 88 women, and assessments covered only the first 44-48 hours postpartum, limiting conclusions about longer-term outcomes.