1.Effectiveness of intramuscular electrical stimulation using conventional and inverse electrode placement methods on pressure pain threshold and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle with myofascial trigger points: a randomized clinical trial
Sukumar SHANMUGAM ; Fabio Vieira DOS ANJOS ; Arthur de SÁ FERREIRA ; Ramprasad MUTHUKRISHNAN ; Praveen Kumar KANDAKURTI ; Satheeskumar DURAIRAJ
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):187-197
Background:
This study investigates whether intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES) with inverse electrode placement (IEP) or conventional electrode placement (CEP) more effectively modulates pain. The current study’s aim was to compare the effects of IMES using IEP and CEP, and sham-IMES on the pressure pain threshold (PPT), EMG activity, upper trapezius (UT) muscle length and pain severity among adults with UT myofascial trigger points (MTrPs).
Methods:
Thirty-six male adults with UT-MTrPs were allocated into three groups. IEP, CEP and sham groups were respectively treated with a single IMES session using IEP, CEP, and sham-IMES. Pain intensity, PPT, EMG activity (root mean square, RMS) and UT muscle length were measured on day one before the treatment, day one post treatment and at a day three follow-up to determine the immediate and short-term effectiveness of IMES.
Results:
IMES using both IEP and CEP methods produced significant higher changes in UT-PPT (median, interquartile-interval, IEP group: 3.25, 2.56–3.50 and CEP group: 2.75, 1.75–3.00, vs. sham group: 1.07, 0.89–1.71 kg/cm 2 ), RMS (IEP: 0.31, 0.26–0.35 and CEP: 0.36, 0.23–0.38, vs. sham: 0.21, 0.16–0.25 mV), and UT muscle length (IEP: 9.50, 8–12.75 and CEP: 8, 7–10, vs. 1.5. 1–2.75 degrees) and UT-pain severity (IEP: 3.00, 2.25–4 and CEP: 3, 3–3, vs. sham: 2, 2–2.75 points on VAS) compared to the score change in sham-IMES at day three follow up.
Conclusions
Pain modulation can be effectively achieved using IMES regardless of electrode placement method, with different electrode configurations.
2.Effectiveness of intramuscular electrical stimulation using conventional and inverse electrode placement methods on pressure pain threshold and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle with myofascial trigger points: a randomized clinical trial
Sukumar SHANMUGAM ; Fabio Vieira DOS ANJOS ; Arthur de SÁ FERREIRA ; Ramprasad MUTHUKRISHNAN ; Praveen Kumar KANDAKURTI ; Satheeskumar DURAIRAJ
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):187-197
Background:
This study investigates whether intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES) with inverse electrode placement (IEP) or conventional electrode placement (CEP) more effectively modulates pain. The current study’s aim was to compare the effects of IMES using IEP and CEP, and sham-IMES on the pressure pain threshold (PPT), EMG activity, upper trapezius (UT) muscle length and pain severity among adults with UT myofascial trigger points (MTrPs).
Methods:
Thirty-six male adults with UT-MTrPs were allocated into three groups. IEP, CEP and sham groups were respectively treated with a single IMES session using IEP, CEP, and sham-IMES. Pain intensity, PPT, EMG activity (root mean square, RMS) and UT muscle length were measured on day one before the treatment, day one post treatment and at a day three follow-up to determine the immediate and short-term effectiveness of IMES.
Results:
IMES using both IEP and CEP methods produced significant higher changes in UT-PPT (median, interquartile-interval, IEP group: 3.25, 2.56–3.50 and CEP group: 2.75, 1.75–3.00, vs. sham group: 1.07, 0.89–1.71 kg/cm 2 ), RMS (IEP: 0.31, 0.26–0.35 and CEP: 0.36, 0.23–0.38, vs. sham: 0.21, 0.16–0.25 mV), and UT muscle length (IEP: 9.50, 8–12.75 and CEP: 8, 7–10, vs. 1.5. 1–2.75 degrees) and UT-pain severity (IEP: 3.00, 2.25–4 and CEP: 3, 3–3, vs. sham: 2, 2–2.75 points on VAS) compared to the score change in sham-IMES at day three follow up.
Conclusions
Pain modulation can be effectively achieved using IMES regardless of electrode placement method, with different electrode configurations.
3.Effectiveness of intramuscular electrical stimulation using conventional and inverse electrode placement methods on pressure pain threshold and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle with myofascial trigger points: a randomized clinical trial
Sukumar SHANMUGAM ; Fabio Vieira DOS ANJOS ; Arthur de SÁ FERREIRA ; Ramprasad MUTHUKRISHNAN ; Praveen Kumar KANDAKURTI ; Satheeskumar DURAIRAJ
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):187-197
Background:
This study investigates whether intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES) with inverse electrode placement (IEP) or conventional electrode placement (CEP) more effectively modulates pain. The current study’s aim was to compare the effects of IMES using IEP and CEP, and sham-IMES on the pressure pain threshold (PPT), EMG activity, upper trapezius (UT) muscle length and pain severity among adults with UT myofascial trigger points (MTrPs).
Methods:
Thirty-six male adults with UT-MTrPs were allocated into three groups. IEP, CEP and sham groups were respectively treated with a single IMES session using IEP, CEP, and sham-IMES. Pain intensity, PPT, EMG activity (root mean square, RMS) and UT muscle length were measured on day one before the treatment, day one post treatment and at a day three follow-up to determine the immediate and short-term effectiveness of IMES.
Results:
IMES using both IEP and CEP methods produced significant higher changes in UT-PPT (median, interquartile-interval, IEP group: 3.25, 2.56–3.50 and CEP group: 2.75, 1.75–3.00, vs. sham group: 1.07, 0.89–1.71 kg/cm 2 ), RMS (IEP: 0.31, 0.26–0.35 and CEP: 0.36, 0.23–0.38, vs. sham: 0.21, 0.16–0.25 mV), and UT muscle length (IEP: 9.50, 8–12.75 and CEP: 8, 7–10, vs. 1.5. 1–2.75 degrees) and UT-pain severity (IEP: 3.00, 2.25–4 and CEP: 3, 3–3, vs. sham: 2, 2–2.75 points on VAS) compared to the score change in sham-IMES at day three follow up.
Conclusions
Pain modulation can be effectively achieved using IMES regardless of electrode placement method, with different electrode configurations.
4.Effectiveness of intramuscular electrical stimulation using conventional and inverse electrode placement methods on pressure pain threshold and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle with myofascial trigger points: a randomized clinical trial
Sukumar SHANMUGAM ; Fabio Vieira DOS ANJOS ; Arthur de SÁ FERREIRA ; Ramprasad MUTHUKRISHNAN ; Praveen Kumar KANDAKURTI ; Satheeskumar DURAIRAJ
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):187-197
Background:
This study investigates whether intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES) with inverse electrode placement (IEP) or conventional electrode placement (CEP) more effectively modulates pain. The current study’s aim was to compare the effects of IMES using IEP and CEP, and sham-IMES on the pressure pain threshold (PPT), EMG activity, upper trapezius (UT) muscle length and pain severity among adults with UT myofascial trigger points (MTrPs).
Methods:
Thirty-six male adults with UT-MTrPs were allocated into three groups. IEP, CEP and sham groups were respectively treated with a single IMES session using IEP, CEP, and sham-IMES. Pain intensity, PPT, EMG activity (root mean square, RMS) and UT muscle length were measured on day one before the treatment, day one post treatment and at a day three follow-up to determine the immediate and short-term effectiveness of IMES.
Results:
IMES using both IEP and CEP methods produced significant higher changes in UT-PPT (median, interquartile-interval, IEP group: 3.25, 2.56–3.50 and CEP group: 2.75, 1.75–3.00, vs. sham group: 1.07, 0.89–1.71 kg/cm 2 ), RMS (IEP: 0.31, 0.26–0.35 and CEP: 0.36, 0.23–0.38, vs. sham: 0.21, 0.16–0.25 mV), and UT muscle length (IEP: 9.50, 8–12.75 and CEP: 8, 7–10, vs. 1.5. 1–2.75 degrees) and UT-pain severity (IEP: 3.00, 2.25–4 and CEP: 3, 3–3, vs. sham: 2, 2–2.75 points on VAS) compared to the score change in sham-IMES at day three follow up.
Conclusions
Pain modulation can be effectively achieved using IMES regardless of electrode placement method, with different electrode configurations.
5.Effectiveness of intramuscular electrical stimulation using conventional and inverse electrode placement methods on pressure pain threshold and electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius muscle with myofascial trigger points: a randomized clinical trial
Sukumar SHANMUGAM ; Fabio Vieira DOS ANJOS ; Arthur de SÁ FERREIRA ; Ramprasad MUTHUKRISHNAN ; Praveen Kumar KANDAKURTI ; Satheeskumar DURAIRAJ
The Korean Journal of Pain 2025;38(2):187-197
Background:
This study investigates whether intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES) with inverse electrode placement (IEP) or conventional electrode placement (CEP) more effectively modulates pain. The current study’s aim was to compare the effects of IMES using IEP and CEP, and sham-IMES on the pressure pain threshold (PPT), EMG activity, upper trapezius (UT) muscle length and pain severity among adults with UT myofascial trigger points (MTrPs).
Methods:
Thirty-six male adults with UT-MTrPs were allocated into three groups. IEP, CEP and sham groups were respectively treated with a single IMES session using IEP, CEP, and sham-IMES. Pain intensity, PPT, EMG activity (root mean square, RMS) and UT muscle length were measured on day one before the treatment, day one post treatment and at a day three follow-up to determine the immediate and short-term effectiveness of IMES.
Results:
IMES using both IEP and CEP methods produced significant higher changes in UT-PPT (median, interquartile-interval, IEP group: 3.25, 2.56–3.50 and CEP group: 2.75, 1.75–3.00, vs. sham group: 1.07, 0.89–1.71 kg/cm 2 ), RMS (IEP: 0.31, 0.26–0.35 and CEP: 0.36, 0.23–0.38, vs. sham: 0.21, 0.16–0.25 mV), and UT muscle length (IEP: 9.50, 8–12.75 and CEP: 8, 7–10, vs. 1.5. 1–2.75 degrees) and UT-pain severity (IEP: 3.00, 2.25–4 and CEP: 3, 3–3, vs. sham: 2, 2–2.75 points on VAS) compared to the score change in sham-IMES at day three follow up.
Conclusions
Pain modulation can be effectively achieved using IMES regardless of electrode placement method, with different electrode configurations.
6.Optimising deformity correction: a retrospective comparative analysis of two techniques in high magnitude curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Arvind Gopalrao KULKARNI ; Priyambada KUMAR ; Thonangi YESHWANTH ; Sharvari GUNJOTIKAR ; Praveen GOPARAJU ; Yogesh Madhavrao ADBALWAD ; Aditya Raghavendra Sai Siva CHADALAVADA ; Arvind UMARANI ; Shankargouda PATIL
Asian Spine Journal 2024;18(6):794-802
Methods:
Twenty-four patients with AIS (Cobb >65°) underwent surgery at a single center between January 2014 and December 2021. The first 10 patients underwent surgery using only IOT (T group), whereas the subsequent 14 patients underwent surgery with a combination of IOT and PO (TP group).
Results:
The mean preoperative Cobb angles in the T and TP groups were 89.35°±6.05° and 92.32°±9.28°, respectively (p=0.59). The mean flexibility index (FI) of the T and TP groups were 0.31±0.016 and 0.36±0.03, respectively (p=0.41). The mean postoperative Cobb angle in the T and TP groups were 40.25°±5.95° and 19.1°±3.20°, respectively (p=0.041). Apical vertebral rotation improved from mean grade 3.2 (2–4) to grade 2.6 (1–3) in the T group and from mean grade 3.6 (2–4) to mean grade 1.8 (1–3) in the TP group. Postoperatively, the mean thoracic kyphosis was 13.84°±2.10° and 21.02°±1.68° in T and TP groups (p=0.044). Transient signal-loss intraoperatively was noted in two patients, one in each group. No episodes of postoperative neurological deficits were reported. No incidences of pseudarthrosis/implant-related complications were reported at the end of 2 years in either group.
Conclusions
IOT and PO complement one another and can be safely combined without an attributable risk of neurological injury.
7.Optimising deformity correction: a retrospective comparative analysis of two techniques in high magnitude curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Arvind Gopalrao KULKARNI ; Priyambada KUMAR ; Thonangi YESHWANTH ; Sharvari GUNJOTIKAR ; Praveen GOPARAJU ; Yogesh Madhavrao ADBALWAD ; Aditya Raghavendra Sai Siva CHADALAVADA ; Arvind UMARANI ; Shankargouda PATIL
Asian Spine Journal 2024;18(6):794-802
Methods:
Twenty-four patients with AIS (Cobb >65°) underwent surgery at a single center between January 2014 and December 2021. The first 10 patients underwent surgery using only IOT (T group), whereas the subsequent 14 patients underwent surgery with a combination of IOT and PO (TP group).
Results:
The mean preoperative Cobb angles in the T and TP groups were 89.35°±6.05° and 92.32°±9.28°, respectively (p=0.59). The mean flexibility index (FI) of the T and TP groups were 0.31±0.016 and 0.36±0.03, respectively (p=0.41). The mean postoperative Cobb angle in the T and TP groups were 40.25°±5.95° and 19.1°±3.20°, respectively (p=0.041). Apical vertebral rotation improved from mean grade 3.2 (2–4) to grade 2.6 (1–3) in the T group and from mean grade 3.6 (2–4) to mean grade 1.8 (1–3) in the TP group. Postoperatively, the mean thoracic kyphosis was 13.84°±2.10° and 21.02°±1.68° in T and TP groups (p=0.044). Transient signal-loss intraoperatively was noted in two patients, one in each group. No episodes of postoperative neurological deficits were reported. No incidences of pseudarthrosis/implant-related complications were reported at the end of 2 years in either group.
Conclusions
IOT and PO complement one another and can be safely combined without an attributable risk of neurological injury.
8.Optimising deformity correction: a retrospective comparative analysis of two techniques in high magnitude curves in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Arvind Gopalrao KULKARNI ; Priyambada KUMAR ; Thonangi YESHWANTH ; Sharvari GUNJOTIKAR ; Praveen GOPARAJU ; Yogesh Madhavrao ADBALWAD ; Aditya Raghavendra Sai Siva CHADALAVADA ; Arvind UMARANI ; Shankargouda PATIL
Asian Spine Journal 2024;18(6):794-802
Methods:
Twenty-four patients with AIS (Cobb >65°) underwent surgery at a single center between January 2014 and December 2021. The first 10 patients underwent surgery using only IOT (T group), whereas the subsequent 14 patients underwent surgery with a combination of IOT and PO (TP group).
Results:
The mean preoperative Cobb angles in the T and TP groups were 89.35°±6.05° and 92.32°±9.28°, respectively (p=0.59). The mean flexibility index (FI) of the T and TP groups were 0.31±0.016 and 0.36±0.03, respectively (p=0.41). The mean postoperative Cobb angle in the T and TP groups were 40.25°±5.95° and 19.1°±3.20°, respectively (p=0.041). Apical vertebral rotation improved from mean grade 3.2 (2–4) to grade 2.6 (1–3) in the T group and from mean grade 3.6 (2–4) to mean grade 1.8 (1–3) in the TP group. Postoperatively, the mean thoracic kyphosis was 13.84°±2.10° and 21.02°±1.68° in T and TP groups (p=0.044). Transient signal-loss intraoperatively was noted in two patients, one in each group. No episodes of postoperative neurological deficits were reported. No incidences of pseudarthrosis/implant-related complications were reported at the end of 2 years in either group.
Conclusions
IOT and PO complement one another and can be safely combined without an attributable risk of neurological injury.
9.Spontaneous occlusion of a pial arteriovenous fistula after angiography: The role of iodinated contrast media
Seby JOHN ; Tanmoy Kumar MAITI ; Praveen KESAV ; Ashna ARIF ; Syed Irteza HUSSAIN
Journal of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery 2024;26(1):79-84
Intracranial non-galenic pial arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is an extremely rare vascular malformation, where one or more pial arteries feeds directly into a cortical vein without any intervening nidus. Though occasionally they can be asymptomatic, neurological symptoms such as headache, seizure, or focal neurological deficit are more common presenting features. Life threatening or fatal hemorrhage is not uncommon, hence needed to be treated more often than not. Spontaneous occlusion of PAVF is reported only four times before. We report a 49-year-old gentleman, who was diagnosed to have a PAVF, possibly secondary to trauma. He presented 5 months and 22 days from initial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for treatment, and follow-up angiogram showed complete obliteration. He denied any significant event, medication or alternate treatment during this period. His clinical symptoms were stable as well. We postulate iodinated contrast medium induced vasculopathy as a possible cause, which has been described for other vascular pathologies, but never for PAVF.
10.Utility of Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Liver Disease
Anwesha RAY ; Srikanta BASU ; Praveen KUMAR
Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition 2023;26(6):346-354
Purpose:
Approximately 30% of children with chronic liver disease (CLD) are malnourished.However, proper assessment of their nutritional status is difficult. The subjective global nutritional assessment (SGNA) is a comprehensive approach that uses nutrition-focused history and examination, followed by grading of malnourishment. We aimed to study the prevalence of malnutrition in children with CLD using the SGNA tool.
Methods:
This cross-sectional observational study included patients aged <18 years with CLD. Nutritional assessments were recorded using SGNA tool. Conventional anthropometric measurements were performed and corroborated with nutritional status using SGNA tool.
Results:
A total of 85 children with CLD and mean age of 62 months were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of malnourished children according to SGNA was 34%; 22% were moderately malnourished and 12% were severely malnourished. We found statistically significant differences in anthropometric parameters among the three groups. A moderate degree of agreement was found between SGNA and weight-for-age (W/A) (p=0.020), midupper arm circumference (MUAC) (p<0.001), and triceps skin-fold thickness (TSF)-for-age (p=0.029). Furthermore, a fair degree of agreement was found between height-for-age (H/A) (p=0.001) and weight-for-height (W/H) (p<0.001). The sensitivity of W/A for detecting malnutrition was 93%, H/A was 90%, MUAC was 86%, and TSF was 88%. The sensitivity was much lower for W/H and body mass index for age (55% for both).
Conclusion
In our study, more than one-third of children with CLD were malnourished.Nutritional assessment using SGNA is a reliable method for evaluating nutritional status and is significantly correlated with common anthropometric measurements.

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