Objective:

Quantify the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on pain and functional outcomes in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain and identify methodological gaps to guide future geriatric pain trials.

Background:

Chronic pain is highly prevalent in older adults, and pharmacologic options carry risks. Evidence for TENS is mixed, necessitating a focused synthesis in geriatric populations.

Design/Methods:

Systematic review following PRISMA. Databases searched through March 2022 for randomized controlled trials in adults ≥50 years with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Two independent reviewers screened, extracted, and assessed risk of bias. Outcomes included pain intensity and disability; results summarized qualitatively with quantitative synthesis where appropriate.

Results:

Eligible RCTs demonstrated significant reductions in pain with TENS versus control and improvements in disability/function in several trials. No serious adverse events were reported. Heterogeneity in stimulation parameters and outcome measures limited comparability, but overall findings support TENS as a safe, nonpharmacologic adjunct for older adults.

Conclusions:

TENS appears to reduce pain and improve function in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Standardized protocols and larger, geriatric-focused trials are needed to confirm durability, optimize dosing, and identify responders.