Gadsby, J. G., Franks, A., Jarvis, P., & Dewhurst, F. (1997). Acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation within palliative care: a pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 5, 13–18.

Acupuncture-like transelectrical nerve stimulation (AL-TENS) with low-frequency, high-intensity stimulation using acupuncture points for emesis and analgesia was delivered by a nurse practitioner in five consecutive daily treatments. The study was divided into three groups:  AL-TENS, standard care, and standard care plus placebo.

• The study included 15 adults with multiple cancer diagnoses admitted for symptom control for pain or nausea and vomiting.
• Complete data were collected for 13 participants.
• Age ranged from 38 to 74 years.
• Of the participants, 14 were female, all were Caucasian, and three were in the end-of-life phase of care.

• Hospice
• United Kingdom

The study was a pilot study and a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

• European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) fatigue subscale at baseline and day six (posttreatment)
• Pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Quality of life (QOL)

• High baseline levels of electrical resistance were observed.
• Fatigue decreased compared to the controls.

No significant differences were observed, but the study was underpowered and groups were not equivalent in symptoms at baseline.

• The very small sample led to a lack of power and inability to control covariates.
• Groups were not equivalent in baseline symptoms.
• The power estimates for QOL seemed inaccurate.
• No information was provided related to patient tolerance of treatment or adverse events.

Nurses should be trained in the use of AL-TENS and identification of acupuncture points. Future trials focused on fatigue are recommended.