Research published in the European Journal of Pain provides initial clinical evidence for the use of OMRON TENS technology as potential knee pain management treatment to support daily activities
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL, March 11, 2022 – Promising news for those suffering from mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis. A new published study by the European Pain Federation and supported by universities across the U.S., assessed positive effectiveness of the OMRON Focus™ TENS Therapy for Knee (PM-710) device on reducing pain for individuals with mild-to-moderate knee “wear and tear.” Researchers found that, when applied during functional tests, such as stair climbing and walking, the OMRON Focus TENS Therapy for Knee was effective in inducing measurable pain relief.
“OMRON TENS devices are reviewed by the FDA, cleared as medical devices, and have been used by medical professionals such as physical therapists and chiropractors for over 40 years to provide drug-free pain relief. Currently, 19% of American adults aged 45-years and older have knee osteoarthritis, and this has doubled in prevalence since the mid-20th century1, serving as a contributing factor to why so many people have knee replacement surgeries each year. This new pilot study sets the seeds for clinical proof points of our pain management technology and how we can help the millions who suffer from knee discomfort,” said OMRON Healthcare President and CEO, Ranndy Kellogg.
The study was conducted at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, comprised of 20 volunteers ages 45+, and consisted of multiple visits over the course of six weeks. All participants wore either an active or inactive OMRON TENS device and did not know the difference. Before and after each test, knee pain was self-assessed and submitted for statistical analysis. Study participants performed multiple functional tests, including:
- The Stair Climb test – Researchers evaluated the ability of participants to ascend and descend an 11-step stairway as fast as possible.
- The Timed Up and Go test – Researchers evaluated participants’ mobility, strength, balance, and agility as they stood up, walked a distance, and sat down.
- The Six-Minute Walk test – Researchers evaluated participants’ endurance, functional performance, and ability to walk for six minutes.
- Knee Extensor Strength test – Researchers assessed muscle strength as participants were seated with hips and knees flexed at 90-degrees and extended their knee for five seconds.
- The Locomotive Syndrome Risk test – Researchers assessed participants’ walking ability, muscle strength, balance, and flexibility of the lower limbs as they took two long steps (as long as possible) and then aligned both their feet.
Test results showed that knee pain experienced during daily activities such as stair climbing and short walks was significantly lower for study participants who wore an active OMRON TENS unit, compared with those who wore an inactive TENS unit. These results show that OMRON TENS can be a viable alternative to help manage pain and reduce or eliminate the need for pain medication.
For more information on OMRON’s Focus TENS Therapy for Knee or other OMRON TENS devices, visit https://omronhealthcare.com/tens-units/.
About OMRON Healthcare, Inc.
OMRON Healthcare, Inc., is the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of personal heart health products, and an innovator in technologies supporting respiratory and pain management care. With more than 50 years of medical device category leadership, OMRON is passionate about empowering people to take charge of their health at home through precise technology. Its market-leading products include a full-range of home blood pressure monitors, nebulizers and TENS devices. The company’s mission is Going for Zero, the elimination of heart attacks and strokes. For more information, visit OmronHealthcare.com.
Media Contact:
Elizabeth Epstein
MWW for OMRON Healthcare, Inc
[email protected]
(847) 601-4920
- Wallace, I. J., Worthington, S., Felson, D. T., Jurmain, R. D., Wren, K. T., Maijanen, H., Woods, R. J., & Lieberman, D. E. (2017). Knee osteoarthritis has doubled in prevalence since the mid20th century. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(35), 9332–9336. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1703856114
