Exploring patients’ experiences of using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Claudication

TY - JOUR

T1 - Exploring patients’ experiences of using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Claudication

AU - Seenan, Chris

AU - Hill, Stephanie

AU - Abaraogu, Ukachukwu

AU - McSwiggan, Stephen

AU - Roche, Patricia A.

AU - Tan, Chee Wee

AU - Mercer, Tom

AU - Belch, Jill

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2025 The Authors

PY - 2026/3/10

Y1 - 2026/3/10

N2 - Background: Pain associated with claudication in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a key barrier to physical activity, limiting walking ability and impacting quality of life. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) may offer non-pharmacological pain relief and has shown potential to improve walking performance. However, little is known about patients’ experiences using TENS in everyday life. Aim: To explore the lived experience of using TENS at home among individuals with PAD and claudication. Methods: Six participants with PAD and claudication received training in the use of a TENS device for home use during daily walking activities. After four weeks, experiences were explored through a focus group and an individual interview. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes emerged: Pain, Expectations, Usability, and Physical and social functioning. While some participants reported reduced pain and improved walking ability, others expressed disappointment when TENS did not fully meet their expectations. Variability in use and perceived benefit was influenced by prior knowledge, usability challenges, and personal preferences. Conclusions: TENS may support self-management of claudication pain and enhance physical activity in some individuals with PAD. However, managing patient expectations and addressing device usability are essential to optimise outcomes. Healthcare practitioners may play a key role in supporting education, tailoring advice, and evaluating the appropriateness of TENS as part of individualised care plans.

AB - Background: Pain associated with claudication in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a key barrier to physical activity, limiting walking ability and impacting quality of life. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) may offer non-pharmacological pain relief and has shown potential to improve walking performance. However, little is known about patients’ experiences using TENS in everyday life. Aim: To explore the lived experience of using TENS at home among individuals with PAD and claudication. Methods: Six participants with PAD and claudication received training in the use of a TENS device for home use during daily walking activities. After four weeks, experiences were explored through a focus group and an individual interview. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes emerged: Pain, Expectations, Usability, and Physical and social functioning. While some participants reported reduced pain and improved walking ability, others expressed disappointment when TENS did not fully meet their expectations. Variability in use and perceived benefit was influenced by prior knowledge, usability challenges, and personal preferences. Conclusions: TENS may support self-management of claudication pain and enhance physical activity in some individuals with PAD. However, managing patient expectations and addressing device usability are essential to optimise outcomes. Healthcare practitioners may play a key role in supporting education, tailoring advice, and evaluating the appropriateness of TENS as part of individualised care plans.

KW - Claudication

KW - Electrical stimulation

KW - Lived experience

KW - Pain

KW - Peripheral arterial disease

KW - Thematic analysis

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105024871934

U2 - 10.1016/j.jvn.2025.11.004

DO - 10.1016/j.jvn.2025.11.004

M3 - Article

C2 - 41819861

AN - SCOPUS:105024871934

SN - 1062-0303

VL - 44

SP - 30

EP - 37

JO - Journal of Vascular Nursing

JF - Journal of Vascular Nursing

IS - 1

ER -