J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2007 Dec;31(6):694-698.

The Effect of Cold Spray on Reducing Pain during Needle Electromyography

• Seok H
• Lee YK
• Kim SH
• Kim DH
• Kim JL
• Kim TH

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of cold spray (Ethyl chloride) on reducing pain during needle electromyography (EMG). METHOD: Seventy-six adults, who had experienced needle electromyographic examination, were studied. They were randomly assigned to either experimental or control group. In experimental group, cold spray was applied to needling point of examining muscles before each needle examination. In control group, needle examination was performed without pre-treatment. The intensity of pain was assessed by the Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Verbal rating scale (VRS). Denial to re-examination was evaluated after EMG study.
RESULTS
The VAS, VRS and denial to re-examination were significantly lower in experimental group (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The application of cold spray before needle examination decreased the intensity of pain and denial to re-examination.

Keyword

Cold spray; Needle electromyography; Pain

MeSH Terms

Adult
Denial (Psychology)
Electromyography*
Humans
Muscles
Needles*