Fisher, W. W., Bowman, L. G., Thompson, R. H., Contrucci, S. A., Burd, L., & Alon, G. (1998).
Reductions in self-injury produced by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
31, 493-496.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is used to reduce
pain but also may be useful for self-injurious behavior (SIB). In
the current investigation, a microcurrent electromedical device,
classified as a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator
(TENS), was applied with a man with Down syndrome who displayed
SIB that persisted in the absence of social contingencies.
Although clinically significant results were not maintained, a
clear difference in the rates of SIB during active and inactive
TENS was observed.
DESCRIPTORS: automatic reinforcement, self-injuriousbehavior,
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation