The purpose of this study is to examine the acute and chronic effects of high frequency electrical current transfer (frequently called "TECAR") on pain and functional movement in individuals with a musculoskeletal injury or pain. The participants will be assigned into an experimental or a control group and outcome measures will be measured prior to, after, 24 and 48 hours following a single intervention session (Acute effects) as well as 3 and 6 months after the intervention (chronic effects).
The purpose of this study is to examine the acute and chronic effects of high frequency electrical current transfer (frequently called "TECAR") on pain and functional movement in individuals with a musculoskeletal injury or pain. Participants referred for muscle strain injury (hamstring, quadriceps, gastrocnemius) or chronic low back pain will be randomly allocated into one of the three groups: an experimental group (muscle injuries), experimental group (low back pain) and a control group. The project is divided in two phases. In the first phase, the acute effects of TECAR therapy will be examined. Outcome measures will be obtained prior to, after, 24 and 48 hours following a single intervention session. The intervention consists of 20-min electrical energy transfer session (Capacitive mode, 0.5 Mhz radiofrequency, intensity 40%) or a typical transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS, asymmetric biphasic mode, rectangular pulse, f = 80Hz) protocol. In the chronic stage, participants will receive 10 sessions (3 times a week) receiving either protocol while outcome measurements will be obtained before, immediately, 3 and 6 months after the intervention. Analysis of variance designs will be used to compare differences in each outcome between groups at different measurement sessions. The alpha level is set to p \<0.05.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
160
Radiofrequency Electrical Currents (TECAR) will be delivered using a winback system (Winback, Villeneuve-Loubet, France) propagating radiofrequency waves of 448 kHz using metallic electrodes via a coupling medium. Radiofrequencies will be used in the capacitive mode , which aims to treat superficial /soft tissues in the area. The "active" plate will be applied sequentially on the skin in the injured or painful region. The base plate will be located to the other side of the injured body region (for back thigh muscle injuries, for example, the base plate will be located on the frontal thigh area, to close the current circuit. Therapy will be applied for 20 minutes, with a target intensity of 40% and a frequency of 0.5Mhz.
Transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) will be delivered using a Chattanooga Intellect Advanced Combo system (Chattanooga, Hixson, TN 3 7343, USA). Two electrodes will be placed on the skin at a distance so that they cover the entire painful area. The TENS asymmetric biphasic mode (phase 300 ms, frequency 80Hz, continuous cycle) will be applied. The intensity will be adjusted between 0 and 110A, such that it is tolerable by the participant. The total application time will be 20 minutes or equal to that applied for the TECAR group.
Physiotherapy Clinic
Kavala, Greece
RECRUITINGLaboratory of Neuromechanics, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Serres, Greece
RECRUITINGChange in pain Intensity
Visual analogue scale. Scale ranges from 0 to 10. 0 indicates no pain and 10 maximum intensity pain
Time frame: Day before, day 0, day 1, day 2, month 3, month 6
Change in sit and reach test measurement
From supine position, with the feet in contact with a wooden box and the trunk flexed, participants attempt to reach with their hands as far as posible. Score is measured in cm. A higher measurement indicates higher flexibility
Time frame: Day before, day 0, day 1, day 2, month 3, month 6
Change in straight leg raising test
From supine position, the tester raises one leg (with the knee flexed about 10-20 degrees) until discomfort is reported. The range of motion (in degrees) is stored.
Time frame: Day before, day 0, day 1, day 2, month 3, month 6
Change in prone flexibility test
From the prone position, the tester flexes the knee of the participant. The maximum range of motion is stored in degrees
Time frame: Day before, day 0, day 1, day 2, month 3, month 6
Change in Oswestry index score
A questionnaire which provides a score which reflects function in activities of daily living for those with acute or chronic back pain. It consists of 10 categories of questions, with a total sum of 50. Score is expressed as a percentage of 50, where 0% indicates no functional disability and pain. 100% indicates maximum functional disability and pain
Time frame: Day before, day 0, day 1, day 2, month 3, month 6
Change in single leg balance test center of pressure
Displacement of center of pressure during a 30s single-leg standing test on a pressure platform. A greater center of pressure displacement indicates less postural stability.
Time frame: Day before, day 0, day 1, day 2, month 3, month 6
Functional Assessment Scale for Acute Hamstring Injuries (FASH)
A questionnaire for the assessment of hamstring injury severity and its impact on function of injured individuals. The questionnaire consists of 10 items, each given a score from 0 to 10, where 10 represents a high level of physical ability and 0 represents complete disability. Items scores are then added, such that a lowest total score indicates more severe symptoms.
Time frame: Day before, day 0, day 1, day 2, month 3, month 6
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.