Application of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer in Physiotherapeutic Clinical Practice and Sports

Effects of monopolar pulsed-capacitive dielectric radiofrequency diathermy in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomised clinical trial

Monopolar capacitive diathermy is a physiotherapy technique that uses high-frequency currents to generate heat in deep tissues. This heat can have several therapeutic effects, especially in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP), however, until now there is little evidence of this type of diathermy. The purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of a pulsed monopolar dielectric radiofrequency diathermy (PRF)-capacitive type versus simulated treatment on symptomatology of patients with CLBP. A single-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted. Sixty patients with CLBP were randomly assigned to a PRF-capacitive or a simulated treatment group. All participants received 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks. Disability, pain intensity, movement phobia, lumbar anteflexion, quality of life, and sleep quality were assessed at baseline, after treatment, and at two months. The application of 9 sessions of PRF-capacitive showed significant improvements compared to simulated therapy during the entire follow-up for disability (F = 26.99, p < 0.001), pain intensity (F = 0.550, p < 0.001), the quality of life components of physical function (F = 0.780, p < 0.001), social function (F = 0.780, p < 0.001) and mental health (F = 0.858, p = 0.003) and for sleep duration (F = 0.863, p = 0.004).

V-EMF therapy: A new painless and completely non-invasive treatment for striae gravidarum

BACKGROUND

The appearance of striae gravidarum (SG) during pregnancy is a common problem. The most common SG are abdominal striae, which can cause the greatest sequelae after pregnancy, and in the long term. There are several solutions to prevent and treat these striae, but not all are completely effective, and not without side effects.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment that applies an electromagnetic field under vacuum (V-EMF therapy) on the abdominal SG.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 26 women affected by abdominal SG and treated with V-EMF therapy. The results were evaluated using two different 5-point Likert Scales: one administered to the treated subjects to evaluate their satisfaction, and one to the doctors who performed the treatment, to evaluate the improvement of the striae. The presence of side effects, and the effects of sun exposure after treatment were also considered.

RESULTS

Only two treated subjects rated their level of satisfaction with a Score III on the Liker Scale. Everyone else expressed higher levels of satisfaction. Only one doctor rated the improvement of the striae with a Liker scale score of III. All the others reported greater improvements. No discomfort or side effects were noted either during the individual treatment sessions, or at the end of the treatment. The striae showed a newfound ability to tan.

CONCLUSIONS

V-EMF therapy proves to be a valid, safe, and effective treatment modality for SG.

Efficacy of capacitive-resistive therapy on the treatment of myofascial pain - A randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

Myofascial pain syndrome is a painful musculoskeletal condition with muscle spasm, referred pain, stiffness, restricted range of motion. Capacitive-resistive diathermy heats deep tissues by transferring energy through radiofrequency waves. Although this modality is used to treat various musculoskeletal disorders, there is no specific data on myofascial trigger points. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of capacitive-resistive diathermy on the myofascial trigger points.

METHODS

Thirty-six volunteers with active myofascial trigger points were included. Patients were randomly and equally allocated into two groups. Group-1 is the capacitive-resistive diathermy treatment group; Group-2 is the placebo capacitive-resistive diathermy (PG). Visual analog scale (VAS), pain pressure threshold (PPT), neck disability index (NDI), neck range of motion (nROM), Short form-36 (SF-36) were used as outcomes before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

In both groups, VAS, PPT, NDI score significantly improved within the groups (p < 0.05). The CRG showed a statistically significant improvement in nROM for flexion, extension, and rotation (p < 0.05). However, ROM increase in CRG is not superior to PG (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference between the two groups. We thought positive results in the PG might attributed to doing exercise. As a result, capacitive-resistive diathermy is not superior to exercise, but can be used as an adjuvant modality in myofascial trigger points treatment.

The Use of Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer in Postpartum Pain Management in Women after Perineal Trauma

Perineal pain occurs in 97% of women with episiotomy or first- and second-degree perineal tears on the first day after delivery. The study aimed to assess the impact of capacitive and resistive energy transfer (TECAR) on perineal pain and discomfort in the first two postpartum days. The prospective randomized double-blind study was performed with the pain and discomfort assessment using the Visual Analogue Scale at baseline and after both TECAR interventions. Characteristics data, delivery information, and the number of painkillers taken were collected. The assumed significance level was α < 0.05. The study included 121 women with a mean age of 30.7 ± 4.2 years and a median BMI of 26.1 kg/m2 (24.1; 28.9). Pain reduction at rest, when walking, and discomfort reduction when walking were significantly higher in the TECAR group compared to the sham group (p < 0.05). After the first TECAR intervention, significant reduction in all measured parameters was observed in the study group (p < 0.03), whereas in the control group, it was observed in pain and discomfort while sitting (p < 0.04). The amount of ibuprofen taken on the second day was significantly reduced in the study group compared to the first day (p = 0.004). TECAR has been shown to provide more immediate and significant reduction in perineal pain and discomfort.

The Efficacy of Electromagnetic Diathermy for the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to establish the effect of electromagnetic diathermy therapies (e.g., shortwave, microwave, capacitive resistive electric transfer) on pain, function, and quality of life in treating musculoskeletal disorders.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA statement and Cochrane Handbook 6.3. The protocol has been registered in PROSPERO: CRD42021239466. The search was conducted in PubMed, PEDro, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and CINAHL.

RESULTS

We retrieved 13,323 records; 68 studies were included. Many pathologies were treated with diathermy against placebo, as a standalone intervention or alongside other therapies. Most of the pooled studies did not show significant improvements in the primary outcomes. While the analysis of single studies shows several significant results in favour of diathermy, all comparisons considered had a GRADE quality of evidence between low and very low.

CONCLUSIONS

The included studies show controversial results. Most of the pooled studies present very low quality of evidence and no significant results, while single studies have significant results with a slightly higher quality of evidence (low), highlighting a critical lack of evidence in the field. The results did not support the adoption of diathermy in a clinical context, preferring therapies supported by evidence.

Short-Term Efficacy of Capacitive-Resistive Electrical Transfer Therapy in Short-Haired Sled Dogs in Middle-Distance Competition

Achieving the successful recovery of sled dogs is one of the key tasks for veterinary teams involved in clinical care for middle-distance sled dog competitions. This study compares the efficacy of capacitive-resistive electrical transfer (CRet) with that of massage in the treatment of lower back pain in 40 short-haired sled dogs during a medium-distance snow sled race (Lekkarod^TM-2021). The dogs were divided into two groups: a CRet group (20 dogs) and a massage group (20 dogs). All subjects received a single 18 min treatment session and were evaluated one hour after the end of the treatment. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed in which pre- and post-treatment pain measures were evaluated in relation to age and type of treatment. Older dogs were found to have higher significant pain scores before starting treatment. Both treatments reduce pain short-term in all cases. However, post-treatment pain values were significantly lower in dogs treated with CRet when compared to dogs treated with massage. The results show that capacitive-resistive electrical transfer has better short-term results and is beneficial in both younger and older dogs, making this technique attractive to veterinary teams working in canine sporting competitions.

Vacuum and Electromagnetic Fields Treatment to Regenerate a Diffuse Mature Facial Scar Caused by Sulfuric Acid Assault

Acid attacks are on the rise, and they cause extensive and deep burns, especially on the face. The treatments used to improve the aesthetic, functional and social impact of non-acid scars do not always prove useful for acid scars. This article reports the case of a woman with an extended, mature, acid facial scar, caused by sulfuric acid assault, treated with a recent new procedure that combines the application of vacuum and electromagnetic fields. Before and after the treatment, the aesthetic appearance, and motor function of the face and neck were evaluated, as well as the level of hydration, the amount of sebum, the elasticity, and the pH of the skin. The improvements highlighted after the treatment of the aesthetic and functional characteristics of the face and neck, and of the physical parameters of the skin seemed to indicate that this particular treatment induces tissue regeneration, even in the nerve component. However, it is evident that the rehabilitation pathways of facial wounds and scars must be personalized, and must include continuous psychological support for the patient.

Effects of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer on Sports Performance in Paralympic Swimmers: A Stopped Randomized Clinical Trial

Throughout history a variety of therapeutic tools have been studied as possible enhancers of sports activities. This study proposes the use of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer (CRET) as a performance booster to paralympic athletes, specifically those belonging to the Spanish Paralympic swimming committee. The study was a randomized, single-blind, and observer-blind, crossover clinical trial. Six athletes were randomly assigned to three groups: one treated with CRET (A); a placebo group (B) and a control group (C). The CRET group attended a twenty-minute session before being subjected to pool trials at distances of 50 and 100 m at maximum performance. Measurements were in two dimensions: time in seconds and the Borg scale for perceived exertion. Comparisons between groups were made with respect to distance and the main variables. In the case of perceived exertion, no significant changes were observed in any of the distances; however, in the case of the time variable, a significant difference was observed between Group A vs. Personal Record at 100 m distance (76.3 ± 6.8 vs. 68.4 ± 3.3). The proposed protocol and level of hyperthermia applied suggest refusal of CRET use for the 100-m distance a few minutes before sports practice. Our analysis suggests the need to modify the presented protocol. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier under NCT number: NCT04336007.

TECAR Therapy Associated with High-Intensity Laser Therapy (Hilt) and Manual Therapy in the Treatment of Muscle Disorders: A Literature Review on the Theorised Effects Supporting Their Use

Background: It has been estimated that between 30 and 50 per cent of all injuries that take place throughout participation in a sport are the consequence of soft tissue injuries, and muscle injuries are the primary cause of physical disability. Methods: The current literature review was designed between October 2021 and April 2022, according to the PRISMA standards, using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. At the screening stage, we eliminated articles that did not fit into the themes developed in all subchapters of the study (n = 70), articles that dealt exclusively with orthopaedics (n = 34), 29 articles because the articles had only the abstract visible, and 17 articles that dealt exclusively with other techniques for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The initial search revealed 343 titles in the databases, from which 56 duplicate articles were automatically removed, and 2 were added from other sources. Results: The combination of these three techniques results in the following advantages: It increases joint mobility, especially in stiff joints, it increases the range of motion, accelerates tissue repair, improves tissue stability, and extensibility, and it reduces soft tissue inflammation (manual therapy). In addition, it decreases the concentration of pro-inflammatory mediators and improves capillary permeability, resulting in the total eradication of inflammation (HILT). It warms the deep tissues, stimulates vascularity, promotes the repose of tissues (particularly muscle tissue), and stimulates drainage (TECAR). Conclusions: TECAR therapy, combined with manual therapy and High-Intensity Laser therapy in treating muscle diseases, presented optimal collaboration in the recovery process of all muscle diseases.

The Thermal Influence of an Electromagnetic Field with a Radio Frequency Depending on the Type of Electrode Used

Diathermy is a method used in physiotherapy based on obtaining an increase in temperature by supplying energy from the electromagnetic field to the tissues. The aim of this retrospective work, based on the data included in a medical documentation, was to assess the dynamics of temperature changes on the body surface after the application of a high-frequency electromagnetic field depending on the type of electrode used. In order to generate a radio frequency electromagnetic field, an INDIBA ACTIV^® CT9 was used. In order to measure the temperature, an HT-17 thermovision camera was used, enabling measurements within the range of -20 to 300 °C, with an accuracy of ±2% or 2 °C. The participants consisted of 30 healthy subjects (15 women and 15 men) who were physiotherapy students in the Faculty of Public Health in the Silesian Medical University in Katowice, Poland; they were divided into two comparative groups (A and B). It was found that the differences between the groups were not significant in the measurements carried out before using the electrode (p = 0.84; Mann-Whitney U test). On the other hand, at 0, 5 and 15 min, statistically significant differences were noted in the tissue temperature between the groups, depending on the electrode used (p = 0.00; Mann-Whitney U test). Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that with the extension of the observation time, the tissue temperature increased (for Group A, Me 30.40 °C vs. 34.90 °C; for Group B, Me 30.70 °C vs. 35.20 °C). Our study confirmed that the use of both a capacitive and resistive electrode during treatment with the use of a high-frequency electromagnetic field statistically significantly increased the surface temperature of the area to which the therapy was applied. The results of the study can be used in clinical practice by physiotherapists to optimize the conditions of therapy.

The Effect of Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer Intervention on Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness Induced by Eccentric Exercise

This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of capacitive and resistive electric transfer (CRet) intervention on eccentrically damaged muscle. A total of 28 healthy and sedentary male volunteers were randomly allocated to either CRet intervention or control groups. The participants performed a bout of eccentric exercise of the knee extensors with the dominant leg and received 30 min of CRet intervention of the quadriceps 48 h after the exercise. The dependent variables for the analysis were knee flexion range of motion (ROM), muscle soreness and maximum voluntary isometric (MVC-ISO), and concentric contraction (MVC-CON) torque of the knee extensors. These were measured prior to exercise (baseline) and before and after CRet intervention (48 h after the exercise). The results showed that knee flexion ROM, muscle strength (MVC-ISO and MVC-CON), and muscle soreness significantly improved after CRet intervention. CRet intervention may improve muscle soreness and loss of muscle function in an eccentrically damaged muscle.