Electromagnetic Field Therapy: A Rehabilitative Perspective in the Management of Musculoskeletal Pain - A Systematic Review.
Teresa Paolucci, Letizia Pezzi, Antonello Marco Centra...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32606905Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years - 65Years
All Genders
ID05345015
Acute and Chronic Effects of High Frequency RF Electrical Current on Pain and Muscle Function in Individuals With Musculoskeletal Pain
Led by Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki · Updated on 2026-04-21
200
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
82 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how high-frequency electrical current transfer, also known as TECAR therapy, affects pain and movement in people with muscle injuries or pain. The study looks at both immediate (acute) effects after one session and long-term (chronic) effects after multiple sessions over several months. It focuses on individuals with acute hamstring strains, acute low back pain, or chronic low back pain, comparing TECAR to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and a control group without active treatment. Participants receive different treatments based on their group assignment. In the acute phase, participants with hamstring or low back pain get a single 20-minute session of either TECAR or TENS, or no active treatment for the control group. In the chronic phase, participants with hamstring injuries or chronic low back pain receive 10 sessions, three times per week, of either TECAR or TENS. TECAR uses a device applying radiofrequency energy at 0.5 MHz and 40-60% intensity, while TENS uses electrical nerve stimulation at 80 Hz. During the study, participants undergo several assessments including pain intensity, flexibility tests, and disability scores at various times: before treatment, immediately after, and at follow-ups up to six months. Researchers monitor changes using tools like the Visual Analogue Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and flexibility tests. The study also tracks functional assessments and balance tests. Statistical analyses will evaluate the differences between groups over time to understand both immediate and lasting effects of these therapies.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
High Frequency RF Current Effects on Muscle Pain and Function
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years - 65Years
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age over 18 years and up to 65 years
- Amateur soccer players or sprinters with regular, systematic training (for muscle injury group)
- Suspected Grade I or II hamstring strain (for muscle injury group)
- Pain located between lower ribs and gluteal folds with intensity ≥ 6/10 (for acute low back pain group)
- Pain occurred on fewer than half of the days over the preceding six months (for acute low back pain group)
- Episodes of low back pain for at least half of the days during the last 6 months with pain intensity ≥ 20% (for chronic low back pain group)
- Discontinuation of NSAIDs or analgesics 1 day prior to and 48 hours after measurements (for low back pain groups)
- No surgical intervention in the previous year (for initial muscle injury assessment)
You will not qualify if you...
- History of injury to the same muscle (ipsilateral side) within the last 6 months (for muscle injury)
- Other injury to the posterior thigh
- Other injuries or chronic pain in trunk or lower limbs
- Use of NSAIDs in the 3 months prior to injury
- Radiographic evidence of inflammatory spine disease
- Spinal fracture or significant genetic structural abnormality of the spine
- Pregnancy
- Psychiatric disorders
- Receipt of systemic medication or treatment in the last 3 months
- Presence of neurological deficits (sensory, motor, or reflexes)
- Receipt of TENS or TECAR therapy within the last year
- Spinal stenosis, vertebral fracture, spondylolisthesis, or spondylolytic lesion (for chronic low back pain)
- Daily, severe low back pain
- Use of medications affecting heart rate or blood pressure (for chronic low back pain)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Acute Treatment
Duration - 2 days
Participants with acute hamstring strain or acute low back pain receive a single 20-minute session of high-frequency electrical current transfer (TECAR), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or no active intervention. Outcome measures are collected at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at 24 and 48 hours.
1 baseline visit and 3 follow-up visits over 48 hours
Chronic Treatment
Duration - Approximately 3 to 4 weeks
Participants with hamstring injuries or chronic low back pain receive 10 sessions of TECAR or TENS therapy, administered 3 times per week. Outcome measurements are taken before and immediately after the treatment period.
10 treatment visits (in-person) plus 2 assessment visits
Chronic Follow-up
Duration - 6 months
Participants are monitored at 3 and 6 months after completing the chronic treatment sessions to assess long-term changes in pain and muscle function.
2 follow-up visits
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Physiotherapy Clinic
Kavala, Greece, 64100
Actively Recruiting
2
Laboratory of Neuromechanics, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Serres, Greece, 62100
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
E
Eleftherios Kellis, Ph.D.
A
Anna Kellis, MSc
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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