Mid- and Long-Term Results Using 448 kHz Stimulation on the Elasticity of the Supraspinatus Tendon Measured by Quantitative Ultrasound Elastographyin Badminton Professionals: Prospective Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial with Nine Months of Follow-Up

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyse the changes that occur in the elasticity of the supraspinatus tendon after the application of a 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (CRMR) at 3, 6 and 9 months in professional badminton players. A randomized double-blinded clinical trial that included 9 months of follow-up was used. A private care practice was used to recruit the participants of this study. They were randomly assigned either the CRMR treatment (n = 19) or the placebo treatment (n = 19). The experimental group received a total of nine treatments of 448 kHz CRMR divided into three treatments per week. The control group received the same regimen but with no radiofrequency. Quantitative ultrasound strain elastography was used to report the main values for three areas of the supraspinatus tendon. These were measured at the start (T1) and directly after (T2), one week after, (T3), three months after (T4), six months after (T5) and nine months after (T6) the completion of the intervention program. There were statistically significant differences in the supraspinatus tendon elasticity immediately after (p ≤ 0.001), one week after (p ≤ 0.001) and three months after (p = 0.01) the intervention program. No significant changes were found six or nine months after the intervention program. A three-week intervention program using 448 kHz produced significant changes in the elasticity of the supraspinatus tendon, with the changes lasting up to approximately three months when compared to the control group.

Association between elasticity of tissue and pain pressure threshold in the tender points present in subjects with fibromyalgia: a cross-sectional study

“…Previous studies have described using SEL in different organs, such as liver fibrosis, breast, thyroid, prostate, kidney and lymph node or low back pain 13 , 34 , 35 . In this regard, SEL has been used to analyse the effectiveness of different interventions such as radiofrequency 27 , 36 ;radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy 37 , manual therapy 38 and conservative physical therapy 39 , 40 in diverse pathologies. Additionally, there is a previous study in which SEL was used to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation on tissues in patients with FM 27 .…”

Patellar Tendon Elasticity and Temperature Following after a 448 Kilohertz Radiofrequency Intervention on Active Healthy Subjects: An Open Controlled Clinical Trial

“…The determination of the sample size was conducted using the EPIDAT software, a publicly accessible tool designed to support data management for epidemiologists and healthcare practitioners. Building upon insights from prior investigations concerning shoulder tendons [ 19 , 20 ], and considering an envisaged mean difference of 1.1 mm in tendon thickness, along with a corresponding standard deviation of 1.0 mm, and a predefined significance level of α = 0.05, a robust statistical analysis involving t tests projected a requisite sample size of n = 19 for each group, thereby ensuring a statistical power of 90%.…”

“…The patellar tendon was located using the kneecap as the upper border and the tuberosity of the tibia as the lower border [ 24 ]. The selected image featured 5 green bars, with this indicating the highest level of quality recommended by the inbuilt software in the computer [ 19 , 24 ]. Four circular 5 mm regions, which ranged from the kneecap to the tibial tuberosity, were used to calculate the SEL value along the patellar tendon (see Figure 2 ).…”

“…Each participant was positioned in a supine posture with their knees flexed at an angle of 20 degrees [18]. Utilizing the INDIBA ® Activ 8 apparatus, characterized by a peak power of 200 W and 450 VA, continuous radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (CRMR) at 448 kHz was administered, consistent with previous investigations [19]. Electrodes composed of metal, which served as conductors, were employed to transmit capacitive (CAP) and resistive (RES) waves, facilitated by a coupling medium.…”

“…Radiofrequency adaptations to hyperthermia are based on vasodilation, which causes increased local blood perfusion and reduced muscle tension and spasm, increasing oxygen and nutrients as well as accelerating the healing process [ 18 ]. CRMR shows an ability to improve pain, function, and quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, especially spinal disorders and knee osteoarthritis [ 17 , 19 ].…”