Treatment using 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency improves pain and function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Objective This study investigated whether capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (CRMRF)-based treatment improves pain and function among patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Design and setting Three-group randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, participant blinding and intention-to-treat analysis. Forty-five patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis, from the waiting list for physiotherapy at a local hospital were enrolled. Intervention Participants in the active and sham groups received eight sessions of CRMRF and sham-CRMRF respectively over four weeks, along with standard care. The control group received standard care only. Assessment Pain and function were measured at four time points: week zero (baseline), week four (post intervention), week eight and week 16 (two follow-ups) using visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index, timed up and go (TUG) test and knee range of motion (ROM). Results For pain (VAS), there were clinically significant changes in the active group at post treatment compared to sham (Mean difference: 0.79 (95% CI: 0.29 to 1.3), effect size: 1.3) and control (Mean difference: 0.82 (95% CI: 0.32 to 1.3), effect size: 1.5), and at one-month follow-up compared to control (Mean difference: 0.68 (95% CI: 0.10 to 1.3), effect size: 1.1). For function (WOMAC), there was clinically significant change in the active group at post treatment compared to control (Mean difference: 1.3 (95% CI: 0.02 to 2.6), effect size: 0.94), but not compared to sham. No meaningful differences were noted for TUG or knee ROM. No differences were noted at three-month follow-up for any outcomes. Conclusion CRMRF treatment can improve pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis in the short term.

Implementation and assessment of a self‐ and community‐based rehabilitation programme in patients with haemophilia from Côte d’Ivoire

“…Previously, randomized controlled trials have compared the natural evolution of the 6MWT (more frequently studied than the 2MWT) and the TUG among control groups that did not receive intervention treatment. Similar, improved or impaired performances in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA), subjects with chronic rheumatoid arthritis, healthy children or children with haemophilia have been reported for the 6MWT and the TUG . Because our study did not include a control group, we cannot attribute the functional improvement solely to the programme, although the improvements reported in these former studies were much smaller than those recorded in ours.…”

Posterior thigh thermal skin adaptations to radiofrequency treatment at 448 kHz applied with or without Indiba^® fascia treatment tools

“…Radiofrequency treatment is a therapeutic approach used in the treatment of most musculoskeletal and sports injuries. One of the most effective radiofrequency treatments is Indiba ® Activ treatment at 448 kHz, a frequency that has been associated with pain reduction and improved functionality in patients with musculoskeletal disorders [2][3][4] . This wavelength promotes ion mobilisation between the intracellular and extracellular matrix and restores cell membrane permeability.…”

Response of neuroblastoma cells to RF currents as a function of the signal frequency

“…Due to Joule’s effect the RF current generates a thermal increase in the tissues that is a function of a number of physical and physiological parameters, including the specific impedance of each tissue [1, 2]. Hyperthermia induced by RF and microwave signals, either modulated or not, has been successfully applied in physiotherapeutic treatments for pain relief [3] or recovery of muscle, tendon and joint tissues [4–6], as well as in oncological treatments [7–10]. In the case of RF currents used in CRET therapies, in vitro experimental evidence exists providing some evidence on their potential applicability in oncology.…”