Short Wave Therapy Research Articles

Non-Surgical Electromagnetic and Thermal Therapies for Chronic Lower Back Pain

Objective: The objective of this review article is to analyze the efficacy and safety of non-surgical electromagnetic and thermal therapies in managing chronic lower back pain. The review will focus on modalities such as short-wave therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and diathermy, assessing their clinical outcomes and practical implications in treating this prevalent condition. Theoretical Framework: Electromagnetic and thermal therapies represent non-invasive alternatives for treating chronic lower back pain. Diathermy, using electric currents, generates heat that improves circulation and reduces muscle stiffness. Therapeutic ultrasound and short-wave therapy penetrate deep tissues, increasing blood flow and stimulating healing. These modalities are promising options for patients who avoid surgery, reducing pain and enhancing functionality without significant risks. Method: A systematic review was conducted by consulting major scientific databases to identify studies on non-surgical electromagnetic and thermal therapies applied to the treatment of chronic lower back pain. Using specific keywords, recent articles exploring these techniques were collected. This analysis allowed for the consolidation of information on the efficacy of these therapies and highlighted areas needing further investigation, reinforcing evidence-based clinical practice. Results and Discussion: The systematic review shows that non-surgical electromagnetic and thermal therapies are effective in relieving chronic lower back pain, with studies highlighting improvements in pain and functionality. However, variability in treatment protocols underscores the need for standardization to enhance comparability and replicability of results. Further research is essential to elucidate underlying mechanisms and improve clinical practices.

Pulsed shortwave electromagnetic field therapy increases quality of life in canines with symptoms of osteoarthritics.

Joint stiffness, lameness and reduced activity levels are common inflammatory responses observed in canines and have significant impact on quality of life (QOL). The symptoms are often ascribed to osteoarthritis (OA), for which the standard treatment is systemic anti-inflammatories, but pharmacologic intervention can have significant short-term and long-term side effects. Test the efficacy of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT) device as a means to modulate vagus nerve activity and initiate a systemic anti-inflammatory response to determine its ability to improve functionality and the QOL of canines with inflammatory symptoms commonly associated with OA. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled 14-day study of 60 dogs with a presumptive prior diagnosis of OA in at least one limb joint. Two outcomes assessing changes in the dog's QOL and functionality were measured: subjectively determined changes in eight behaviours associated with discomfort and objectively determined changes in passive range of motion (PROM). The device was secured near the cervico-thoracic region of the dog's spine. PROM measures were taken at baseline and at the end of study. Behavioural measures were taken daily. Forty-nine animals completed the study. No negative side effects were reported. Average subjective discomfort scores for the treatment group (N=26) were reduced from 3.74 to 2.10 (44%), compared to no improvement in the placebo group (N=23) over the study period (p=0.0001). Average PROM scores increased by 5.51 (4.59-6.23) degrees relative to the placebo group (p<0.01). Ninety-six per cent of the treatment group showed either increased PROM or improved behavioural changes or both, compared to 4% for the placebo group (p<0.01). Most changes occurred within the first 8 days of treatment. PSWT applied at the level of the cervico-thoracic spine to target the vagus nerve may have the potential to improve QOL in dogs manifesting behaviours commonly associated with OA.

Hiệu quả kết hợp sóng ngắn, xoa bóp bấm huyệt, điện châm và kéo giãn cột sống trong điều trị thoát vị đĩa đệm cột sống thắt lưng

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment of lumbar disc herniation of grades I, II, and III by shortwave therapy, acupressure massage, electro-acupuncture, and traction therapy. Methods: Controlled clinical trial on 105 patients with lumbar disc herniation grade I, II, and III identified on MRI (35 patients in each group) treated at the Join Vietnam-Russia Tropical Science and Technology Centre from April 2021 to May 2022. Results: The time treatment average of the group using a combination of shortwave therapy, acupressure massage, electro-acupuncture, and traction therapy (NC1) was 17.6 days, which was shorter than that of the NC2 group 3.29 days (95%CI: 1.74 - 4.74) and shorter than time treatment of the NC3 group 5.57 days (95%CI: 3.5 - 7.56). After the intervention, the study group's VAS, and ODI indexes improved better than the control group (p&lt;0.01). The NC1 group had a lower risk of pain recurrence than the NC2 group, and the NC3 group (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The four treatment methods reduced treatment duration, improved pain symptoms, better disability, and a lower risk of pain recurrence after treatment.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Local Corticosteroid Injection in Periarthritis Shoulder: A Prospective, Randomized, Open, Blinded End-Point (PROBE) Study.

BackgroundPeriarthritis or frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is characterized by stiffness and pain along with gradual loss of active and passive movement in the glenohumeral joint. More than 2-5% of the population suffers from periarthritis with a higher incidence in the age group of 40-60 years. The various treatment modalities used for its management include simple physiotherapy, short-wave therapy, ultrasonic therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, hydrotherapy, analgesics, intra-articular injections, manipulation under general anesthesia (MUA), and surgical management. The application of intra-articular steroid injection has been a common and efficacious option in rapidly diminishing shoulder pain and disability. Some recent studies reported a better outcome using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in frozen shoulder cases. Hence, this randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of intra-articular injections of PRP and triamcinolone in patients of shoulder periarthritis in a population from the eastern region of IndiaMethodologyA total of 60 patients with periarthritis shoulder were allocated into two groups after randomization. Group A received 2 mL autologous PRP, and Group B received 2 mL of triamcinolone (40 mg/mL) intra-articular injection. Patients were followed up on the 4th week, 12th week, and 24th week. The assessment of pain and function using the visual analog scale (VAS) score and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, respectively, was done at each follow-up. The primary analyses of both primary and secondary outcomes were conducted in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. SPSS version 24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for data analysis.ResultsThe mean VAS score in the PRP and triamcinolone groups was 14.33 ± 3.79 and 31.63 ± 7.62, respectively (p = 0.0001) after 24 weeks. The mean DASH score in the PRP and triamcinolone groups was 18.08 ± 8.08 and 31.76 ± 3.63, respectively (p = 0.0001), which shows significant improvement in both pain and disability scores in the PRP group after 24 weeks.ConclusionsThe triamcinolone group showed better short-term outcomes whereas PRP showed better long-term outcomes in reducing pain and disability scores in terms of VAS and DASH scores.

Efficacy of Pulsed Short Wave Therapy in Symptomatic TMD Patients

Context: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a ginglymoarthroidal joint of synovial variety. The joint's pathology includes those predominantly of musculoskeletal origin, which poses a complex problem in the clinical scenario. The management of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) remains a challenge due to the intricate anatomy of the joint and the multipart etiologies associated with it. Aims: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of pulsed short wave therapy (PSWT) with pharmacotherapy in symptomatic TMD patients. Methods and Material: A total of 62 patients were included in this randomized control trial and were randomly allotted into two groups. Patients in Group I received PSWTand Group II received a combination of a muscle relaxant and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for 5 consecutive days. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded during the follow-up. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical analysis was performed using Stata/SE 17.0 statistical software. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the groups for different periods. Kaplan–Meier function and extended survivor function tests showed better pain alleviation in the short wave therapy group. Conclusion: The current study shows that PSWT decreased pain without adverse effects. Therefore, it could be considered a safe and potentially effective adjuvant therapeutic modality for TMD.

Noninvasive, Wearable, Pulsed Shortwave (Radiofrequency) Therapy for Analgesia following Knee and Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Series

Background: Minimizing pain and opioid requirements following major orthopedic surgery can be challenging. Nonthermal, pulsed, shortwave (radiofrequency) therapy is a noninvasive treatment described previously as a possible analgesic modality following minor surgical procedures. The devices may be applied in a few minutes or less, are simply taped in place over the area of pain, are less expensive than a large bottle of acetaminophen, function for 30 days without any required intervention, may be applied to any part of the body, and produce no side effects-patients cannot detect any sensations from the devices-or substantial risks. Here we present a case series to explore the use of pulsed shortwave therapy for major joint arthroplasty.

Myofascial Induction Therapy Improves the Sequelae of Medical Treatment in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: A Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Cross-Over Study.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Yet, less than 60% of HNC survivors receive adequate therapy for treatment-related sequelae. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of myofascial induction therapy (MIT) in improving cervical and shoulder pain and range of motion, maximal mouth opening, and cervical muscle function in HNC survivors. This crossover, blinded, placebo-controlled study involved 22 HNC survivors (average age 56.55 ± 12.71) of which 13 were males (59.1%) who received, in a crossover fashion, both a single 30-min session of MIT in the form of manual unwinding and simulated pulsed shortwave therapy (placebo), with a 4-week washout interval between the two. Cervical and shoulder pain (visual analogue scale) and range of motion (cervical range of motion device and goniometer), maximum mouth opening (digital caliper), and cervical muscle function (deep cervical flexor endurance test) were measured before and after the treatment and placebo sessions. A single session of MIT improved cervical and affected side shoulder pain, cervical range of motion, maximum mouth opening, and cervical muscle function. The associated effect sizes ranged from moderate to large. The present study suggests that MIT, in the form of manual unwinding, improves cervical (−3.91 ± 2.77) and affected-side shoulder (−3.64 ± 3.1) pain, cervical range of motion (flexion: 8.41 ± 8.26 deg; extension: 12.23 ± 6.55; affected-side rotation: 14.27 ± 11.05; unaffected-side rotation: 11.73 ± 8.65; affected-side lateroflexion: 7.95 ± 5.1; unaffected-side lateroflexion: 9.55 ± 6.6), maximum mouth opening (3.36 ± 3.4 mm), and cervical muscle function (8.09 ± 6.96 s) in HNC survivors.

Pulsed Shortwave Therapy in Cervical Osteoarthritis: an NSAID- Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

Assess treatment superiority of pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT) against COX-2 NSAID therapy, in reducing disability and pain due to cervical osteoarthritis. Two hundred chronic pain suffers (average pain duration about 2 years) diagnosed with cervical osteoarthritis by radiological imaging were randomized into one of two treatment arms: COX-2 NSAID treatment; etoricoxib 60 mg/day for 4 weeks; or PSWT treatment worn 24 h/day for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the 4-week score on the Neck Disability Index (NDI), a 10-question assessment on a 50-point scale. Secondary outcome measures included pain (at rest and during activity) measured on a visual analog scale (VAS) of 0–100 mm, dose count of rescue pain medication (paracetamol) use, and a treatment satisfaction rating. These 4-week scores were compared across the two arms to assess superiority. After 4 weeks of treatment, subjects in both study arms reported statistically significant (p < 0.0001) reductions in NDI, with final scores of 11.24-NSAID and 9.34-PSWT, VASrest, with final scores of 30.08-NSAID; 22.76-PSWT, and VASactivity, with final scores of 36.40-NSAID; 27.42-PSWT. The absolute reduction from baseline in NDI was significantly greater in the PSWT arm than NSAID arm (3.66 points; 95% CI 2.3 to 5.02; p < 0.0001). Similarly, the reductions from baseline in VASrest and VASactivity were significantly greater in the PSWT arm than NSAID arm (10.89 mm; 95% CI 6.90 to 14.87; p < 0.0001; and 12.05 mm; 95% CI 7.76 to 16.33; p < 0.0001, respectively). The PSWT arm used 50% less rescue pain medication. Eleven adverse effects were reported in the NSAID arm and zero in the PSWT arm. Both NSAID and PSWT treatments resulted in statistically significant improvements in quality of life (NDI) and reduction in pain (VAS) resulting from cervical osteoarthritis. However, the PSWT intervention showed superior improvements in all outcome measures when compared to the NSAID arm with no adverse effects. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03542955).

Short-wave enhances mesenchymal stem cell recruitment in fracture healing by increasing HIF-1 in callus

BackgroundAs a type of high-frequency electrotherapy, a short-wave can promote the fracture healing process; yet, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear.PurposeTo observe the effect of Short-Wave therapy on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) homing and relative mechanisms associated with fracture healing.Materials and methodsFor in vivo study, the effect of Short-Wave therapy to fracture healing was examined in a stabilized femur fracture model of 40 SD rats. Radiography was used to analyze the morphology and microarchitecture of the callus. Additionally, fluorescence assays were used to analyze the GFP-labeled MSC homing after treatment in 20 nude mice with a femoral fracture. For in vitro study, osteoblast from newborn rats simulated fracture site was first irradiated by the Short-Wave; siRNA targeting HIF-1 was used to investigate the role of HIF-1. Osteoblast culture medium was then collected as chemotaxis content of MSC, and the migration of MSC from rats was evaluated using wound healing assay and trans-well chamber test. The expression of HIF-1 and its related factors were quantified by q RT-PCR, ELISA, and Western blot.ResultsOur in vivo experiment indicated that Short-Wave therapy could promote MSC migration, increase local and serum HIF-1 and SDF-1 levels, induce changes in callus formation, and improve callus microarchitecture and mechanical properties, thus speeding up the healing process of the fracture site. Moreover, the in vitro results further indicated that Short-Wave therapy upregulated HIF-1 and SDF-1 expression in osteoblast and its cultured medium, as well as the expression of CXCR-4, β-catenin, F-actin, and phosphorylation levels of FAK in MSC. On the other hand, the inhibition of HIF-1α was significantly restrained by the inhibition of HIF-1α in osteoblast, and it partially inhibited the migration of MSC.ConclusionsThese results suggested that Short-Wave therapy could increase HIF-1 in callus, which is one of the crucial mechanisms of chemotaxis MSC homing in fracture healing.

Effects of a Single Myofascial Induction Session on Neural Mechanosensitivity in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Secondary Analysis of a Crossover Study

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of myofascial induction on mechanosensitivity of upper limb nerves. MethodsIn this secondary analysis of a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 21 breast cancer survivors with stage I-IIIA cancer were randomly allocated to an experimental group (30 minutes of myofascial induction session) or placebo control group (unplugged pulsed 30 minutes of shortwave therapy), with a 4-week washout period between sessions that occurred in a physical therapy laboratory in the Health Science Faculty (University of Granada, Spain). Range of motion (universal goniometry), structural differentiation, symptoms (yes/no), and pressure pain thresholds (electronic algometry) were assessed during neurodynamic tests and attitude toward massage scale as covariate. ResultsAn analysis of covariance revealed significant time × group interactions for range of motion in affected upper limb nerves (median, P < .001; radial, P = .036; ulnar, P = .002), but not for nonaffected upper limb nerves (median, P = .083; radial, P = .072; ulnar, P = .796). A χ2 or Fisher exact test, as appropriate, also revealed a significant difference (P = .044) in sensitivity for the affected upper limb ulnar nerve in the experimental group, whereas the rest of the assessed nerves (affected and nonaffected upper limb nerves) showed no significant changes in either the experimental or control groups (P > .05). An analysis of covariance revealed no significant interactions on pressure pain thresholds over the nerves for affected (all P > .05) and nonaffected (all P > .05) upper limb nerves. ConclusionA single myofascial induction session may partially improve mechanosensitivity of median, radial, and ulnar nerves and yield positive effects on symptom mechanosensitivity, especially regarding the ulnar nerve in breast cancer survivors.

Pulsed short waves in the remineralization of alveolar bone structures of the jaw in patients with diabetes mellitus – a series of cases

This clinical study included three patients aged between 50 and 78 years who had chronic marginal periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus, diseases that are frequently associated due to changes occurring in polymorphonuclear cells, as well as to alterations of microcirculation. No bone augmentation therapies were performed. Bone regeneration was strictly influenced by conventional periodontal therapy, supplemented with ten pulsed short wave sessions applied to the lower face shortly after closed periodontal curettage. The allocated time was ten minutes for the first two sessions, and 15 minutes for the following 8 sessions. Clinical and radiological evaluations were performed at the time of presentation, as well as after initiation of pulsed short wave therapy: in the first case, three weeks after initiation of therapy and three years after the end of complex oral rehabilitation; in the second case, eight weeks after the onset of pulsed short wave therapy and in the third case, five weeks after the onset of pulsed short wave therapy. The results were significant in all three cases, demonstrated radiologically by the same type of radiological examination at identical scales. Bone remineralization was obvious in the alveolar processes of the jaw. Although further studies in this direction are necessary, the results are both clinically and radiologically significant. Key words: pulsed short waves, alveolar bone resorption, periodontal disease, diabetes,

A Prospective Six-Month Study of Chronic Pain Sufferers: A Novel OTC Neuromodulation Therapy.

Objective To assess the durability of treatment over various chronic pain conditions of an emerging, nonprescription electromagnetic neuromodulation device that uses pulsed shortwave therapy. Methods A 6-month prospective study, involving 240 chronic pain sufferers, 94% of whom reported using pain pills and 98% reported using pain therapies prior to entering the study. Their average baseline pain was 8.2 VAS points before treatment; they had a pain duration of 6.5 years, and they were positive responders to pulsed shortwave therapy in an initial 7-day trial. Prospective assessments were obtained at intervals of 3, 4, and 6 months following a retrospective 7-day assessment. Longitudinal analyses were conducted to determine pain relief trends after the initial 7-day device use. Results Seven days after initial treatment, the average pain was reduced to 2.9, a 65% pain reduction for the study subjects. At the 6-month measurement, the average pain was 3.3, a 60% pain reduction from baseline. Only 17% of the subjects saw their pain level increase although this new level was still lower than baseline pain. Pain relief translated into improved quality of life and reduced medication use for the majority of the subjects. There were no significant adverse side effects reported over the 6 months of use. Conclusion Ninety-seven percent of the recruited subjects, all of whom had previously reported clinically significant pain relief using the 7-day PSWT device, sustained this relief for 6 months by using the device on an as-needed basis.

Chronic pain intervention using pulsed shortwave therapy: the relationship between pain demographics and central sensitization inventory.

Aim: The central sensitization inventory (CSI) is a validated, patient-reported questionnaire that quantifies symptoms of hypersensitivity disorders such as chronic pain, for which central sensitization (CS) may be the etiology. Objective: To investigate the analgesic effectiveness of ActiPatch and analyze the relationship between baseline CSI scores and demographics of chronic pain sufferers. Methods: Upon completing a 7-day ActiPatch trial, baseline CSI scores along with other assessment measures were obtained via e-mail from 174 chronic pain sufferers. Conclusion: CSI scores were positively correlated with gender (higher for women), baseline visual analog scale scores and pain duration. ActiPatch was found to be effective in reducing baseline pain for all subjects by an average of 4.3 visual analog scale points.

KOMBINASI PULSED SHORTWAVE THERAPY DAN NEURODYNAMIC MOBILIZATION LEBIH EFEKTIF MENURUNKAN DISABILITAS PUNGGUNG DIBANDINGKAN KOMBINASI PULSED SHORTWAVE THERAPY DAN LUMBAR SPINE STABILIZATION EXERCISE PADA PASIEN HERNIA NUKLEUS PULPOSUS LUMBOSAKRAL

ABTSRACT Introduction: Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (HNP) is a pathological condition in which there is protrusion of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus into the lumen of the vertebral canal. Objective: The goal of this study is to determine the effectiveness of combination of pulsed shortwave therapy and lumbar spine stabilization exercise with combination of pulsed shortwave therapy and neurodynamic mobilization in decreasing low back disability in lumbosacral herniated nucleus pulposus patients at Denpasar and Badung Physiotherapy Clinic. Methods: The study used was an experimental method. Pre-test and post-test control group design is the design of this study. This study used 28 subjects were divided into two groups. The control group consist of 14 subjects received a combination of pulsed shortwave therapy and lumbar spine stabilization exercise while the treatment group consist of 14 subjects received a combination of pulsed shortwave therapy and neurodynamic mobilization. Intervention is given 2 times a week for 4 weeks. Sampling methods used in this study was simple random sampling. The low back disability is measured by a modified oswestry disability index. Result: The normality test of the data was tested using Saphiro-Wilk Test and homogeneity test of the data was tested with Levene's Test. Wilcoxon sign rank test results obtained significant differences in the control group with the value of p = 0.001, as well as in the treatment group found a significant difference with the value of p = 0.001. Post-test results with mann-whitney u-test showed a significant difference between the control group and the treatment group where p = 0.044 with the percentage of 48.53% in the control group and 54.88% in the treatment group. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that the combination of pulsed shortwave therapy and neurodynamic mobilization is more effective than the combination of pulsed shortwave therapy and lumbar spine stabilization exercise in reducing low back disability in patients with lumbosacral herniated nucleus pulposus at the Denpasar and Badung Physiotherapy Clinic.Keywords: lumbosacral herniated nucleus pulposus, low back disability, pulsed shortwave therapy, neurodynamic mobilization, lumbar spine stabilization exercise

Clinical effect of combination therapy of drug and external shortwave treatment on type IIIB prostatitis

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of Xipayimaizibizi and external shortwave treatment on type ⅢB prostatitis. Methods According to the score of NIH-CPSI and prostate fluid examination, 150 patients with type ⅢB prostatitis were selected and randomly divided into the single treatment groups (Xipayimaizibizi or external shortwave) and the combined treatment group (Xipayimaizibizi combined with external shortwave), 50 patients in each group.Four weeks after treatment, the pre-and post-treatment scores on NIH-CPSI pain symptoms, maximal urinary flow rate, average urinary flow rate and the curative effect of each group were compared. Results The symptoms of type ⅢB prostatitis had all improved obviously in three groups. After treatment, the NIH-CPSI score in each group was obviously lower than before. The total effective rate and curative rate of the combined treatment group were 94.00% and 47.00%, which was significantly higher than that in the Xipayimaizibizi group (72.00% and 26.00%) and external shortwave group (68.00% and 20.00%). After treatment, the maximum flow rate and average flow rate were higher than before in three groups. The maximum flow rate and average flow rate in the combined treatment group were obviously higher than in the single treatment group with a significant difference(P<0.05). Three groups had no obvious adverse reactions. Conclusions The combined treatment of Xipayimaizibizi with external shortwave can more significantly improve the symptoms of patients with type ⅢB prostatitis than the separate treatment. In addition to safety and reliability, the clinical application also has the advantage of high cure rate. Key words: Prostatitis; Short-Wave Therapy

Therapeutic effect of K8 short wave therapeutic apparatus on facial sensitive skin

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of K8 short wave therapeutic apparatus on facial sensitive skin. Methods 130 patients with facial sensitive skin admitted in our hospital from November 2015 to September 2017 were selected as the subjects. According to the different surgical methods, 65 cases in the control group were treated with intensive care cream. On the basis of the control group , 65 cases in observation group were given K8 therapeutic apparatus. Then we compared the treatment effect between the two groups. Results K8 shortwave therapeutic apparatus to treat facial sensitive skin can achieve higher total effective rate, reduce the skin area score and and erythema parameters, reduce the skin water loss and improve skin stratum corneum moisture content. After two weeks of treatment, the total effective rate of the observation group (98.46%) was higher than that of the control group (86.15%), the skin area score [(2.28±0.26)piont], the erythema parameter (180.28±29.87)and the epidermis water loss [(9.85±2.25)g/(cm2×h)] were lower than that in the control group [(4.54±1.14)point, 223.87±30.47, (13.02±3.25)g/(cm2×h)], while the water content of the skin cuticle [(88.75±10.35)%]was higher than that of the control group [(78.98±9.58)%] (all P<0.01). Conclusions K8 shortwave therapeutic apparatus combined with intensive care cream has a better clinical effect and certain advantage in the treatment of facial skin sensitive skin than the use of intensive care cream alone. Key words: Facial dermatoses/TH; Short-wave therapy

Skin thermophysiological effects of 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency in healthy adults: A randomised crossover study and comparison with pulsed shortwave therapy

ABSTRACTRadiofrequency-based electrophysical agents (EPA) have been used in therapy practice over several decades (e.g., shortwave therapies). Currently, there is insufficient evidence supporting such devices operating below shortwave frequencies. This laboratory-based study investigated the skin physiological effects of 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (CRMRF) and compared them to pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT). In a randomised crossover study, seventeen healthy volunteers received four treatment conditions – High, Low and Placebo dose conditions receiving 15-min CRMRF treatment and a Control condition receiving no intervention. Fifteen participants also received high dose PSWT for comparison. Treatment was applied to the right lower medial thigh. Pre, post and 20-min follow-up measurements of skin temperature (SKT), skin blood flow (SBF) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were obtained using Biopac MP150 system. Group data were compared using the ANOVA model. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05 (0.8P, 95%CI). Significant increase and sustenance of SKT with both high and low dose CRMRF was demonstrated over the other groups (p < 0.001). PSWT increased SKT significantly (p < 0.001) but failed to sustain it over the follow-up. However, among the five conditions, only high dose CRMRF significantly increased and sustained SBF (p < 0.001). Overall, the CRMRF physiological responses were significantly more pronounced than that of PSWT. No significant changes in NCV were noted for any condition. Physiological changes associated with CRMRF were more pronounced when compared to PSWT, placebo or control. Any potential stronger therapeutic benefits of CRMRF need to be confirmed by comparative clinical studies.

Pulsed shortwave therapy for patients with haemophilia – a systematic review of the literature and national survey of physiotherapy departments

Pulsed shortwave therapy for patients with haemophilia – a systematic review of the literature and national survey of physiotherapy departments

Pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT) for acute bleed management in people with haemophilia. Semi-structured interviews to explore patient's views

Purpose: The overall aim was to investigate the role of pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT) in the physiotherapeutic management of acute bleeds in persons with haemophilia (PWH) an umbrella term, including various clotting disorders.

Continuous-mode 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency induces greater deep blood flow changes compared to pulsed mode shortwave: a crossover study in healthy adults

Aims: Radiofrequency-based electrophysical agents (EPAs) have been used in therapy practice over several decades (e.g. shortwave therapies). Currently, there is insufficient evidence supporting such EPAs operating below shortwave frequencies. This laboratory-based study investigated the deep physiological effects of 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (CRMRF) and compared them to pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT).Methods: In a randomized crossover study, 17 healthy volunteers initially received four treatment conditions: high, low and placebo dose conditions receiving 15-min CRMRF treatment and a control condition receiving no intervention. Fifteen participants additionally received high-dose PSWT as fifth condition, for comparison. Pre- and post-treatment measurements of deep blood flow and tissue extensibility were obtained using Doppler ultrasound and sonoelastography. Group data were compared using analysis of variance model. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ .05, 0.8 power, and 95% confidence interval.Results: Significant increases in volume and intensity of deep blood flow were obtained with CRMRF over placebo, control (p = .003) and PSWT (p < .001). No significant changes in blood flow velocity or tissue extensibility were noted for any condition.Conclusions: Deep blood flow changes with CRMRF were more pronounced than that with PSWT, placebo or control. Potential greater therapeutic benefits need to be confirmed with comparative clinical studies.