Short-term effects of 448 kilohertz radiofrequency stimulation on supraspinatus tendon elasticity measured by quantitative ultrasound elastography in professional badminton players: a double-blinded randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective

To study changes in supraspinatus tendon elasticity after a 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (CRMR) intervention in professional badminton players.

Design

Double-blinded randomized clinical trial.

Setting

All participants were recruited in a private care practice. Participants were randomized to receive either a CRMR treatment (n = 19) or placebo (n = 19).

Subjects

Professional badminton players (n = 38).

Intervention

A total of nine intervention (three per week) with CRMR at 448 kHz were carried out in the experimental group. The same intervention without an active CRMR current was carried out in the control group.

Main measures

Mean values of three different regions of the supraspinatus tendon were reported at baseline (T1), immediately after the intervention (T2) and one week after the end of the whole intervention program (T3) using quantitative ultrasound strain elastography (SEL).

Results

There were statistically significant differences in the supraspinatus tendon elasticity immediately after the intervention (p= <.001) and one week after the end of the whole intervention program (p=.001).

Conclusion

CRMR at 448 kHz produces significant changes in supraspinatus tendon elasticity after an intervention program of three weeks and those changes last for a week when compared to control group. Clinical trial registration: NCT04273633 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Keywords:

• Hyperthermia
• radiofrequency
• supraspinatus tendon
• ultrasound
• elastography
• badminton

Acknowledgements

The authors express our gratitude to all individuals that have kindly collaborated with our research project.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.