Effectiveness of monopolar diathermy by radiofrequency combined with exercise in patients with chronic low back pain: A randomized clinical trial

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lara-Palomo, Inmaculada Carmen^a | Capel-Alcaraz, Ana María^a | García-López, Héctor^{a; *} | Castro-Sánchez, Adelaida María^a | Querol-Zaldívar, María de los Ángeles^b | Fernández-Sánchez, Manuel^a

Affiliations: [a] Department of Nursing, Physical Therapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería, Spain | [b] Clinical Management Unit of Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Puerto Real, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Héctor García-López, Department of Nursing, Physical Therapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, Road Sacramento s/n La Cañada de San Urbano 04120, Almería, Spain. E-mail: glh851@ual.es.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain can severely affect quality of life. While several treatments are available, the combination of therapies often results in better outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study delves into the comparative effectiveness of combining monopolar dielectric diathermy radiofrequency (MDR) with supervised therapeutic exercise against the latter treatment alone. METHODS: A randomized single-blind controlled trial was conducted. The intervention group (n= 30) received MDR with supervised therapeutic exercises for eight weekly sessions for four weeks. The control group (n= 30) received only the same exercise protocol. The following self-report measures were assessed before the first treatment session, at four, and 12 weeks: disability, pain, kinesiophobia, quality of life, sleep quality, emotional distress, isometric trunk strength, and trunk flexion range. RESULTS: Repeated ANOVA measures revealed significant time*group interactions for the McQuade test (p= 0.003), the physical role (p= 0.011), vitality (p= 0.023), social function (p= 0.006), and mental health subscales (p= 0.042). Between-group analyses showed significant differences for all outcomes at each follow-up: RMDQ (post-treatment, p= 0.040), ODI (post-treatment and 12-week, p= 0.040), VAS (p< 0.001), TSK (p< 0.001), and McQuade Test (p< 0.020). CONCLUSION: The combination of diathermy radiofrequency with supervised therapeutic exercise significantly surpasses the efficacy of supervised therapeutic exercise alone, showcasing improvements in pain, disability, kinesiophobia, lumbar mobility in flexion, and overall quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain.

Keywords: Chronic low back pain, diathermy, electrophysical agents, radiofrequency, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercise

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-240118

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-14, 2024