Morphological and Mechanical Assessment in the Achilles Tendon After Radiofrequency Stimulation in Runners
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-65
SponsorUniversity of Malaga
About this trial
448 kHz capacitive-resistive monopolar radiofrequency is an emerging physiotherapy technique whose usefulness and clinical relevance still need to be investigated. This study is a pre-post quasi-experimental study in which several variables will be measured before and immediately after 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency. It aims to analyze the morphological and mechanical changes in the Achilles tendon following the intervention in healthy runners.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Adults aged 18-65
Runners with at least one year of regular practice.
Must not have suffered any ligament, bone, tendon, or muscle injury in the lower limb or lumbar region during the last year.
Disqualifiers
History of lower limb surgery, rheumatic or neuromuscular diseases or pregnancy
Contraindication for radiofrecuency treatment.
Athletes with visual, auditory, or any other impairment that may affect their cognitive ability to understand the test.
Trial design
Design model
Single group
Treatments tested in this trial
448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency
DeviceThe procedure will consist of a 20-minute radiofrequency session on the Achilles tendon, applying 10 minutes in capacitive mode and 10 minutes in resistive mode. The device has a maximum peak power of 200 W and 450 V. Both modes will be administered as a hyperthermia dose, adjusted according to the patient's subjective perception of heat, with a target of 8/10. The application will be performed longitudinally on the Achilles tendon, from proximal to distal and from distal to proximal, measuring the variables before and after the procedure. In resistive mode, continuous wave will be used, and the return electrode will be a plate placed under the patient's abdomen. The entire procedure will be carried out following the manufacturer's instructions.
Treatment groups
19 Participants
are divided into 1 treatment groupGroup A: Radiofrecuency in tendon achillesExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Achilles tendon thickness (mm) measured by B-mode ultrasound
The Achilles tendon will be assessed with the participant in a prone position, legs extended and feet resting over the edge of the examination couch. Ultrasound images will be acquired using a linear transducer in the long axis of the tendon, at the level of the medial malleolus, in order to reduce bone-related artefacts. B-mode ultrasound will be used for the evaluation.
Time frame
1 hour2
Elastography in Achilles tendon
Tendon stiffness and elasticity were assessed using compression elastography. Color-coded elastographic maps and quantitative tissue deformation values were obtained following standardized procedures previously described in the literature. Measurements were performed at the same procedure used for measuring tendon thickness.
Time frame
1 hourSecondary outcomes
1
Plantar flexion strength
It will be assessed using an electronic isometric dynamometer, recording the maximum force generated during a voluntary plantar flexion contraction against fixed resistance, maintaining a standardized ankle position and performing several attempts to obtain a reliable value.
Time frame
1 hour2
Functionality of the lower limb
It will be evaluated using the Multijump Rebound Test, a validated test that analyzes the capacity for repeated jumping and the efficiency of the stretch-shortening cycle, allowing the functional changes to be related to the morphological and mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon system.
Time frame
1 hourSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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