Application of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer in Physiotherapeutic Clinical Practice and Sports

Abstract

Diathermy techniques embody an oscillating electrical current passaging through the body tissues generating therapeutic heat; use of this technique in the physiotherapy field has been introduced recently, and because there is scarce information, the following review is proposed, aiming to explore the available evidence on applying CRET in physiotherapy clinical practice and sports. A systematic search was led through a keyword search on PubMed, MedLine, DialNet, Scopus, PEDro, Web of Science and Clinicaltrials databases. Including randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, which applied radiofrequency diathermy in sports and physiotherapy fields, without any restrictions on dates, published in Spanish, English, Portuguese or Italian. Data extraction was conducted through the Cochrane data extraction form and presented in tabular format; 30 articles were included for analysis, and assessment of methodological quality was made through the PEDro scale with a “Good/Fair” general quality score. The nature of existing articles does not allow a quantitative analysis. Conclusion: identified fields of applications were musculoskeletal physiotherapy, treatment of pelvic floor and sexual dysfunctions, as well as dermato-functional physiotherapy and sports, evidencing an increase of skin temperature, enhanced skin and muscle blood perfusion, as well as reporting an increase in oxyhaemoglobin. Further research is needed. Prospero registration number: CRD42020215592.

Vacuum and Electromagnetic Fields Treatment to Regenerate a Diffuse Mature Facial Scar Caused by Sulfuric Acid Assault

“…Energy is transferred to the tissues in a capacitive way, by means of a single metal electrode, suitably shielded by insulating material. The second conductive plate of the capacitor is given by the body tissue, and this implies that the electromagnetic charge is concentrated near the isolated electrode, i.e., in the superficial tissues [ 47 , 48 , 49 ].…”

“…The catabolic products are drained more quickly and the diapedesis of granulocytes, macrophages, and of the cells involved in inflammatory and reparative processes increases. In addition, the “cell killing” effect of senescent and damaged cells occurs [ 48 , 49 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ]. The rise in temperature extends deeper [ 48 , 49 , 55 ], although the actual amount progressively decreases as it deepens from the surface of the skin [ 47 , 58 ].…”

The Thermal Influence of an Electromagnetic Field with a Radio Frequency Depending on the Type of Electrode Used

“…In practice, the two electrodes are often used interchangeably during one procedure. Independent of the heating method, it is necessary to use a passive electrode, ensuring the closure of the electrical circuit [ 11 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

Effects of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer on Sports Performance in Paralympic Swimmers: A Stopped Randomized Clinical Trial

“…Regarding previous research on CRET and sports, a recent systematic review explored the use of this technology in the sports field [ 36 ], and identified only one study that assessed biomechanical changes in athletes and other physiological effects [ 37 ]. The review pointed out the lack of evidence for this technology’s potential in sports performance, and the need to address this gap [ 36 ].…”

“…Regarding previous research on CRET and sports, a recent systematic review explored the use of this technology in the sports field [ 36 ], and identified only one study that assessed biomechanical changes in athletes and other physiological effects [ 37 ]. The review pointed out the lack of evidence for this technology’s potential in sports performance, and the need to address this gap [ 36 ]. No study has been carried to analyze the effects of this technology on variables for sports performance such as time trials or the Borg scale, and it has not been applied to the Paralympic population.…”