Efficacy of capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency in the physiotherapeutic treatment of chronic pelvic pain syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim To evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant, capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency (CRMRF, INDIBA) treatment at 448 kHz together with physiotherapeutic techniques compared to a sham treatment with the same techniques, for pain reduction and quality of life (QoL) improvements in patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). Methods A triple‐blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) including patients with CPPS randomly allocated (1:1) to a CRMRF‐activated group (intervention) or a CRMRF‐deactivated one (control). Both groups received physiotherapeutic techniques and pain education weekly for 10 consecutive weeks. Data from a visual analogical scale and the SF‐12 questionnaire were collected at trial commencement and repeated at the 5th and 10th sessions. Pain intensity was considered the main outcome. For the comparisons between variables, the χ2 and Student's t test were used. Superiority was analyzed by estimating the mean change (95% confidence interval). Analysis was performed for the per‐protocol and the intention‐to‐treat populations. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results Eighty‐one patients were included (67.9% women) with a mean age of 43.6 years (SD 12.9). CRMRF lessened pain scores by more than 2 points and improved QoL by 5 points. There were no relevant side effects and overall adherence to the treatment was 86.4%. Conclusions This is the first RCT that evaluates the efficacy of CRMRF (INDIBA) compared to a sham treatment, and demonstrates its superiority in decreasing pain and improving QoL. Such results may lead to greater prescribing of CRMRF when treating CPPS patients.

Chronic pelvic pain; more than just the bladder

“…ESWT has demonstrated efficacy in CPPPS treatment offering noninvasive, positive long-term outcomes. Notably, patients with higher initial NIH-CPSI scores and psychosocial history respond well to ESWT [41][42][43]. CRMRF is superior over sham treatment, reducing pain and enhancing CPPPS patients' quality of life.…”

Effects of RF Currents on Cytokines Production in Human Keratinocytes

“…Another anti-inflammatory physical strategy [4], based on the non-invasive application of radiofrequency currents at 448 kHz, is the capacitive resistive electrical transfer (CRET). the biomechanisms involved in the potential anti-inflammatory CRET effects are not yet sufficiently investigated, previous studies by our group have revealed that intermittent, subthermal CRET stimulation promotes the proliferation of various types of human cells, including stem cells [5], keratinocytes, and fibroblasts, as well as migration of human fibroblasts [6].…”