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Chronic PainNCT05471258

Efficacy of Therapy Using Monopolar Dielectric Radiofrequency Signals on the Symptoms of Myofascial Trigger Points in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain.

A study testing Experimental: monopolar dielectric diathermy in people with Chronic Pain, run by Universidad de Almeria at 1 site in Spain.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

A total of 74 people diagnosed with non-specific chronic low back pain of more than 3 months of evolution and who are not currently undergoing any type of treatment will be recruited, with ages between 35 and 65 years. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 35 to 65 years
Conditions the study is for
Chronic Pain
What is being tested?
Experimental: monopolar dielectric diathermy
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
74 participants
Where
1 siteSpain
Study dates
15 Mar 2022to 30 Oct 2022
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 35 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • LBP for/over three months
  • Age between 30 and 65 years
  • Score equal or superior of four points on the Roland Morris Disability
  • Questionnaire Not currently receiving physical therapy.

Who cannot join

  • Presence of lumbar stenosis;
  • Any clinical signs of radiculopathy;
  • Diagnosis of spondylolisthesis;
  • Diagnosis of fibromyalgia;
  • Treatment with corticosteroid or oral medication within the past two weeks;
  • A history of spinal surgery;
  • Contraindication for MDR;
  • Disease of the central or peripheral nervous system; (9) Patients with cardiac complications and / or patients who have recently undergone radiotherapy.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Spain1 site
  • Adelaida María Castro Sánchez

    Almería, Almeria, 04120

Other trials in Spain

About this study

Official title: Efficacy of Therapy Using Monopolar Dielectric by Radiofrequency on the Symptoms of Myofascial Trigger Points in Patients With Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain.

A total of 74 people diagnosed with non-specific chronic low back pain of more than 3 months of evolution and who are not currently undergoing any type of treatment will be recruited, with ages between 35 and 65 years. A random distribution will be made into two treatment groups (monopolar diathermy by radiofrequency versus placebo). Participants will receive treatment three per week for a period of three weeks, in the physiotherapy laboratories of the University of Almería, with a follow-up evaluation post-intervention (one months) and two months after the end of treatment. At their first visit, participants will be screened for study eligibility according to the study inclusion and exclusion criteria, and will be evaluated by a therapist blinded to the intervention. After this face-to-face evaluation, patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups and will receive treatment for low back pain according to their random assignment group by two therapists belonging to the research group and trained in the techniques used.

Read the detailed description

The technique of applying monopolar electrical diathermy by radiofrequency emission (MDR), using the Physicalm® device, allows electromagnetic waves to be applied transcutaneously in a capacitive and monopolar manner, making focused energy deposits in the areas compromised with the painful process. The intervention with this device consists of different independent programs adapted to the different modalities of clinical pain. Through adaptations of the digitally modulated electromagnetic signals in terms of their intensity, frequency, form and duration, analgesia and pain relief can be obtained in different conditions musculoskeletal.

Despite being a clinical electrotherapy technique currently widely used by physiotherapists, there are few clinical trials on the application of monopolar electrical diathermy by radiofrequency emission (MDR) in ailments of lumbar origin caused by myofascial trigger points. The difference with other systems that use high-frequency electrophysical agents such as short waves or microwaves lies mainly in the ability to penetrate the tissues, producing a thermal effect at a greater depth.

Due to all the structural and functional alterations that occur in chronic non-specific low back pain, this randomized clinical trial project was born, with the aim of providing an answer to the disabling symptoms suffered by patients with chronic non-specific low back pain, searching for tools of safe and effective treatment from the field of Physiotherapy, which report a benefit in the symptoms, functionality and quality of life of patients diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain caused by PGM.

A total of 74 people diagnosed with non-specific chronic low back pain of more than 3 months of evolution and who are not currently undergoing any type of treatment will be recruited, with ages between 35 and 65 years. A random distribution will be made into two treatment groups (monopolar diathermy by radiofrequency versus placebo).

The 37 subjects of the experimental group (EG) will receive an application of monopolar electrical diathermy by radiofrequency emission (MDR) by means of the Physicalm® device (developed by the electro-medicine company Biotronic Advance Develops SL), on the lumbar muscles by means of rotary movements and translation, adapting to the muscle fibers of the lower back, contacting and applying the treatment to the active myofascial trigger points of the following muscles: quadratus lumborum, multifidus and iliocostalis, following the PGM maps described by Travell and Simons. A pulsed emission of 840 KHz and 30v will be carried out dynamically for a treatment time of 20 minutes. 3 weekly sessions will be performed for 3 weeks, a total of 9 treatment sessions.

The 37 subjects in the control group (CG) will be administered a placebo treatment consisting of the same execution protocol as the EG, but with a non-emitting device whose software and hardware will be exactly the same as that used in the EG. The intervention will be simulated for 20 minutes.

A pulsed emission of 840 KHz and 30v will be carried out dynamically for a treatment time of 20 minutes. 3 weekly sessions will be performed for 3 weeks, a total of 9 treatment sessions.

The outcome assessor and study statistician will be blinded throughout the entire process.

A baseline assessment of the primary and secondary outcome measures will be performed before randomization of the participants to the different groups, an immediate post-treatment assessment (1 day after the last intervention) and an assessment two months after the end of the procedure intervention (follow-up).

Conditions
Chronic Pain
Being tested
Experimental: monopolar dielectric diathermy, Control: Placebo
Keywords
chronic low back pain, monopolar dielectric diathermy, placebo, randomised double-blind clinical trial
Medical subject headings
Chronic Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Experimental: monopolar dielectric diathermyOther

    The Experimental Group formed by 30 subjects will undergo an application of monopolar electrical diathermy by radiofrequency emission (MDR) using the Physicalm® device developed by the electro-medicine company Biotronic Advance Develops SL, on the lumbar muscles by means of rotary movements and translation, adapting to the muscle fibers of the lumbar area. A pulsed emission of 840 KHz and 30v will be made dynamically during a treatment time of 20 minutes. 3 weekly sessions will be performed for 3 weeks, a total of 9 treatment sessions.

  • Control: PlaceboOther

    The 30 participants in the control group will receive a placebo treatment, consisting of the same execution protocol as the EG, but with a non-emitting device whose software and hardware will be exactly the same as that used in the EG. The intervention will be simulated for 20 minutes.

    3 weekly sessions will be held for 3 weeks, a total of 9 treatment sessions.

Study groups in NCT05471258
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Experimental: monopolar dielectric diathermyExperimentalThe Experimental Group formed by 30 subjects will undergo an application of monopolar electrical diathermy by radiofrequency emission (MDR) using the Physicalm® device developed by the electro-medicine company Biotronic Advance Develops SL, on the lumbar muscles by means of rotary movements and translation, adapting to the muscle fibers of the lumbar area. A pulsed emission of 840 KHz and 30v will be made dynamically during a treatment time of 20 minutes. 3 weekly sessions will be performed for 3 weeks, a total of 9 treatment sessions.
Receives: Other: Experimental: monopolar dielectric diathermy
PlaceboPlacebo comparatorThe 30 participants in the control group will receive a placebo treatment, consisting of the same execution protocol as the EG, but with a non-emitting device whose software and hardware will be exactly the same as that used in the EG. The intervention will be simulated for 20 minutes. 3 weekly sessions will be held for 3 weeks, a total of 9 treatment sessions.
Receives: Other: Control: Placebo

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Changes in pressure algometry (Wagner Algometer) in myofascial trigger points assessment of pressure pain threshold.

    The algometer consists of a rubber tip and a dial that measures the pressure applied to the MTrP in increments of 0.5 kg. Three measurements were performed for each one of the selected trigger points: iliocostal muscle level L1; multifidus level L2, S1 and S4; quadratus lumbar PGM deep superior, deep inferior, superficial superior and superficial inferior. The average value of 3 repetitive measurements with intervals of 30 to 60 seconds was used for statistical analysis.

    Measured: At baseline, at 4 weeks and at 2 months

  2. Change from baseline in pain intensity. Visual analogue scale.

    A 10-point Numerical Pain Scale (0: no pain, 10: maximum pain) assesses the intensity of pain

    Measured: At baseline, at 4 weeks and at 2 months

  3. Change from baseline in Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ).

    This is a self-reported questionnaire consisting in 24 items reflecting limitations in different activities of daily living attributed to low back pain including walking, vending over, sitting, lying down, dressing, sleeping, self-care and daily activities.

    Measured: At baseline, at 4 weeks and at 2 months

Secondary outcomes (6)
  1. Change from baseline in disability. Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Idex.

    It has 10 items associated to activities of daily living, each ítem has a puntuation fron 0 to 5 points.

    Measured: At baseline, at 4 weeks and at 2 months

  2. Change from baseline in Fear of Movement. Tampa Scale of kinesiophobia.

    Is a 17-item questionnaire that measures the fear of movement and (re)injury. Ratings are summed to yield a total score (ranging from 17-68 points) where higher values reflect greater fear of (re)injury.

    Measured: At baseline, at 4 weeks and at 2 months

  3. Change from baseline on Quality of Life. SF-36 Health questionnaire

    SF-36 Health questionnaire scores range from 0 to 100% and indicate the self-perceived health-related quality of life.

    Measured: At baseline, at 4 weeks and at 2 months

  4. Change from Mcquade Test.

    It measures the isometric endurance of trunk flexion muscles.

    Measured: At baseline, at 4 weeks and at 2 months

  5. Change from baseline in lumbar mobility flexion

    For the quantification of lumbar flexion an angular inclinometer is used (Fleximeter UM 8320-3 RJ Code Research Institute, Brazil).

    Measured: At baseline, at 4 weeks and at 2 months

  6. Change from baseline of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

    Is a 10-item questionnaire with a total of 19 questions related to sleep habits in the previous month. The questions are divided into 7 areas, each with a score of between 0 and 3 points.

    Measured: At baseline, at 4 weeks and at 2 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted22 Jul 2022
  2. Study start15 Mar 2022
  3. Primary completion1 May 2022
  4. Study completion30 Oct 2022

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Once the study is over, the control group will have the opportunity to receive radiofrequency treatment for three weeks.
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
74 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05471258
Sponsor's protocol ID
UALBIO2021/005
Status last verified
Oct 2023
First submitted
14 Mar 2022
Last updated
23 Oct 2023
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Balague F, Mannion AF, Pellise F, Cedraschi C. Non-specific low back pain. Lancet. 2012 Feb 4;379(9814):482-91. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60610-7. Epub 2011 Oct 6.

    PubMed 21982256
  • Adamson J, Hunt K, Nazareth I. The influence of socio-demographic characteristics on consultation for back pain--a review of the literature. Fam Pract. 2011 Apr;28(2):163-71. doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmq085. Epub 2010 Oct 25.

    PubMed 20974654
  • Airaksinen O, Brox JI, Cedraschi C, Hildebrandt J, Klaber-Moffett J, Kovacs F, Mannion AF, Reis S, Staal JB, Ursin H, Zanoli G; COST B13 Working Group on Guidelines for Chronic Low Back Pain. Chapter 4. European guidelines for the management of chronic nonspecific low back pain. Eur Spine J. 2006 Mar;15 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S192-300. doi: 10.1007/s00586-006-1072-1. No abstract available.

    PubMed 16550448
  • GBD 2016 Disease and Injury Incidence and Prevalence Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 328 diseases and injuries for 195 countries, 1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. Lancet. 2017 Sep 16;390(10100):1211-1259. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32154-2.

    PubMed 28919117
  • Kumaran B, Watson T. Thermal build-up, decay and retention responses to local therapeutic application of 448 kHz capacitive resistive monopolar radiofrequency: A prospective randomised crossover study in healthy adults. Int J Hyperthermia. 2015;31(8):883-95. doi: 10.3109/02656736.2015.1092172. Epub 2015 Nov 2.

    PubMed 26524223
  • Úbeda A, Hernández-Bule ML, Trillo MA, Cid MA, Leal J. Cellular response tonon-thermal doses of radiofrequency currents used in electro-thermaltherapy. J Jpn Soc Laser Surg Med. 2006;27(3):187.31.

  • Tashiro Y, Hasegawa S, Yokota Y, Nishiguchi S, Fukutani N, Shirooka H, Tasaka S, Matsushita T, Matsubara K, Nakayama Y, Sonoda T, Tsuboyama T, Aoyama T. Effect of Capacitive and Resistive electric transfer on haemoglobin saturation and tissue temperature. Int J Hyperthermia. 2017 Sep;33(6):696-702. doi: 10.1080/02656736.2017.1289252. Epub 2017 Feb 19.

    PubMed 28139939
  • Kumaran B, Watson T. Radiofrequency-based treatment in therapy- related clinical practice - a narrative review. Part II: chronic conditions. Phys Ther Rev. 2016;20:325-343

  • Albornoz-Cabello M, Barrios-Quinta CJ, Escobio-Prieto I, Sobrino-Sanchez R, Ibanez-Vera AJ, Espejo-Antunez L. Treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome with Dielectric Radiofrequency Diathermy: A Preliminary Single-Group Study with Six-Month Follow-Up. Medicina (Kaunas). 2021 Apr 28;57(5):429. doi: 10.3390/medicina57050429.

    PubMed 33925211
  • Ibanez-Vera AJ, Garcia-Romero JC, Alvero-Cruz JR, Lomas-Vega R. Effects of Monopolar Dielectric Radiofrequency Signals on the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Apr 3;17(7):2465. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17072465.

    PubMed 32260313
  • Maher C, Underwood M, Buchbinder R. Non-specific low back pain. Lancet. 2017 Feb 18;389(10070):736-747. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30970-9. Epub 2016 Oct 11.

    PubMed 27745712

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Experimental: monopolar dielectric diathermy in people with Chronic Pain, run by Universidad de Almeria at 1 site in Spain.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Oct 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Changes in pressure algometry (Wagner Algometer) in myofascial trigger points assessment of pressure pain threshold. (time frame: At baseline, at 4 weeks and at 2 months). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05471258, which also lists 11 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Oct 2023.

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