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Parkinson Disease (PD)TECAR-PDNCT07842926

Acute Effects of Capacitive-Resistive Radiofrequency Therapy in People With Parkinson's Disease

A study testing Capacitive Radiofrequency Therapy, Resistive Radiofrequency Therapy and Capacitive-Resistive Radiofrequency Therapy in people with Parkinson Disease (PD), run by Universidad San Jorge at 1 site in Spain.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study will investigate the immediate and short-term effects of capacitive-resistive radiofrequency therapy (TECAR) applied to the lower limbs in people with Parkinson's disease. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 55 to 90 years
Conditions the study is for
Parkinson Disease (PD)
What is being tested?
Capacitive Radiofrequency Therapy, Resistive Radiofrequency Therapy and Capacitive-Resistive Radiofrequency Therapy
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
20 participants
Where
1 siteSpain
Study dates
21 Sep 2026to 31 Dec 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 55 to 90 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age between 55 and 90 years. Clinical diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease confirmed by a Neurology specialist.
  • Hoehn and Yahr stage II or III. Functional walking ability. Clinically relevant lower-limb rigidity in at least one leg, defined as a score ≥2 on item 3.3d (right lower limb) or 3.3e (left lower limb) of Part III of the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS).
  • Stable antiparkinsonian pharmacological treatment during the previous 4 weeks, with no planned changes during the intervention period.
  • Ability to understand and follow simple instructions, defined as a score >24 on the validated Spanish version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE-MEC).
  • Provision of written informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • Advanced Parkinson's disease, defined as Hoehn and Yahr stage >III, with severe postural instability.
  • Other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions that could interfere with the assessment of lower-limb rigidity or gait.
  • Skin lesions, open wounds, or infection in the area where radiofrequency therapy will be applied.
  • Presence of a pacemaker, defibrillator, other implanted electronic device, or another contraindication to TECAR therapy, such as altered thermal sensitivity.
  • Lower-limb surgery within the previous 6 months.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Paula Cordova-Alegre, PhD contact

+34605245894

pcordova@usj.es

Spain1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Asociación Parkinson Aragón

    Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50015

    Paula Cordova-Alegre, PhD, +34605245894, pcordova@usj.es

    Recruiting

Other trials in Spain

About this study

Official title: Safety, Tolerability, and Acute Effects of Capacitive-Resistive Radiofrequency Therapy (TECAR) Applied to the Lower Limbs in People With Parkinson's Disease: An Experimental Within-Subject Study

This study will investigate the immediate and short-term effects of capacitive-resistive radiofrequency therapy (TECAR) applied to the lower limbs in people with Parkinson's disease. The main aim is to determine which of four different TECAR application protocols produces the greatest improvement in muscle stiffness and walking function.

Twenty participants with Parkinson's disease will receive four different TECAR protocols in four separate sessions. The protocols will include capacitive treatment, resistive treatment, and two combinations of capacitive and resistive treatment. Each participant will receive all four protocols, and the order in which they are applied will be randomized. Sessions will be separated by a 7-day washout period.

Read more

Muscle stiffness will be measured using the MyotonPRO device. Walking and functional mobility will also be assessed using the Timed Up and Go test and the 10-Metre Walk Test. Joint range of motion and lower-limb musculoskeletal pain will also be evaluated. Measurements will be performed immediately before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 48 hours after each session.

The study will also record any discomfort or adverse events associated with TECAR therapy to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the different treatment protocols.

Read the detailed description

This is an experimental, randomized-sequence, within-subject crossover study designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and acute effects of capacitive-resistive radiofrequency therapy (TECAR) applied to the lower limbs of people with Parkinson's disease.

Each participant will receive four TECAR treatment protocols in separate sessions: (1) capacitive mode for 15 minutes per leg; (2) resistive mode for 15 minutes per leg; (3) a mixed capacitive-resistive protocol consisting of 10 minutes of capacitive treatment followed by 5 minutes of resistive treatment per leg; and (4) a mixed resistive-capacitive protocol consisting of 10 minutes of resistive treatment followed by 5 minutes of capacitive treatment per leg. Treatment intensity will be individually adjusted to produce a clear but comfortable thermal effect.

The order of the four interventions will be randomized individually for each participant to minimize potential period, learning, and carryover effects. A washout period of at least 7 days will separate treatment sessions. Participants will continue their usual antiparkinsonian medication and usual medical care throughout the study. Assessments will be performed during the pharmacological "ON" state, approximately 60-90 minutes after the participant's usual dopaminergic medication.

The primary outcome will be lower-limb muscle stiffness measured objectively using MyotonPRO myotonometry. Measurements will be obtained from standardized anatomical sites, including the medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris muscles.

Secondary outcomes will include functional mobility assessed with the Timed Up and Go test, walking speed assessed with the 10-Metre Walk Test, range of motion of the ankle, knee, and hip measured by goniometry, and lower-limb musculoskeletal pain assessed using a Numeric Rating Scale.

Outcomes will be assessed immediately before each intervention, immediately after each intervention, and 48 hours after each treatment session. Adverse events and treatment-related discomfort will also be recorded during each intervention and at the 48-hour assessment to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the different TECAR protocols.

The study plans to recruit 20 participants with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, Hoehn and Yahr stages II-III, who have functional walking ability and clinically relevant lower-limb rigidity.

Being tested
Capacitive Radiofrequency Therapy, Resistive Radiofrequency Therapy, Capacitive-Resistive Radiofrequency Therapy, Resistive-Capacitive Radiofrequency Therapy
Keywords
Capacitive-Resistive Radiofrequency Therapy, TECAR Therapy, Myotonometry, Physical Therapy, Muscle Stiffness, Rehabilitation
Medical subject headings
Parkinson Disease

What participants receive

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

  • Capacitive Radiofrequency TherapyOther

    Capacitive-resistive radiofrequency therapy (TECAR) will be applied in capacitive mode to the lower limbs for 15 minutes per leg. Treatment will target the posterior lower leg, quadriceps, and hamstring muscle regions. Intensity will be individually adjusted to a medium-high level producing a clear but comfortable thermal effect, approximately 3-4 out of 5 on the device intensity scale.

  • Resistive Radiofrequency TherapyOther

    Capacitive-resistive radiofrequency therapy (TECAR) will be applied in resistive mode to the lower limbs for 15 minutes per leg. Treatment will target the posterior lower leg, quadriceps, and hamstring muscle regions. Intensity will be individually adjusted to a medium-high level producing a clear but comfortable thermal effect, approximately 3-4 out of 5 on the device intensity scale.

  • Capacitive-Resistive Radiofrequency TherapyOther

    Capacitive-resistive radiofrequency therapy (TECAR) will be applied to the lower limbs using a mixed protocol consisting of 10 minutes of capacitive treatment followed by 5 minutes of resistive treatment per leg. Treatment will target the posterior lower leg, quadriceps, and hamstring muscle regions. Intensity will be individually adjusted to a medium-high level producing a clear but comfortable thermal effect, approximately 3-4 out of 5 on the device intensity scale.

  • Resistive-Capacitive Radiofrequency TherapyOther

    Capacitive-resistive radiofrequency therapy (TECAR) will be applied to the lower limbs using a mixed protocol consisting of 10 minutes of resistive treatment followed by 5 minutes of capacitive treatment per leg. Treatment will target the posterior lower leg, quadriceps, and hamstring muscle regions. Intensity will be individually adjusted to a medium-high level producing a clear but comfortable thermal effect, approximately 3-4 out of 5 on the device intensity scale.

Study groups in NCT07842926
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Capacitive TECAR TherapyExperimentalParticipants will receive capacitive-resistive radiofrequency therapy (TECAR) applied in capacitive mode to the lower limbs for 15 minutes per leg. Treatment will target the posterior lower leg, quadriceps, and hamstring muscle regions. Treatment intensity will be individually adjusted to a medium-high level producing a clear but comfortable thermal effect, approximately 3-4 out of 5 on the device intensity scale.
Receives: Other: Capacitive Radiofrequency Therapy
Resistive TECAR TherapyExperimentalParticipants will receive capacitive-resistive radiofrequency therapy (TECAR) applied in resistive mode to the lower limbs for 15 minutes per leg. Treatment will target the posterior lower leg, quadriceps, and hamstring muscle regions. Treatment intensity will be individually adjusted to a medium-high level producing a clear but comfortable thermal effect, approximately 3-4 out of 5 on the device intensity scale.
Receives: Other: Resistive Radiofrequency Therapy
Capacitive-Resistive TECAR TherapyExperimentalParticipants will receive capacitive-resistive radiofrequency therapy (TECAR) applied to the lower limbs using a mixed protocol consisting of 10 minutes of capacitive treatment followed by 5 minutes of resistive treatment per leg. Treatment will target the posterior lower leg, quadriceps, and hamstring muscle regions. Treatment intensity will be individually adjusted to a medium-high level producing a clear but comfortable thermal effect, approximately 3-4 out of 5 on the device intensity scale.
Receives: Other: Capacitive-Resistive Radiofrequency Therapy
Resistive-Capacitive TECAR TherapyExperimentalParticipants will receive capacitive-resistive radiofrequency therapy (TECAR) applied to the lower limbs using a mixed protocol consisting of 10 minutes of resistive treatment followed by 5 minutes of capacitive treatment per leg. Treatment will target the posterior lower leg, quadriceps, and hamstring muscle regions. Treatment intensity will be individually adjusted to a medium-high level producing a clear but comfortable thermal effect, approximately 3-4 out of 5 on the device intensity scale
Receives: Other: Resistive-Capacitive Radiofrequency Therapy

What is being measured

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

  1. Change in Lower-Limb Muscle Stiffness

    Lower-limb muscle stiffness will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device and expressed in N/m. Three consecutive measurements will be performed at standardized anatomical sites on the medial gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris muscles, and the mean value will be used for analysis.

    Measured: Immediately before, immediately after, and 48 hours after each intervention session

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. Change in Functional Mobility Assessed With the Timed Up and Go Test

    Functional mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. The time required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down will be recorded in seconds. Three attempts will be performed, and the best result will be used for analysis.

    Measured: Immediately before, immediately after, and 48 hours after each intervention session

  2. Change in Gait Speed Assessed With the 10-Metre Walk Test

    Gait speed will be assessed using the 10-Metre Walk Test (10MWT) at a comfortable walking speed. Walking speed will be expressed in meters per second (m/s). Three attempts will be performed, and the best result will be used for analysis.

    Measured: Immediately before, immediately after, and 48 hours after each intervention session

  3. Change in Lower-Limb Joint Range of Motion

    Range of motion of the ankle, knee, and hip will be assessed using a universal goniometer and expressed in degrees. Two measurements will be performed for each assessment, and the mean value will be used for analysis.

    Measured: Immediately before, immediately after, and 48 hours after each intervention session

  4. Change in Lower-Limb Musculoskeletal Pain

    Lower-limb musculoskeletal pain will be assessed using an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Pain will be evaluated in relation to lower-limb movement and functional assessment.

    Measured: Immediately before, immediately after, and 48 hours after each intervention session

  5. Incidence of Treatment-Related Adverse Events

    Safety and tolerability will be assessed by recording adverse events and treatment-related discomfort, including increased pain, excessive or intolerable heat, persistent erythema, skin burns or blisters, dizziness, malaise, increased fatigue, gait instability, or any other symptoms occurring during or following the intervention.

    Measured: During each intervention session and up to 48 hours after each intervention

Timeline

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

  1. First posted25 Sep 2026
  2. Study start21 Sep 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)

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
Crossover
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
20 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07842926
Sponsor's protocol ID
committee approval:PI26/280
Acronym
TECAR-PD
Status last verified
Sep 2026
First submitted
21 Sep 2026
Last updated
25 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data will not be publicly shared because the approved study protocol does not include a specific plan for sharing individual-level data with external researchers. Study results will be reported in aggregated form to protect participant confidentiality and privacy.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Capacitive Radiofrequency Therapy, Resistive Radiofrequency Therapy and Capacitive-Resistive Radiofrequency Therapy in people with Parkinson Disease (PD), run by Universidad San Jorge 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 5 inclusion and 5 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Sep 2026. 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. 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

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

Contact Paula Cordova-Alegre, PhD (+34605245894, pcordova@usj.es), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Lower-Limb Muscle Stiffness (time frame: Immediately before, immediately after, and 48 hours after each intervention session). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
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 25 Sep 2026.

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