The Effects of Tecar Radio Waves Therapy on Performance and Muscle Damage Indices Following an Exercise Induced Muscle Damage Protocol

Abstract

It is well known that unaccustomed eccentric exercise results in delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), strength deficits and reduction in range of motion. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of Tecar therapy on parameters related to pain and performance following an eccentric exercise protocol. Twelve young men performed five sets of 15 maximal eccentric knee extensions utilizing the right and left limb. Prior to, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the exercise protocol concentric and eccentric torque of the knee extensors was assessed on the isokinetic dynamometer, isometric strength, range of motion and DOMS. Immediately after the exercise protocol and for the next 96 hours, prior to assessment, the therapeutic protocol with Tecar, which consisted of three phases and 26 minutes in total, was applied to subjects. The first phase lasted 8 minutes and utilized the capacitative energetic transfer induced by 470 kHz radiofrequency, the second phase lasted 10 minutes and utilized the resistive energetic transfer induced by 470 kHz radiofrequency and the third phase lasted 8 minutes and utilized the capacitative energetic transfer induced by 470 kHz radiofrequency. In random order in one of the limbs the Tecar instrument was not turned on (control condition) or it was turned on (experimental condition) without the subjects knowing that. The results showed that there were significant changes (p<.05) on the assessed variables over time without however significant differences (p>.05) between the two conditions. The application of the Tecar therapy resulted in significant increases (p<.05) in the concentric torque of knee extension and flexion at 72 and 96 hours compared to the pre-exercise protocol values. These results indicate that Tecar therapy could be
used for accelerated recovery following an exercise that results in muscle damage and DOMS.