Effects of Tecartherapy on Body Tissue: A Systematic Review
ABSTRACT Electrophysical devices based on diathermy are one of the modalities used by many professionals to treat pain. The objective of this study was to identify the effects of Tecartherapy on healthy and unhealthy tissues. A systematic review of Tecartherapy technology was carried out. Articles published up to the year 2023 were investigated. The search argument used was “Capacitive-resistive electrical transfer” OR “Tecar” OR “Therapy Tecar” OR “CRET” in the BVS, Cochrane, PEDro, PubMed, IEEE Explore databases, Scielo and Web of Science. As for the main results of using Tecartherapy, there is an increase in temperature. In healthy tissues there is an increase in local blood flow, a decrease in muscle fatigue and an increase in muscle flexibility. In addition to the effects observed on healthy tissues, pain reduction and improved joint function were also observed. It was concluded that this technology has similar effects to other diathermy, but Tecartherapy proved to be safer and more comfortable.
Evaluation of the effects of the application of a 0,485 MHz radiofrequency through a capacitive-resistive energetic transfer system (TECAR®) on the muscle tissue. A double-blind crossover study
The tests performed on athletes, following treatment with Tecartherapy® after a physical performance show that it is effective in reducing the stress to which the muscle is subjected. There is also an indication of microcirculation enhancement. Moreover, the muscle power obtained through physical training is preserved.
Abstract For this clinical study, 10 healthy subjects were enrolled, who practiced sport at an amateur level, randomly divided into two groups: - Group A: cases. Subjects treated with the TECAR® - ON protocol after a physical performance, for a total of 25 minutes - Group B: controls. Subjects treated in the same way as group A, but with the switched off device (TECAR® protocol - OFF), after a physical performance. After 7 days, the study was repeated cross-over. The results can be summarized as follows: blood values of CPK, Myoglobin and Lactate, undergo a smaller increase in subjects treated with Tecartherapy. The Muscle Power-Doppler exam showed a significant increase in the spots only in the treated subjects. Regarding the parameters on muscle performance, the only statistically significant data is a decrease in power (W / kg) in the control group, These results highlight the beneficial effects of this therapy in reducing the stress of a tissue subjected to physical training (and in particular the effects on muscle fibres), in stimulating the microcirculation at a local level and in preserving muscle power during recovery post-work out.
Source: M. Tofanicchio et al, Valutazione degli effetti della applicazione della radiofrequenza a 0.485 MHz attraverso
l’utilizzo di un sistema a trasferimento energetico capacitivo-resistivo (TECAR®) sul tessuto muscolare mediante un
Crossover Study in doppio cieco, Sports Medicine 11 - Traumatology Rehabilitation, p573