• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.387-397
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this case study was to investigate selective region high-frequency diathermy at trigger points with therapeutic exercises on pain, function, balance and gait in older patients with degenerative knee osteoarthritis (DKO). Design: A case report. Methods: The patient who participated in this study was a 71-year-old woman, who had been diagnosed with moderate osteoarthritis with grade II Kellgren & Lawrence grading scale. The intervention consisted of selective region high-frequency diathermy at trigger points, with hip and knee stretching and strengthening exercises. The participant was given assessments before and after every intervention session using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and the 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT). The participant performed the intervention 18 times for a total of 30 minutes each. Results: As a result of this study, the patient VAS decreased to 3 points, and the WOMAC decreased to 53 points. In addition, the TUG decreased to 3.25 s and the 10MWT decreased to 1.14 s. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that selective region high-frequency diathermy at trigger points with therapeutic exercises may be an effective intervention to decrease pain, improve knee function, balance and gait in patients with DKO. The selective region high-frequency diathermy with therapeutic exercises may be feasible and provide potential benefits for rehabilitation of DKO.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2015

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the physical therapy treatment room environment using microwave diathermy on the autonomic nervous system of human body. METHODS: Participants were 24 healthy adults. Standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals(SDNN), root mean square of successive differences(RMSSD), low frequency(LF), high frequency(HF), LF/HF ratio were compared in microwave irradiation and non-irradiation group. Data were analyzed in Wilcoxon's signed-ranks test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), low frequency(LF), high frequency(HF), LF/HF ratio were not significantly different in microwave irradiation group. Standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals(SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), low frequency(LF), high frequency(HF), LF/HF ratio were not significantly different in microwave non-irradiation group. Standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals(SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), low frequency(LF), high frequency(HF), LF/HF ratio were not significantly different between two groups. CONCLUSION: There was no significant change in the sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system regardless of the presence of microwave irradiation. There was no significant change in the autonomic nervous system adaptability regardless of the presence of microwave irradiation.According to this study, microwave diathermy does not have significant effect on the autonomic nervous system.Future study is necessary to investigate the long term effect of the physical therapy treatment room environment using microwave diathermy on the autonomic nervous system of the human body.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.37-47
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• 2017

Background: Active trigger points (TrPs) of the suboccipital muscles greatly contribute to the occurrence of chronic tension-type headache, with increased sensitivity of TrPs and facilitated referred pain. Objects: This study aimed to investigate whether the integration of high-frequency diathermy into suboccipital release is more beneficial than the use of suboccipital release alone. Methods: Thirty subjects were assigned to either experimental group-1 (EG-1) to undergo suboccipital release combined with high-frequency diathermy (frequency: 0.3 MHz, and electrode type: resistive electronic transfer), or EG-2 to undergo suboccipital release alone, or the control group (CG) with no intervention, with 10 subjects in each group. The assessment tools included the headache impact test 6 (HIT-6), perceived level of tenderness, neck disability index, and neck mobility. Intervention was performed for 10 minutes, twice per week, for 4 weeks, and measurements were performed before and after the interventions. Results: The between-group comparison of the post-test values and changes between pretest and post-test showed significant differences for all parameters at p<.05, except for the left-to-right lateral bending range. In the post hoc test, EG-1 showed significant differences for the parameters in comparison with the CG, while no significant differences in the perceived tenderness level, on both temporal regions, were found between EG-2 and CG. Furthermore, the HIT-6 score and perceived tenderness level, in the right temporal region, showed significant differences between EG-1 and EG-2. In the within-group comparison, EG-1 and EG-2 appeared to be significantly different between pretest and post-test (p<.05), except for the perceived tenderness level in the right temporal region, with significance for the EG-1 group only (p<.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the suboccipital release technique may be advantageous to improve headache, tenderness, and neck function and mobility, with more favorable effects with the incorporation of high-frequency diathermy.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2020

Background: The gastrocnemius (GCM) is one of the lower extremity muscles that tend to tighten easily. GCM tightness results in limited ankle dorsi-flexion (DF), especially when the knee joint is fully extended. Joint flexibility is determined by the morphological and physiological characteristics of joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Impaired joint flexibility can be attributed to increased susceptibility to muscle injury. High-frequency diathermy is clinically used to reduce pain and muscle tightness and to improve limited range of motion. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of high-frequency therapy in subjects with GCM tightness. Methods: The study was designed as a one-group before-after trial. The subjects included 28 volunteers with GCM tightness (an active ankle DF angle of less than 12°) without any known neurological and musculoskeletal pathologies in the ankle and calf areas. WINBACK Transfer Electrode Capacitive and Resistive Therapy equipment was used to apply high-frequency therapy to the subjects' GCMs for 10-15 minutes. The pennation angle and the fascicle length of the GCM were measured using ultrasonography. The flexibility of the ankle joint, peak torque to the passive ankle DF (Biodex), and soft tissue stiffness (MyotonPRO) were also measured. Results: The pennation angle was significantly decreased following the treatment; however, no significant difference in the fascicle length was found (p < 0.05). The flexibility was significantly increased and both the passive peak torque to passive ankle DF and the soft tissue stiffness significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: High-frequency therapy is immediately effective for improving the muscle's architectural properties and functional factors in subjects with GCM tightness. Further longitudinal clinical studies are required to investigate the long-term effects of high-frequency therapy on subjects with GCM tightness from various causes.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.75-83
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• 2006

Objectives : This study was performed to identify the effects of high frequency therapy on localized obesity. Methods : This trial was carried out in 12 volunteers. Volunteers were divided into 3 groups; upper arm group (n=4), thigh group (n=4) and abdomen group (n=4) according to local obesity type. Body weight and body fat were measured by Inbody 720 and CT (Computed Tomography) immediately before and following high frequency therapy. Diathermy was performed twice a week for 4 weeks for a total of 8 treatments. Results : In the upper arm group, body weight, body fat mass, fat area by CT scan and circumference were increased after treatment but not significantly (p>0.05). In the thigh group, body weight, body fat mass and circumference were decreased and fat area by CT scan was increased but both not significantly (p>0.05). In the abdomen group, significant differences were not found despite decreases in body weight, body fat mass, visceral fat and subcutaneous fat after diathermy (p>0.05). Conclusions : There was no significant effects of high frequency therapy on localized obesity.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.19-28
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• 2021

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to apply manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and high-frequency diathermy (HFD) to patients with axillary web syndrome (AWS), one of the side effects of breast cancer surgery, and to treat upper extremity pain, volume, function of the upper extremity, (joint range of motion; ROM, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand; DASH) and quality of life before and after treatment. It is to determine the effect of treatment by checking the level change. Methods : This study is a case series. A total of 5 patients diagnosed with AWS after breast cancer surgery voluntarily participated in this study. The intervention program consisted of stretching, MLD and HFD. It was conducted 3 times a week for 30 minutes for 4 weeks. In order to compare the effects of pain (numeric pain rating scale; NPRS), volume, upper limb function (ROM, DASH) and quality of life (the European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire-breast, EORTC QLQ-BR23) evaluations were compared before and after 4 weeks of intervention. All measured variables were analyzed and expressed as mean, standard deviation and percentage. Results : The shoulder NPRS level of the subjects in all case groups decreased, the volume decreased and the shoulder flexion, abduction ROM increased. It showed improvement in DASH and quality of life, QLQ-BR23. Conclusion : After breast cancer surgery, we confirmed the possibility that MLD and HFD treatments could be effective in improving pain, decreasing volume, increasing upper extremity function, and quality of life for patients who have difficulties with AWS. The possibility has been confirmed, and additional research is needed by increasing the number of participants in the experiment in the future.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.65-71
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• 2021

Background: The hamstring is a muscle that crosses two joints, that is the hip and knee, and its flexibility is an important indicator of physical health in its role in many activities of daily living such as sitting, walking, and running. Limited range of motion (ROM) due to hamstring tightness is strongly related to back pain and malfunction of the hip joint. High-frequency diathermy (HFD) therapy is known to be effective in relaxing the muscle and increasing ROM. Objects: To investigate the effects of HFD on active knee extension ROM and hamstring tone and stiffness in participants with hamstring tightness. Methods: Twenty-four participants with hamstring tightness were recruited, and the operational definition of hamstring tightness in this study was active knee extension ROM of below 160° at 90° hip flexion in the supine position. HFD was applied to the hamstring for 15 minutes using the WINBACK device. All participants were examined before and after the intervention, and the results were analyzed using a paired t-test. The outcome measures included knee extension ROM, the viscoelastic property of the hamstring, and peak torque for passive knee extension. Results: The active knee extension ROM significantly increased from 138.8° ± 9.9° (mean ± standard deviation) to 143.9° ± 10.4° after the intervention (p < 0.05), while viscoelastic property of the hamstring significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Also, the peak torque for knee extension significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Application of HFD for 15 minutes to tight hamstrings immediately improves the active ROM and reduces the tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the muscle. However, further experiments are required to examine the long-term effects of HFD on hamstring tightness including pain reduction, postural improvement around the pelvis and lower extremities, and enhanced functional movement.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.289-294
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• 2018

A test study was conducted to identify the effects of diathermy through therapist's hand on patients with chronic lumbar pain. The study assessed the effectiveness of Winback High Frequency TECAR Therapy on 21 patients suffering from chronic lumbar pain and the testing was held at H Hospital and began in April 2016 and concluded in September 2016. Assessment of pain relief was through a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ). The results showed a VAS score decrease from $6.67{\pm}1.76$ to $5.52{\pm}2.03$ (p<0.05) and the ODQ results also showed an decrease from $41.19{\pm}2.56$ to $35.14{\pm}5.11$ (p<0.05). Both of these results are indicative of the positive effects that diathermy through therapist's hand has in the treatment of chronic pain, and the necessity for further studies in this field.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.493-501
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• 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study is to present basic data for appropriate therapeutic intervention by confirming changes in the autonomic nervous system and pain by applying high-frequency deep diathermy to the lower abdomen in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Design: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Methods: Thirty-eight women aged 18-50 years who complained of regular menstrual cycles (24-32 days) and primary dysmenorrhea symptoms were randomly assigned to a high-frequency therapy group (5, 7, or 9 mins) and a superficial heat therapy group (20 min). High frequency treatment group: The subject was in a supine position, and radio frequency was applied to the lower abdomen below the umbilicus. The radio frequency therapy device used in this study uses a 300 kHz capacitive electrode and a 500 kHz resistive electric transfer to deliver deep heat. Superficial heat treatment Group: Subjects applied a hot pack to the lower abdomen for 20 minutes while lying on their back. Evaluations were made of Heart rate variability and Visual Analogue Scale. Results: In subjects with menstrual pain, there was a significant difference in pain between the high-frequency therapy group and the superficial heat therapy group (p=0.026). However, there was no significant difference between the autonomic nervous system and the stress resistance (p>0.05). Conclusions: As a result of this study, high-frequencytreatment using radiofrequency was effective in relieving pain because it can penetrate deeper tissues than conventional hot packs using superficial heat. In particular, it was found that the optimum effect was obtained when high frequency was applied forfive-seven minutes.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.143-153
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• 2024

Purpose : Forward head posture (FHP), characterized by the anterior positioning of the head relative to the spine, is a common postural deviation that can lead to neck pain, reduced mobility, and muscle imbalances. Recently, high-frequency deep heat therapy (HFDT) has been gaining attention for the intervention of FHP. This research aims to investigate the efficacy of HFDT in comparison to instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) for treating FHP among 30 young adults. Methods : Participants were randomly assigned to either the HFDT or IASTM group. The study focused on examining changes in neck joint mobility, pain thresholds, rounded shoulder distance, lower trapezius muscle strength, and neck dysfunction. Measurements were taken before and after the interventions. Paired t-tests were used for within-group analyses, and independent t-tests were employed for between-group comparisons. The statistical significance level α was set to .05. Results : Statistically significant improvements were observed across all measured parameters in both groups (p<.05). The HFDT group showed significantly greater enhancements in neck joint mobility, pain thresholds, rounded shoulder distance, lower trapezius muscle strength, and neck dysfunction parameters. Specifically, HFDT was more effective than IASTM in improving neck joint mobility, right upper trapezius pain threshold, left rounded shoulder distance, and right lower trapezius strength. The only exceptions were neck flexion range of motion, left upper trapezius pain threshold, right rounded shoulder distance, and left lower trapezius strength, where no significant differences were found between the groups. Conclusion : The findings suggest that HFDT, by combining the benefits of high-frequency therapy and manual therapy, effectively alleviates upper trapezius muscle pain and tension, enhances neck mobility, and strengthens lower trapezius muscles. Thus, HFDT could be considered a valuable intervention for clinicians aiming to address FHP and associated musculoskeletal problems.