NCT07082660

Tecar Therapy in Lumbar Disc Herniation

A Randomized Controlled Trial On Lumbal Disc Herniation Using Tecar Therapy: Effects On Pain And Functionality

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (actual)
• Sponsor: Şebnem Nur Alkan · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of Tecar therapy on pain intensity and functional status in patients with lumbar disc herniation. The intervention group received Tecar therapy combined with conventional physiotherapy, while the control group received only conventional physiotherapy. Outcome measures include pain intensity, lumbar mobility, and functional disability. The study aims to determine whether Tecar therapy provides additional benefits compared to standard care in the early rehabilitation of individuals with lumbar disc herniation.

Detailed description

Background Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that can significantly impair quality of life due to pain and functional limitations. Rehabilitation strategies often include lumbar stabilization exercises, and adjunct electrotherapies such as capacitive-resistive diathermy (TECAR) have gained interest for their potential therapeutic effects. Purpose This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of adding high-frequency capacitive-resistive diathermic current (TECAR) therapy to lumbar stabilization exercises, compared to lumbar stabilization exercises alone, on pain intensity, functional status, and lumbar range of motion in individuals with chronic LDH. Methods Thirty participants with chronic LDH (duration \>6 months) and no neurological deficits will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups: TECAR + Exercise Group (TEG, n=15): Participants will receive 12 sessions of TECAR therapy (20 minutes, 3 sessions per week) in combination with lumbar stabilization exercises over 4 weeks. Exercise Group (EG, n=15): Participants will receive only lumbar stabilization exercises with the same frequency and duration. Outcome measures will include: Pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale - VAS) Functional status (Oswestry Disability Index - ODI) Lumbar range of motion (goniometry) All evaluations will be performed pre- and post-intervention by a physiotherapist who is blinded to group allocation.

Conditions

• Lumbal Disc Herniation
• Capacitive and Resistive Electric Transfer Therapy
• Exercise Training

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	High-Frequency Capacitive-Resistive Diathermic Current Therapy (TECAR)	20 minutes per session, 3 times per week for 4 weeks
BEHAVIORAL	Lumbal Stabilization Exercise Program	3 sessions per week for 4 weeks, each session includes core stabilization and lumbar control exercises (12 sessions total).

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-01-01
• Primary completion: 2023-03-30
• Completion: 2023-05-20
• First posted: 2025-07-24
• Last updated: 2025-07-24

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)