NCT07136480

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Various Deep Heating Modalities in the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 93 (actual)
• Sponsor: Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascıoglu Education and Research Hospital Organization · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This quasi-experimental, non-randomized, parallel-group clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of various deep heating modalities-microwave diathermy, shortwave diathermy, and therapeutic ultrasound-when combined with a standard lumbar exercise program in patients with chronic low back pain. The study will evaluate their effects on pain, functional disability, kinesiophobia, and quality of life. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the 3-week treatment period.

Detailed description

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions, often leading to long-term disability, reduced quality of life, and significant socioeconomic burden. Deep heating modalities, such as microwave diathermy, shortwave diathermy, and therapeutic ultrasound, are widely used in physiotherapy practice to reduce pain, improve tissue extensibility, and enhance function. However, direct comparisons of these modalities in CLBP are limited. This quasi-experimental, non-randomized, parallel-group study will allocate participants to one of four groups: Microwave diathermy + standard lumbar exercise program Shortwave diathermy + standard lumbar exercise program Therapeutic ultrasound + standard lumbar exercise program Standard lumbar exercise program only (control) The allocation will be performed in a non-systematic manner without a formal randomization sequence. All participants will receive a standardized home-based lumbar stabilization exercise program, while the intervention groups will also receive their respective deep heating modality in 15 treatment sessions (5/week for 3 weeks). Primary outcomes will include pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale) and functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index). Secondary outcomes will include kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia) and quality of life (SF-12 PCS and MCS). Assessments will be conducted at baseline and week 3 (post-treatment).

Conditions

• Low Back Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Microwave Diathermy	Continuous mode microwave diathermy (2,450 MHz) will be applied to the lumbar region using a standard physiotherapy unit. Each session will last 20 minutes, 5 sessions per week for 3 consecutive weeks, in addition to a standardized lumbar stabilization exercise program.
DEVICE	Shortwave Diathermy	Continuous mode shortwave diathermy (27.12 MHz) will be delivered to the lumbar region using capacitive or inductive electrodes according to manufacturer guidelines. Each session will last 20 minutes, 5 sessions per week for 3 consecutive weeks, in addition to a standardized lumbar stabilization exercise program.
DEVICE	Therapeutic Ultrasound	Continuous mode therapeutic ultrasound at 1 MHz frequency and 1.5 W/cm² intensity will be applied to the lumbar paraspinal muscles with slow circular movements using a coupling gel. Treatment will last 10 minutes per session, 5 sessions per week for 3 consecutive weeks, in addition to a standardized lumbar stabilization exercise program.
BEHAVIORAL	Lumbar Stabilization and Flexibility Exercise	Participants will perform a home-based lumbar stabilization exercise program, including stretching, core strengthening, and posture correction exercises, supervised weekly by a physiotherapist. The program will be performed 3 sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-12-17
• Primary completion: 2025-08-04
• Completion: 2025-08-04
• First posted: 2025-08-22
• Last updated: 2025-08-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)