• Takayuki Miyamori, Masashi Aoyagi, Taiki Saito, Yuki Masui, Yoshihiko Ishihara, Yu Shimasaki, and Masafumi Yoshimura.
• Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Apr 26; 103 (17): e38011e38011.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of capacitive and resistive monopolar radiofrequency (CRMF) on the shear elastic modulus of the multifidus and erector spinae muscles in female athletes with low back pain (LBP) and a history of LBP.DesignRandomized crossover trial.SettingAcademic institution.ParticipantsTwenty female university athletes with LBP or a history of LBP were included.InterventionsAll participants received CRMF, hotpack, and sham (CRMF without power) in a random order on the right side of the lumbar region. More than 2 days were allocated between the experiments to eliminate any residual effects.Main Outcome MeasuresThe shear elastic moduli of the right multifidus and erector spinae were evaluated in the prone (rest) position while sitting with 35° trunk flexion (stretched) using shear wave ultrasound imaging equipment. The moduli were measured before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after the intervention.ResultsRepeated-measures 2-way analysis of variance and post hoc analysis showed that the moduli of the CRMF group were significantly lower than those of the sham group in the stretched position immediately after intervention (P = .045). This difference diminished 30 minutes after the intervention (P = .920).ConclusionsCRMF can be used to reduce the shear elastic modulus of the multifidus muscle in the short term. Further studies are warranted to determine how to provide longer effects.Trial RegistrationNone.Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

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