Radiofrequency vs. Ultrasound Therapy for Shoulder Joint in Stroke Patients: A Comparative Clinical Trial

Summary

The purpose of the current study is to:

Compare between radiofrequency (TECAR) therapy and ultrasound on Shoulder Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Outcome in Patients with stroke.

Conditions

• Stroke ( 3 Months After Onset)
• Stroke in Patients: New Tool to Evaluate the Impact in Their Life

Interventions

DEVICE

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency (TECAR) therapy is a non-invasive, non-ablative treatment that uses electromagnetic energy to generate endogenous heat, promoting increased blood flow and tissue healing in both superficial and deep tissues. With a long wavelength and low frequency (300 KHz to 1 MHz), it can penetrate deeply into muscles, tendons, and bones, making it suitable even in acute conditions. TECAR operates in two modes: capacitive (targeting soft tissues rich in electrolytes) and resistive (targeting high-resistance tissues like bones and tendons). The therapy stimulates natural repair processes by inducing ion flow and micro-hyperemia, leading to the release of endorphins and cortisone, which help reduce pain, inflammation, and edema, while enhancing immune response and tissue regeneration.

DEVICE

Ultrasound

The ultrasound waves accelerate healing, increasing local vascularity and improving several other characteristics, including energy absorption capacity and maximum rupture resistance tension, increased collagen synthesis, fibroblast proliferation, release of growth factors stimulated by mast cell degranulation and improved response of platelets and macrophages anticipating the proliferative and remodeling phase. 1-MHz continuous ultrasound, with a half-value depth of approximately 2.3 cm, is frequently used to treat deep tissues that are approximately 2.3 to 5 cm deep.

OTHER

The designed physical therapy program

The designed physical therapy program focuses on improving upper limb mobility and stability through a structured set of exercises targeting the shoulder joint. It includes prolonged stretching performed in a seated position to extend the thumb, fingers, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, along with scapular mobilization in side-lying and stretching of internal rotators in a supine position. The stretching progression begins with external rotation at 45° abduction and advances to 90° abduction and full reach toward the ground if pain-free. Joint stabilization exercises involve resistance band movements in various shoulder and elbow positions, including controlled abduction, flexion, scapular movements, and external rotation, all aimed at enhancing joint control and muscular coordination.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Delta University for Science and Technology

  collaborator OTHER

• Cairo University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

30 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-09-28

Primary Completion

2025-11-12

Completion

2025-11-12

Countries

• Egypt

Study Locations