Influence of TECAR Therapy on Proprioception Functions in Cervical Radiculopathy

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined whether combined TECAR therapy into a cervical proprioception protocol enhances pain and function in cervical radiculopathy secondary to disc bulge.
Methods: 60 participants aged from 30 to 40 years old with cervical radiculopathy secondary to disc bulge. They were recruited and randomly allocated to two equal groups. The active TECAR group received radiofrequency TECAR therapy plus designed cervical proprioception protocol, while the sham TECAR group underwent sham TECAR p;us the same designed proprioception protocol. Interventions were conducted three sessions per week for 4 weeks. All outcomes were assessed at start and after completion of the treatment period, included cervical joint position error (JPE), cervical range of motion (ROM), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores.
Results: In both groups, outcome measures improved significantly over the 4 week intervention period,. However, more favorable enhancemment in the active TECAR group, with statistically significant larger decreases in cervical JPE and NDI scores and more ncreases in PPT and ROM compared with the sham TECAR group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: TECAR therapy plus designed cervical proprioception protocol produced greater enhancement in cervical pain and function in Cervical radiculopathy secondary to disc bulge.