Application of shortwave diathermy to lower limb increases arterial blood flow velocity and skin temperature in women: a randomized controlled trial

Author(s)

Alves De Sousa, Natanael Teixeira ^[1] ; De Oliveira Guirro, Elaine Caldeira ^{[2, 1]} ; Calio, Joao Guilherme ^[2] ; De Queluz, Mariane Cristina ^[2] ; De Jesus Guirro, Rinaldo Roberto ^{[2, 1]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Curso Fisioterapia, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Programa Posgrad Reabilitacao & Desempenho Func, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY; v. 21, n. 2, p. 127-137, MAR-APR 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Background: Shortwave diathermy (SWD) and microwave diathermy (MWD) are frequently used by physical therapists to treat musculoskeletal conditions. The therapeutic benefits are usually associated with an increase in tissue temperature; however, there is no consensus on the changes in blood flow. Objectives: 1) To evaluate the behavior of temperature and arterial blood flow after the application of SWD and MWD to the lower limb of healthy women aged 18-30 and 2) to assess whether changes in limb positioning can influence SWD response. Method: Among the subjects analyzed, 40 women were eligible to participate in the trial and were randomly allocated to the SWD group or the MWD group. Each group received 20 min of diathermy. After receiving the interventions, all patients crossed over to the other group, but the devices were detuned (sham). SWD was applied to the posterior compartment of the thigh and leg, with the knee in 0 degrees and 90 degrees of flexion, and the MWD applied to the posterior thigh. Skin temperature evaluation (digital infrared thermography) and assessment of blood flow velocity (Doppler ultrasound) were performed immediately before and 10 and 20 min after the application. Results: Arterial blood flow increased after SWD diathermy (vs. Sham), but not after MWD diathermy. SWD promoted skin heating at the end of therapy in all areas analyzed, remaining above baseline even 20 min after the end of the application. MWD diathermy promoted skin heating in the posterior thigh, reflecting a rise in the temperature of the popliteal fossa area that remained for 10 min after the end of the application. Conclusion: The increase in arterial blood flow velocity depends on the size of the heating area, since it was only observed in the application of the SWD. However, after 20 min of application, the position of the lower leg did not affect the heating. (C) 2017 Associacao Brasileira de Pesquisa e Pos-Graduacao em Fisioterapia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07732-7 - Low level laser and high voltage electrical stimulation on the viability of flap musculafasciocutaneous transverse rectus abdominis in rats subjected to the action of nicotine
• Grantee: Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira Guirro
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/07227-0 - Analysis of circulation of the UPER member pre and post-surgery in women with breast cancer, submitted to sentinel node biopsy with or without axillary lymphadenectomy
• Grantee: Elaine Caldeira de Oliveira Guirro
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants