This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of Tecar therapy on pain intensity and functional status in patients with lumbar disc herniation. The intervention group received Tecar therapy combined with conventional physiotherapy, while the control group received only conventional physiotherapy. Outcome measures include pain intensity, lumbar mobility, and functional disability. The study aims to determine whether Tecar therapy provides additional benefits compared to standard care in the early rehabilitation of individuals with lumbar disc herniation.

Background Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that can significantly impair quality of life due to pain and functional limitations. Rehabilitation strategies often include lumbar stabilization exercises, and adjunct electrotherapies such as capacitive-resistive diathermy (TECAR) have gained interest for their potential therapeutic effects.

Purpose This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of adding high-frequency capacitive-resistive diathermic current (TECAR) therapy to lumbar stabilization exercises, compared to lumbar stabilization exercises alone, on pain intensity, functional status, and lumbar range of motion in individuals with chronic LDH.

Methods

Thirty participants with chronic LDH (duration >6 months) and no neurological deficits will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups:

TECAR + Exercise Group (TEG, n=15): Participants will receive 12 sessions of TECAR therapy (20 minutes, 3 sessions per week) in combination with lumbar stabilization exercises over 4 weeks.

Exercise Group (EG, n=15): Participants will receive only lumbar stabilization exercises with the same frequency and duration.

Outcome measures will include:

Pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale - VAS)

Functional status (Oswestry Disability Index - ODI)

Lumbar range of motion (goniometry)

All evaluations will be performed pre- and post-intervention by a physiotherapist who is blinded to group allocation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged 20-60 years
• diagnosed with low back pain
• pain localized between L1 and L5
• having low back pain lasting for more than 3 months [24].

Exclusion Criteria:

• having sensory disturbances
• muscle weakness, or reflex loss identified during motor, sensory, or reflex examinations
• history of prior lumbal spine surgery or vertebral fractures
• presence of electronic medical devices such as pacemakers or other implants contraindicated for electrical stimulation or high-frequency diathermy therapy
• patients officially registered as disabled or receiving social benefits due to low back pain, severe osteoporosis, osteomalacia, malignancy, infectious diseases, or systemic musculoskeletal or rheumatological disorders,
• pregnancy,
• cardiovascular conditions preventing exercise, or viscerogenic causes of low back pain

Individual participant data (IPD) that underlie the results reported in the article (after deidentification) will be shared with other researchers upon reasonable request.

The IPD and supporting documents will be available beginning 6 months after publication of the primary results and will be accessible for a period of 3 years.

Participants were masked to their group assignments throughout the intervention period. Both groups received treatment in a similar clinical environment, and the application of TECAR therapy was performed using identical procedures and equipment setup to prevent participants from discerning their allocation. The physiotherapist administering the intervention was aware of group assignments, but outcome assessments were standardized to minimize bias.