Tendon elasticity plays a critical role in performance and injury prevention among athletes. The supraspinatus tendon, particularly in overhead sports like badminton, is susceptible to microtrauma and degeneration due to repetitive stress and limited vascular supply. While Tecar therapy (Capacitive–Resistive Monopolar Radiofrequency, CRMR, 448 kHz) has demonstrated circulatory and cellular benefits, its effect on tendon elasticity had not been directly quantified. This double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated whether Tecar therapy could alter supraspinatus tendon stiffness, measured objectively by quantitative ultrasound strain elastography (SEL), in healthy professional badminton players.
A total of 38 professional badminton players (aged 18–64) were randomly assigned to:
SEL measurements of supraspinatus tendon elasticity were taken at:
Tendon elasticity was quantified using strain elastography (GE Logiq S7, 15 MHz probe) across three tendon regions, averaged into a single mean SEL value (0–6 scale, higher = stiffer tissue).
Radiofrequency treatment produced statistically significant and lasting decreases in supraspinatus tendon stiffness, reflecting improved viscoelasticity and tissue pliability.
No significant differences existed at baseline (T0, p = 0.59).
Tendon elasticity decreased (i.e., became softer and more compliant) by approximately 0.64–1.0 SEL units, confirming measurable biomechanical adaptation after Tecar exposure. No adverse reactions were reported.
The study confirmed that Tecar therapy induces short-term, quantifiable changes in tendon mechanical properties, consistent with enhanced blood perfusion, oxygenation, and metabolic activation. The authors propose that these viscoelastic modifications reflect increased vascular flow and mild thermal stimulation leading to collagen fiber reorganization. Mechanistically, 448 kHz CRMR is known to promote mesenchymal stem cell proliferation via ERK1/2 pathway activation, regulate matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2/TIMP-2), and upregulate heat shock protein 72 (HSP-72)—all factors that facilitate collagen type I synthesis and remodeling. These effects improve tendon adaptability to load and may play a preventive role in shoulder overuse injuries. The researchers emphasized the potential integration of Tecar sessions into athlete conditioning programs for tendon maintenance and recovery.
Tecar therapy at 448 kHz significantly improved supraspinatus tendon elasticity in professional badminton players, with measurable effects sustained for at least one week after treatment. These findings suggest that Tecar’s thermal and bioelectrical actions enhance tendon flexibility, vascularization, and regenerative activity, potentially preventing overuse injuries in overhead athletes. The authors recommend future studies investigating collagen subtype modulation and long-term tendon adaptation under continued Tecar exposure.
