Effects of Diathermy Application on Immediate Sports Performance of Paralympic Swimmers

This study aims to evaluate the potential benefits of Monopolar Capacitive Resistive Radio-frequency (448 kHz) on the sports performance of Paralympic swimmers.

A randomized, double-blind, crossover, controlled and sham-controlled clinical trial Evaluate the effectiveness of resistive capacitive diathermy as sports performance enhancement of Paralympic elite swimmers compared with a "sham" diathermy treatment and with a control group. The resistive capacitive diathermy is a medical device supplying low (448 kHz) radiofrequency with a maximum output power of 200 W, used to improve physiological aspects and theoretically allowing improvement in swimming performance. The sham diathermy treatment is administered with the device set on "on" but not active (not supplying energy) and control group will not receive anything, randomly assigned to either resistive capacitive diathermy treatment (group 1), sham-treatment (group 2) or control (group 3) athletes are submitted to a twenty minutes session prior swimming performance. The main outcome measures are the simulate swimming time trial (seconds) to assess time completing the presented course and Borg Scale for perceived exertion. Outcome measures are administered at completing each time trial.

Intervention is conducted using a 65-mm diameter Resistive (RES) electrode (movable), and a planar electrode was used as a return electrode on the abdomen. The electricity is administered in the following manner: cream was applied to the upper limbs existent area, and the electrical output is marked at 75% by moving the movable electrode and if not tolerated by the patient lowered until 35%, Therapy is conducted for 20 minutes, prior swimming time trials.

Placebo is conducted using a 65-mm diameter RES electrode (movable), and a planar electrode was used as a return electrode on the abdomen. The electricity IS NOT administered, the cream was applied to the upper limbs existent area and moving the movable electrode, intervention is conducted for 20 minutes, prior to swimming time trials.

Time in Seconds that takes the athlete since taking off from the edge of the pool until reaching two different distances, 50 and 100 meters, measuring each distance twice, time will be measure by technical digital chronometer.

Time in Seconds that takes the athlete since taking off from the edge of the pool until reaching two different distances, 50 and 100 meters, measuring each distance twice, time will be measure by technical digital chronometer.

Time in Seconds that takes the athlete since taking off from the edge of the pool until reaching two different distances, 50 and 100 meters, measuring each distance twice, time will be measure by technical digital chronometer.

To measure the athlete's qualification of their exertion the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale® will be used, previously validated and with the proper license, measures will be taken pre/post-competition.

To measure the athlete's qualification of their exertion the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale® will be used, previously validated and with the proper license, measures will be taken pre/post-competition.

To measure the athlete's qualification of their exertion the Borg Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale® will be used, previously validated and with the proper license, measures will be taken pre/post-competition.

Inclusion Criteria: Informed consent signed. Age between 18 y 70 years old. Already in the position of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) classification. Know their personal mark (50-100mts). Having the capacity to fill and understand questionnaires, understand and follow verbal orders. Exclusion Criteria: Pregnancy. Use of pacemakers or other types of electronic implants Non-intact skin (open wounds or recent burns) thrombophlebitis Known allergy to nickel and chromium Symptomatic anemia (hemoglobin below 12g / dl presenting any of these symptoms: tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations or headache). Present feverish process Elimination criteria: Revocation of inform consent. Attend to less than three visits.

De Sousa-De Sousa L, Espinosa HG, Mate-Munoz JL, Lozano-Estevan MDC, Cerrolaza-Tudanca S, Rozalen-Bustin M, Fernandez-Carnero S, Garcia-Fernandez P. Effects of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer on Sports Performance in Paralympic Swimmers: A Stopped Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Nov 7;19(21):14620. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192114620.