Impact of capacitive-resistive monopolar radiofrequency on mechanical nociceptive threshold in jumping horses: a pilot study

Intensive training and demanding competition schedules often lead to stress, weight loss and musculoskeletal problems in athletic horses, negatively affecting performance and welfare. Physiotherapy has gained increasing attention as a valuable tool to enhance recovery and optimize athletic performance in equine sports. Capacitive-Resistive Monopolar Radiofrequency (CRMRF) is a physiotherapy modality that generates an electromagnetic field to induce deep tissue heating, enhance local circulation and stimulate tissue repair. While this modality has been extensively studied in human athletes showing benefits in pain reduction, mobility improvement and faster recovery, scientific data on its application in equine pain management remain limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CRMRF on back pain sensitivity and changes in the mechanical nociceptive threshold (MNT) in athletic horses. In this randomized controlled pilot study, MNT was measured in jumping horses (n = 10) following a standardized physical activity protocol and subsequent CRMRF therapy in trial group. Pressure algometry was used to evaluate MNT before physical activity, immediately after in both groups and following CRMRF treatment. A statistically significant decrease in MNT was observed after physical activity (p = 0.05) in both trial (n = 5) and control (n = 5) groups. Further significant changes were recorded after CRMRF application (p = 0.027) in the trial group. These findings support the hypothesis that CRMRF may help lower pain and improve the musculoskeletal condition of the back in equine athletes. This highlights its potential role as a valuable tool in equine rehabilitation and performance optimization.