Effect of Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive Therapy on Pain and Range of Motion After Flexor Tendon Repair

NCT07255651 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: P.T.REC/012/006005
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive therapy (TECAR) on pain and range of motion (ROM) after hand flexor tendon repair.

Conditions

Flexor Tendon Rupture

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Active range of motion (ROM) of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint

  Active ROM of the PIP joint will be assessed, at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th postoperative weeks using a finger goniometer, with the patient sitting, forearm mid-position and supported on a plinth. The therapist will stabilize the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in 90° flexion at the injured phalanx. The goniometer's axis will be placed over the upper surface of the PIP joint, with the stationary arm aligned to the proximal phalanx's longitudinal axis and the movable arm aligned to the middle phalanx's longitudinal axis. The patient will be instructed to actively flex and then extend the PIP joint through its full range (normally 0°-100°), and the measured ROM will be recorded.

  one month

• Active range of motion (ROM) of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint

  Active ROM of the DIP joint will be assessed with the patient seated, forearm in mid-position and supported on the plinth. From a neutral wrist position, the therapist will stabilize the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in 90° flexion and the middle phalanx in extension. The goniometer axis will be placed over the upper surface of the DIP joint, with the stationary arm aligned to the middle phalanx's longitudinal axis and the movable arm aligned to the distal phalanx. The patient will actively flex and extend the DIP joint through its full range (0°-90°), and the ROM will be recorded.

  one month

Study Arms (2)

Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy + Early mobilization protocol

EXPERIMENTAL

It will receive Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy in addition to early mobilization protocol for a month.

Device: Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy; Other: Early mobilization protocol

Early mobilization protocol

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

It will receive their early mobilization protocol only for a month.

Other: Early mobilization protocol

Interventions

Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy DEVICE

Before each session, cables will be checked, the therapist will explain the procedure, the patient will be positioned comfortably, and conductive cream will be applied. The active electrode will be moved in circular motions over the injured tendon while the inactive electrode will be placed under the forearm. Intensity will be set to a comfortable, moderate level based on patient sensation. Radio-frequency (RF) energy will be delivered via capacitive mode for 2 minutes per digit, then resistive mode for 4 minutes per digit (total 6 minutes per digit). Treatment will include 8 sessions, twice weekly.

Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy + Early mobilization protocol

Early mobilization protocol OTHER

The dorsal splint/cast will position the wrist at neutral or 15-30° extension with metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints at 70-90° flexion, featuring low edges for exercise without removal. It will be worn full-time for the first 3 weeks post-surgery, then based on environmental safety (only during sleep and outside home if safe) for weeks 4-6. Patients will begin outpatient physical therapy from week 1 with active mobilization and home exercises every 2 hours. Dressings will be changed every other day. During weeks 1-2, passive/active flexion/extension will follow the Duran protocol (25-50% range of motion) with splint worn during therapy. Weeks 3-4 will progress to 75-100% range of motion, with splint removal at week 4 for active tenodesis exercises. Weeks 5-6 will add tendon gliding, blocking exercises, and light activities while avoiding strenuous lifting or gripping. This progressive protocol will ensure safe healing while gradually restoring function.

Early mobilization protocol; Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy + Early mobilization protocol

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 20 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Ages of patients will be ranged from 20 to 35 years.
• All patients underwent flexor tendon primary direct repair
• All patients will be referred by a surgeon before starting the study procedure.

You may not qualify if:

• Patient with digital nerve repairs.
• Patients with associated vascular injuries requiring arterial repair.
• Patients with associated crush injuries and soft tissue loss.
• Patients with associated bone fractures.
• Patients with associated extensor tendon injuries .
• Patients with preexisting problems limiting joint motion.
• Patients with diminished cognitive capacity.
• Patients with history of previously failed repair.
• Patients with allergic reactions to certain substances in the conductive cream
• Patients with sensation impairment .

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Cairo University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Suez Canal University Hospital

Ismailia, Egypt

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Therapeutics

Study Officials

• Hsham Mahran, PhD

  Professor, Cairo university

  STUDY CHAIR

• Ahmed Mahmoud Ali Gabr Zarraa, PhD

  Lecturer, Cairo university

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Amr Abdallah Gomaa, PhD

  Assistant Professor, Suez Canal university

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Central Study Contacts

Basma Rajai Amer Amer, B.Sc

CONTACT

+20 101 919 0709; Basmarajai3@gmail.com

Ahmed Mahmoud Ali Gabr Zarraa, PhD

CONTACT

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 20, 2025
• First Posted: December 1, 2025
• Study Start: December 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: February 1, 2026
• Study Completion: February 15, 2026
• Last Updated: December 1, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-11

Locations

EG (1)