Effects of Repeated Monopolar Pulsed Capacitive Radiofrequency Energy Treatments on Mechanical Nociceptive Thresholds and Skin Temperature in Show-Jumping Horses with Thoracolumbar Pain

This study evaluated the effects of repeated monopolar Capacitive Resistive Electrical Transfer (CRET) therapy on mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) and skin surface temperature in horses with perceived chronic thoracolumbar pain. Fifteen show-jumping horses were enrolled in a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial. Ten horses received treatment, and five underwent a sham procedure. Five treatment sessions were performed at 72 h intervals using a monopolar capacitive radiofrequency device operating at 500 kHz. Mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) were assessed before treatment, after each session, and during a 45-day follow-up period. Infrared thermography was performed before and after each treatment session. MNT data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models including treatment group, time, anatomical site and their interactions as fixed effects. CRET treatment resulted in a progressive increase in MNT, with significant effects of treatment group, time and their interaction (p < 0.0001). Higher ΔMNT values were observed in treated horses from the second treatment session onwards and remained above baseline throughout the follow-up period. Skin surface temperature increased after both CRET and sham procedures, with no significant difference between groups. Repeated monopolar capacitive CRET increased MNT in show-jumping horses with perceived chronic thoracolumbar pain, while producing no greater immediate thermographic response.