Effects of 8-week radiofrequency treatment on the multifidus muscle cross-section area and back kinematics in horses with back pain.

Description

We aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week 448 kHz radiofrequency (RF) on multifidus cross-sectional area (CSA) and thoracolumbar differential range of motion (ROM). Eight Thoroughbred horseball horses received four RF treatments (T9–L6) at 15-day intervals. Multifidus CSA (T10–L5) and differential spinal ROM between the withers (W), T13, T18, L3 and sacrum (S) were measured before treatment, immediately after the first session, 24 hours after the first session, and at 8 weeks (15 days after the last session). Linear mixed models with Tukey post hoc comparisons were used. Significant effects of timepoint for CSA were significant with CSA increased at 8-weeks at all sites (T10–L5; all P < 0.001). No significant Time × Side interactions were identified for CSA (all P ≥ 0.334), demonstrating bilaterally consistent responses. Absolute increases versus baseline were greatest at T18 (+2.52 cm²), L5 (+1.90 cm²), and T16 (+1.77 cm²) (all p < .001). Axial rotation ROM increased transiently between W–T13 at 24h (+4.8°, p < .001) but returned toward baseline at 8-weeks. Caudal thoracolumbar motion (T18–L3) decreased at 8-weeks (−4.2°, p = .004), suggesting improved segmental stability. Flexion–extension increased immediately post-treatment at W–T13 (+2.29°, p = .009) before reducing below baseline at 8-weeks (−2.49°, p = .005). Lumbosacral ROM showed minimal change. RF therapy was associated with multifidus hypertrophy alongside region-specific modulation of spinal motion, characterised by transient mobility increases followed by reduced caudal thoracolumbar motion, consistent with improved neuromuscular dynamic stabilisation via multifidus hypertrophy.

Institutions

• Anglia Ruskin University

  England, Cambridge

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