Generating explosive power through sprinting, jumping, and lower-limb strength is critical in sports performance. Traditional warm-ups enhance activation, but the ideal combination of active and passive techniques remains under investigation. Capacitive Resistive Electric Transfer (CRET), also known as Tecar therapy, delivers 300 kHz–1.2 MHz radiofrequency currents that accelerate metabolic activity, circulation, and oxygenation. This study aimed to assess whether integrating CRET therapy into a standard athletic warm-up could further enhance neuromuscular performance metrics such as sprint time, vertical jump height, and quadriceps strength.
A double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted with 60 healthy athletes (ages 18–35), divided into an Experimental Group (CRET + active warm-up) and a Sham Group (placebo CRET + active warm-up). The experimental group received a single 30-minute session using the T-Plus Wintecare® device in resistive mode (30–50 W). Performance metrics included isometric knee extension force, 30 m sprint, and countermovement jump height, along with electromyographic (sEMG) analysis of the quadriceps muscles.
The experimental group showed a non-significant trend toward improved strength and sprint times compared to baseline. Mean knee extension force increased by ~49 N in the CRET group versus ~11 N in the sham group, and sprint time improved by 0.13 s versus 0.04 s, respectively. Significant main effects for time (but not group) were found in quadriceps activation (rectus femoris and vastus lateralis) and in general performance variables, suggesting physiological responsiveness to the intervention.
A single session of CRET therapy combined with an active warm-up did not produce statistically significant performance gains, but demonstrated a positive trend in sprint and quadriceps strength improvement, indicating potential benefits with more frequent sessions or larger sample sizes. The findings support CRET as a promising adjunct for athletic warm-ups aimed at optimizing neuromuscular activation and power output.
