Background/Objectives: Non-invasive radiofrequency (NIRF) therapy is increasingly used in physical rehabilitation. However, its efficacy across different lower limb pathologies remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of NIRF on pain intensity and functional status in patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and vascular conditions of the lower limb. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for RCTs comparing NIRF with sham, standard care, or other physical modalities. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 to calculate Mean Differences (MD) and Standardized Mean Differences (SMD). Results: Nineteen RCTs comprising 911 participants were included in the qualitative review, of which 14 were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. The mean methodological quality was 7.78/10. The meta-analysis revealed favorable results for NIRF in reducing pain intensity compared to control groups (MD = −2.04; 95% CI = −3.14 to −0.93; p = 0.0003; I² = 96%). Functional outcomes also showed significant improvement in favor of the experimental group (SMD = −0.51; 95% CI: −0.85 to −0.16; p = 0.004; I² = 78%). Additionally, narrative synthesis indicated benefits for spasticity management (stroke) and limb volume reduction (lipedema/lymphedema). Conclusions: The results suggest a trend favoring NIRF for reducing pain and improving function in lower limb musculoskeletal conditions, particularly when used as an adjunct to active therapy. Evidence also suggests preliminary beneficial effects for neurological and vascular disorders. However, these findings must be interpreted with caution due to the high statistical heterogeneity observed, the broad diversity of the clinical populations included, and the wide variability in the treatment protocols applied. Further rigorous research with standardized protocols is highly recommended.

Introduction Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that altered diaphragmatic function may be associated with lumbar pain, impaired trunk stabilisation and functional disability. Manual diaphragmatic techniques have been proposed as an intervention to modulate diaphragmatic tension, mobility and neuromyofascial relationships; however, their effectiveness has not yet been synthesised using rigorous systematic review methods. Methods and analysis This protocol follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidance and has been prospectively registered in PROSPERO. Randomised controlled trials evaluating manual techniques specifically applied to the diaphragm in adults with NSLBP will be eligible. The primary outcomes will include pain intensity and functional disability; secondary outcomes will include lumbar mobility, respiratory function, quality of life and adverse events. Searches will be performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, PEDro, CINAHL, Scopus, Embase and clinical trial registries without language or date restrictions. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection, data extraction and risk-of-bias (RoB) assessment using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Where appropriate, a random-effects meta-analysis will be conducted; the certainty of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity is anticipated across trials, which may limit the feasibility of quantitative data pooling. Ethics and dissemination As this study uses data from previously published trials, ethical approval is not required. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations and a plain-language summary for clinical stakeholders. PROSPERO registration CRD420251172616.

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer treatments, including adjuvant radiotherapy, significantly improve survival but are associated with cancer-related fatigue (CRF), a debilitating symptom that severely impacts quality of life. Previous studies often evaluate fatigue by combining radiotherapy with systemic therapies, confounding its independent association. This study aims to isolate the specific relation between exclusive radiotherapy and the longitudinal progression of fatigue in surgically treated breast cancer patients. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in a cohort of 70 women with breast cancer who underwent breast-conserving surgery and subsequent adjuvant radiotherapy. Cancer-related fatigue levels were evaluated across behavioral, affective, sensory, and cognitive dimensions using the Piper Fatigue Scale-Revised (PFS-R), while global health status and quality of life (QoL) were measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, both before and after radiotherapy. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed-effects models. Results: Following radiotherapy, a marked and statistically significant increase was observed in total fatigue (1.61 ± 1.16 vs. 5.37 ± 2.76; p < 0.001) and across all specific domains (p < 0.001), accompanied by a decline in global health status (82.6 ± 20.2 to 60.1 ± 29.2). Assessment time (pre- vs. post-RT) was identified as the factor most strongly associated with an increase in fatigue. However, better baseline global health status significantly attenuated the increase in total, behavioral, affective, and sensory fatigue (time × QoL interaction, p < 0.001). Furthermore, higher physical activity levels were significantly associated with lower behavioral fatigue (p = 0.042) and showed a protective trend for sensory (p = 0.055) and total fatigue (p = 0.092). Conclusions: Radiotherapy is strongly associated with a significant increase in cancer-related fatigue scores across all dimensions. Better baseline quality of life acts as a protective factor that is associated with attenuated fatigue progression, while regular physical activity correlates with a mitigated impact, particularly within the behavioral domain, although it did not reach statistical significance across all fatigue dimensions. These findings highlight the critical need for routine clinical monitoring of fatigue and strongly support the implementation of structured, exercise-based interventions during adjuvant treatment.