The Effects of Combined Noninvasive Radiofrequency and Ultrasound Cavitation on Anthropometric Indices: A Four-Group Interventional Study

Abstract

Background: Subcutaneous fat reduction is performed using different noninvasive body contouring techniques including noninvasive radiofrequency (RF) and ultrasound cavitation (USC). Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of combined RF-USC on anthropometric indices among obese and overweight people. Methods: This four-group interventional study was conducted on 149 obese and overweight individuals. Participants were allocated to an abdomen and flank group (n = 82), an abdomen and hip group (n = 34), an abdomen and thigh group (n = 13), and a control group (n = 20). Participants in the three intervention groups received combined RF-USC twice a week for five consecutive weeks and followed a low-calorie diet. Results: Except for hip circumference, other anthropometric indices (including abdomen, waist, and thigh circumferences) significantly decreased after ten-session combined RF-USC. However, no statistically significant differences were detected among the groups concerning pretest and posttest mean values of body fat mass and body weight. Conclusions: Ten-session combined RF-USC is effective in significantly reducing abdomen, waist, and thigh circumferences among obese and overweight individuals.