OBJECTIVE: Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS) is a sports injury characterized by pain in the middle and lower parts of the tibia. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) combined with exercise, compared to electrotherapy combined with exercise, in track and field athletes with MTSS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Track and field athletes diagnosed with MTSS were divided into two groups. The first group received ESWT, while the second group underwent electrotherapy. Both groups followed the same exercise program. Outcome measures, including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Tegner Activity Score, Disablement in the Physically Active Scale Short Form-10 (DPA-SF-10), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, and obstacle course completion times, were recorded at baseline and after 4 weeks. RESULTS: Fifty-six participants were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 23.2 +/- 4.8 years (range 18 to 40) and a mean BMI of 23.2 +/- 2.9 (range 19 to 35). Both treatment approaches resulted in statistically significant improvements in participants' symptoms. However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups when comparing outcomes before and after treatment. CONCLUSION: ESWT and electrotherapy combined with exercise were found to be similarly effective in the treatment of MTSS.

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