Efficacy of low level laser therapy associated with exercises in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized double-blind study

Objectives: To assess the long-term effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), in combination with strengthening exercises in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Design: Follow-up results at three and six months in a previously published randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Specialist Rehabilitation Services. Subjects: Forty participants of both genders, aged 50–75 years with knee osteoarthritis grade 2–4 on Kellgren–Lawrence scale. Intervention: The LLLT group received 10 LLLT treatments with invisible infrared laser (904 nm, 3 Joules/point) over three weeks followed by an eight-week supervised strengthening exercise program. The placebo LLLT group received identical treatment, but the infrared laser output was disabled. Main measures: Pain on a visual analogue scale, paracetamol consumption, and osteoarthritis severity measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Lequesne Index. Results: The new data obtained during the follow-up period showed that all outcomes remained stable and there were no significant differences between the groups at three and six months. However, daily consumption of rescue analgesics (paracetamol) was significantly lower in the LLLT group throughout the follow-up period, ending at a group difference of 0.45 vs. 3.40 units ( P < 0.001) at six months follow-up. We conclude that within the limitations of this small study, the previously reported improvement after LLLT plus exercise was maintained for a period of six months. Conclusion: We find that the immediate post-intervention improvements from LLLT plus strengthening exercises were maintained for six months.

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Efficacy of low-level laser therapy applied at acupuncture points in knee osteoarthritis: a randomised double-blind comparative trial

Physiotherapy ◽

10.1016/j.physio.2013.09.007 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 100 (3) ◽

pp. 242-248 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

A.S. Al Rashoud ◽

R.J. Abboud ◽

W. Wang ◽

C. Wigderowitz

Keyword(s):

Knee Osteoarthritis ◽

Laser Therapy ◽

Comparative Trial ◽

Low Level Laser Therapy ◽

Acupuncture Points ◽

Double Blind ◽

Low Level ◽

Low Level Laser ◽

Level Laser

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Doppelblinde, randomisierte, placebokontrollierte Low-Level-Laser Therapiestudie bei Patienten mit primärem Raynaudphänomen

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526.31.2.91 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 31 (2) ◽

pp. 91-94 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Hirschl ◽

Katzenschlager ◽

Ammer ◽

Melnizky ◽

Rathkolb ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Laser Therapy ◽

Raynaud’S Phenomenon ◽

Raynaud's Phenomenon ◽

Low Level Laser Therapy ◽

Double Blind ◽

Double Blind Placebo ◽

Low Level ◽

Low Level Laser ◽

Level Laser ◽

Primary Raynaud’S Phenomenon

Background: No causal treatment of primary Raynaud’s phenomenon is available due to its unclear aetiology. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is applied in a multitude of medical conditions often without sufficient evidence of efficacy and established mechanisms. To asses the effect of this therapy in patients with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled cross over study was designed. Patients and methods: Absolute and relative frequency and intensity of vasospastic attacks during three weeks of either LLLT or placebo therapy and results of infrared thermography before onset and at the end of both therapy sequences were evaluated in 15 patients with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon. Results: Frequency of Raynaud’s attacks was not significantly affected by low level laser therapy. Compared to placebo a significantly lower intensity of attacks during laser irradiation was observed, but no transfer effect occurred. Additionally the mean temperature gradient after cold exposure was reduced after laser irradiation, while the number of fingers showing prolonged rewarming was unaffected. Conclusion: Though further studies are necessary to confirm these results we could demonstrate for the first time in a double blind placebo controlled clinical trial that low laser therapy is a potential candidate for an effective therapy of Raynaud`s phenomenon, although effects seem to be of short duration.

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