Efficacy of high intensity laser therapy in knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind controlled randomized study
- 1 May 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in Clinical Rheumatology
- Vol. 40 (5), 1989-1995
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-020-05469-7
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of high intensity laser therapy on pain, functionality, flexion range of motion (FROM), and ultrasonographic cartilage measurement in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods This study was designed as a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. Forty patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria were included in the study. After obtaining written informed consent, patients were randomized into high intensity laser therapy (HILT) + exercise therapy (ET), and placebo laser (PL) + ET groups. Each patient was treated five sessions per week for 2 weeks. The outcomes measured were pain level and functional disability using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), respectively. The femoral cartilage thickness measurement was made ultrasonographically, and FROM was measured with goniometry. Results Statistically significant improvements were detected in VAS, WOMAC scores, femoral cartilage thickness, and FROM at the end of the treatment (in week 2) compared to the pre-treatment period in both groups (p < 0.05). There were significant decreases in the VAS and WOMAC scores of both groups in the 6th week compared to the pre-treatment period, and the results of the FROM and femur cartilage thickness measurements were increased at statistically significant levels (p < 0.05). The VAS and WOMAC scores were significantly lower in the 6th week in HILT + ET group compared to the PL + ET group (p < 0.05). Similarly, statistically significant increases were detected in the FROM and femur cartilage thickness measurements in HILT + ET group (p < 0.05). Conclusion HILT + ET combination was more effective in KOA than the PL + ET combination.This publication has 25 references indexed in Scilit:
- Short-term clinical efficacy of the pulsed Nd:YAG laser therapy on chronic nonspecific low back pain A randomized controlled studyMedicine, 2020
- The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical trialLasers in Medical Science, 2018
- Osteoarthritis year in review 2016: imagingOsteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2016
- Educating patients about the benefits of physical activity and exercise for their hip and knee osteoarthritis. Systematic literature reviewAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 2016
- Short-term effects of high-intensity laser therapy, manual therapy, and Kinesio taping in patients with subacromial impingement syndromeLasers in Medical Science, 2016
- OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritisOsteoarthritis and Cartilage, 2014
- OsteoarthritisBest Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 2010
- The economic burden of disabling hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) from the perspective of individuals living with this conditionRheumatology, 2005
- Osteoarthritis: An Overview of the Disease and Its Treatment StrategiesSeminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 2005
- Development of criteria for the classification and reporting of osteoarthritis: Classification of osteoarthritis of the kneeArthritis & Rheumatism, 1986