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

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) applied to acupuncture points on the knee joint in combination with exercise and advice in patients with knee osteoarthritis. DesignRandomised, double-blind, comparative clinical trial. ParticipantsForty-nine patients with knee osteoarthritis were assigned at random into two groups: active laser group (n=26) and placebo laser group (n=23). InterventionUsing a gallium aluminium arsenide laser device, patients received either active or placebo LLLT at five acupuncture points on the affected knee during nine sessions. Outcome measuresPatients were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Saudi Knee Function Scale (SKFS) at baseline, the fifth treatment session, the last treatment session, 6 weeks post intervention and 6 months post intervention. ResultsVAS scores showed a significant improvement in the active laser group compared with the placebo laser group at 6 weeks post intervention [mean difference −1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference −2.4 to −0.3; P=0.014] and 6 months post intervention (mean difference −1.8, 95% CI of the difference −3.0 to −0.7; P=0.003) using the independent samples test. SKFS scores also showed a significant improvement in the active laser group compared with the placebo laser group at the last treatment session (median difference −15, 95% CI of the difference −27 to −2; P=0.035) and 6 months post intervention (median difference −21, 95% CI of the difference −34 to −7; P=0.006) using the Mann–Whitney U test. ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that short-term application of LLLT to specific acupuncture points in association with exercise and advice is effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis.