Subjective assessment of pain and disability in subjects with Knee-osteoarthritis undergoing low level laser therapy (LLLT)

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) of knee is the causes for chronic pain and disability which makes the patient seek regular treatment. The non-pharmacological mode of management is needed for such chronic conditions as long term use of medications can have serious adverse effects. Low level laser therapy is one of the modalities of treatment which is known to reduce pain, and improve the functions. Materials and Methods: The subjective assessment of pain and disability was done by using visual analog scale (VAS), Modified Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) for Indian Population and Severity index of Lequesne for Knee osteoarthritis. Such scores were compared before and after Low level laser therapy for duration of 3 months. Results: The average VAS score was 7.3 ± 0.73 and 4 ± 1.76 before and after 3 months of LLLT respectively which was statistically significant. (p =0.000). There was statistically significant difference in WOMAC index score and Severity index of Lequesne before and after 3 months of LLLT (p=0.000). Conclusion: LLLT produces a demonstrable reduction of pain, improvement in the mobility and reduction of stiffness in subjects with senile OA of knee. Keywords: Low level laser Therapy, Cold lasers, Knee Osteoarthritis, Photobiomodulation, Pain assessment.