Application Of Low-level Laser Therapy Research Articles

Application of low-level laser therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome in Cyprus

Aim: The aim of the study was to create a questionnaire that could be used by physiotherapists in Cyprus to define the parameters of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) who had exhibitedsuch symptoms for more than 3 months. Material-Methods:Ninety-four questionnaires were distributed to physiotherapists working in Cyprus. The distribution was random and of the total 94 questionnaires 8 were sent via email and 86 were handed out in person. However, only 30 were answered, 29 in person and 1 via email (31.91% of the total) Results: The following parameters relating to use of the LLLT device in patients with CTS were recorded during the study. The treatment usesan aluminum gallium arsenide laser, set to continuous pulse width and emitting radiation in the form of red visible light.In addition, the non-contact technique is used,the average output power is 1.1W, the spot size is 20cm2 and the duration of treatment is 5 minutes. The energy density is 5J/cm2 and a laser of 30J energy is applied. The LLLT is used 5 times per week and the treatment lasts for 12 sessions. Conclusion: There is a consensus as to the choice of parameters in the LLLT: i.e. the type of laser, the radiation and the frequency of application per week. However, the emission wavelength, the question of contact, the average output power, the energy, the energy density, the duration of treatment, the spot size and the total number of sessions are still controversial issues

Comparison of the effects of low level laser and insoles on pain, functioning, and muscle strength in subjects with stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: A randomized study.

Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is known to be effective in tendinopathies. No study yet investigated the effect of LLLT on posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) in comparison to orthotic treatment. The aim was to compare the effects of LLLT and insole application on pain, function and muscle strength in subjects with stage 2 PTTD. Fifty-two subjects with stage 2 PTTD were randomly assigned to the LLLT and insole groups. The foot pain, function and strength of invertor and evertor muscles of the subjects was evaluated before and after treatment, and after 9 months. Significant improvement was observed in the foot function and pain (p< 0.05) in both groups after treatment, but in the 9-month follow-up, the insole group had better values. The increase in 180∘.sec-1 concentric invertor muscle strength was found significant after the treatment and in month-9 as compared to the initial values (p< 0.05). Both treatments are effective in reducing treating foot pain, as well as improving the function in subjects with stage 2 PTTD. However, at the end of the 9-month follow-up, it was seen that insoles were more effective. Neither method had a clinically important effect on muscle strength.

EFFECTS OF LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY ON LIVER REGENERATION AND THE LASER PARAMETERS EMPLOYED

Low-level laser therapy has various biological effects; one of them is tissue regeneration. Its application in the liver of rats after partial hepatectomy to promote liver regeneration has recently been studied. The aim of this article was to review the recent studies on the effects of low-level laser therapy on rat liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and the laser parameters used. A review of recent relevant literature was performed in Pubmed, Scielo, Medline and Bireme databases. Articles about the application of low-level laser therapy on hepatic regeneration were included. Articles with hepatic regeneration in the presence of pathologies were not included. Nine studies were found matching the study criteria. In most studies, low-level laser therapy promoted liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy, without further damage to the remaining liver. Not all laser parameters necessary for the reproducibility of the study were described by all authors. The therapeutic use of low-level laser therapy in liver regeneration can be promising, however, as liver is a vital organ and the laser application is intraoperative, future studies are needed. The parameters used must be properly described and standardized to allow the reproducibility of the study, so that a therapeutic window can be defined and its clinical use can be considered. It is also essential to clarify the mechanisms by which the laser promotes liver regeneration, to guarantee its safety and therapeutic efficacy.

Surgical Wound Dehiscence Treatment With Low-Level Laser Therapy and Barbatimão: A Case Report

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and a gel containing an extract of Barbatimão, a native Brazilian tree, have shown promising results in both preclinical and clinical wound healing studies. To describe the treatment of surgical wound dehiscence with LLLT and Barbatimão gel. A 54-year-old woman without comorbidities underwent abdominoplasty at another health facility. Three (3) weeks later she presented to the authors' clinic after an episode of syncope, abrupt dyspnea, purulent exudate, and necrotic tissue in the surgical incision. She reported that wound redness, warmth, and swelling started 8 days postoperatively. The patient was admitted; on day 3 of that hospital stay, her condition improved and surgical debridement was performed. Follow-up care of wound dehiscence was provided in the outpatient clinic. The treatment involved daily application of Barbatimão gel and weekly application of LLLT. The wound healed after 84 days. This case report suggests that LLLT may be a beneficial adjunctive therapy, together with Barbatimão gel, for the treatment of surgical wound dehiscence.

Low-Level Laser Therapy Effects on Rat Blood Hemostasis Via Significant Alteration in Fibrinogen and Plasminogen Expression Level.

Introduction: There are many documents about the significant role of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in different processes such as regenerator medicine and bone formation. The aim of this study is to assess the role of LLLT in blood hemostasis in rats via bioinformatic investigation. Methods: The differentially expressed plasma proteins of treated rats via LLLT from the literature and the added 50 first neighbors were investigated via network analysis to find the critical dysregulated proteins and biological processes by using Cytoscape software, the STRING database, and ClueGO. Results: A scale-free network including 55 nodes was constructed from queried and added first neighbor proteins. Fibrinogen gamma, fibrinogen alpha, and plasminogen were highlighted as the central genes of the analyzed network. Fibrinolysis was determined as the main group of biological processes that were affected by LLLT. Conclusion: Findings indicate that LLLT affects blood hemostasis which is an important point in approving the therapeutic application of LLLT and also in preventing its possible complication.

Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy on mechanically induced sciatic nerve injury in Wister rats

Background: Traumatic nerve injury (TNI) is a common source of motor disability. Early application of low-level laser therapy promotes the regeneration of nerves in TNI with a lack of evidence of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on nerve regeneration. Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of HILT in the treatment of mechanically induced sciatic nerve injury in Wister rats.

Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Muscular Performance and Soreness Recovery in Athletes: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Athletes must maintain their peak state of strength. Previous studies have investigated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on muscular performance. A previous systematic review and meta-analysis has investigated this issue in healthy participants but not in physically active athletes. To investigate whether LLLT can improve muscular performance and soreness recovery in athletes. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Published randomized controlled trials and crossover studies till December 2020. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Level 3. Assessment of study quality was rated using the risk of bias assessment method for randomized trials (Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions). A total of 24 studies were included. LLLT application before exercise significantly improved lower-limb muscle strength in 24-hour, 48-hour, 96-hour, and 8-week follow-up groups. Furthermore, decreased soreness index, serum creatine kinase concentrations, interleukin-6, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentrations and a trend toward the improvement of contract repetition number and VO2 kinetic outcomes were observed. Although a definite therapeutic effect of LLLT is yet to be established, the current evidence supports that LLLT use improves muscular performance in physically active athletes. Additional trials with large sample sizes and robust design should be conducted before strong recommendations are made.

Photobiomodulation of fresh bone marrow aspirate for regenerative therapy

Use of mesenchymal stem cells and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) have been widely studied to promote bone healing. evaluate effect of photobiomodulation on total number of cells (TNC) and cell viability (CV) of fresh bone marrow aspirate (BMA). Femur BMA from 10 adult rats was collected and a cell concentration of 1x107 cell/mL was obtained. Cell suspension was deposited on 96 well cell culture plates and distributed in groups: 1) RPMI, positive control; 2) Distilled Water, negative control; 3) Red Laser (RL); 4) Infrared Laser (IRL). Groups RL and IRL received LLLT application right after incubation. Cells were incubated for 24 h. TNC and CV were assessed through trypan blue assay after 1, 3, 6, 10 and 24 h of incubation. Data distribution was verified by Shapiro-Wilk test. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for intergroup and intragroup comparisons (p&lt;0.05). TNC: after 1 and 3 h, groups RL and IRL presented significantly higher TNC than Group Water; after 6 and 10 h, groups RPMI, RL and IRL presented significantly higher TNC than Group Water. CV: after 1 h, groups RL and IRL showed significantly higher percentage of VC than Group Water; after 3, 6 and 10 h, all groups presented significantly higher percentage of VC than Group Water. It can be concluded that LLLT enhanced number and viability of fresh bone marrow aspirate cells.

Laser Assisted Surgical and Orthodontic Treatment of a Dilacerated Impacted Maxillary Incisor: A Case Report.

Impaction of the anterior teeth, which is less frequent in central incisors, can cause serious esthetic and subsequent psychological problems for patients during the mixed dentition period. Traumatic injury to deciduous teeth is the most common etiologic factor. Thus, treatment of maxillary incisor impaction is highly important. Nowadays, application of laser has been suggested in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for different treatments, such as surgical exposure of impacted teeth and application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement. In this paper, the authors present treatment of an impacted and dilacerated maxillary central incisor with laser application for its surgical exposure and LLLT for acceleration of its orthodontic traction and eruption.

The effect of low-level laser therapy on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve blocks in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: A randomized clinical trial.

To evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) in mandibular molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). Eighty-eight patients who were diagnosed with SIP were randomly divided into two groups: the group in which only IANB was applied and the group in which IANB+LLLT was applied. IANB was applied to patients in the control group with 4% articaine. LLLT was applied to the patients in the experimental group in addition to IANB. The pain experienced during the operation was evaluated using a visual analog scale. If the patients reported moderate or severe pain during the treatment, the IANB was defined as unsuccessful. Pearson's chi-square test was used to analyse anaesthetic success rates. Whilst the anaesthesia success rate was 34% in the group where only IANB was applied, it was 57% in the group in which LLLT was applied in addition to IANB. There was a significant difference between the groups (p=.032). The application of LLLT to support IANB in mandibular molar teeth with SIP increased the success of anaesthesia. However, it was insufficient for a complete pulpal anaesthesia.

Comparative Evaluation of Sclerostin Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis Patients Using Diode Laser as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing: A Clinico-biochemical Study.

Aims:Sclerostin is an inhibitor of bone formation, and laser irradiation enhances osteoblast proliferation. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) sclerostin level and clinical parameters of chronic periodontitis patients following the application of diode laser (810 nm) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP).Subjects and Methods:Fifteen systemically healthy chronic periodontitis patients (age 35–55 years) with probing pocket depth ≥5mm were included in this split-mouth study. SRP and pocket irradiation with diode laser were done in the test group and SRP alone in the control group at baseline. Low-level laser therapy application and saline irrigation were done in both the groups, respectively, in the 2nd and 3rd visits. Two microliters of GCF samples was collected from both the groups at baseline before treatment and on the 90th day for the assessment of sclerostin concentration.Results:This study showed a statistically significant reduction of clinical parameters in the test and control groups at the end of 3 months. Both the groups showed a statistically significant reduction of sclerostin levels in GCF after 3 months, in which the test group (125.80 ± 28.21 to 82.80 ± 9.31) showed a highly significant reduction (P = 0.000).Conclusions:The adjunctive use of laser had shown a beneficial effect in terms of clinical parameters and osteoblast proliferation by the reduction in the levels of sclerostin in GCF. From the observations of this study, it can be concluded that the therapeutic effectiveness of diode laser as an adjunct to SRP is having a beneficial effect and sclerostin can be used as a potent biomarker.

Application of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Analgesia of Odinophagy Caused by Head and Neck Radiotherapy: Anatomic Study and Clinical Protocol Proposal

Introduction: Oral and hypopharyngeal mucositis are considered acute effects of great importance of radiotherapy. Patients present painful ulcers, dysphagia, odynophagia and difficulties in speaking, which can lead to malnutrition and treatment discontinuation. Currently, photobiomodulation therapy, using low-level laser therapy is the treatment of choice for oral mucositis. Objective: To propose the use of extraoral laser therapy to treat odynophagia associated with radioinduced hypopharyngeal mucositis. Methods: Pilot study divided into two stages: (1) Anatomical study in cadavers, to select the best area of application of the extraoral laser in the cervical region to reach the hypopharynx. In this stage, we opted for the use of low-level light therapy (XXXXX®), continuous mode, λ660nm, 100mW power, 0.028cm2 spot. (2) Application of extraoral photobiomodulation for patients with odynophagia associated with oral and hypopharyngeal mucositis. The same low-level laser therapy (XXXXX®,) was used, but with λ808nm, 100mW power and 4J energy, 40 pulses per point. Reports of three patients who underwent treatment were collected, transcribed and reviewed qualitatively. Results: (1) The anatomical region that allowed better access of extraoral laser therapy to the hypopharynx was the carotid triangle. (2) Patients reported reduced odynophagia and greater comfort with the use of this treatment. Conclusion: The carotid trigone was the best extraoral region for laser application to reach the hypopharyngeal region. The laser therapy protocol applied in this region brought comfort to the patients assessed. Further studies are needed to assess the analgesic capacity of this treatment.

The Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Pain Induced by Orthodontic Separator Placement: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in orthodontic separator pain. Methods: This article was written according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Electronically and manually 3 databases, namely PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, were searched by the keywords that were selected based on population, intervention, comparison and outcome (PICO) on October 10, 2020. Studies were appraised by Cochrane version 5.2.0 with 7 domains and were checked by these inclusion criteria: 1. Randomized clinical trial (RCT) that examined the efficacy of LLLT in separator pain, 2. Split-mouth design, 3. LLLT application in the first hours after separator placement, 4. LLLT application to both sides of the teeth, 5. Patients receiving elastomeric separators between the premolars and molars, 6. Lasers with a wavelength of 800-899 nm, 7. Studies conducted from 2010 to 2020, and 8. Participants who went through orthodontic treatment without limitation in gender, age and social-economic status. Results: 299 studies were screened. 34 full-text papers were read by 2 authors independently. In the end, 4 articles met the inclusion criteria. All 4 articles showed LLLT has a significant impact on pain reduction. Conclusion: The exact protocol for laser therapy is still not clear. Therefore, more studies with a meticulously designed method are needed.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) improves alveolar bone healing in rats.

The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in enhancing bone healing in irradiated alveolus post-tooth extraction. Sixty male Wistar rats (180 ± 10g) were used in the present study. The left maxillary first molars were extracted, and the alveolar region was irradiated by diode laser device (GaAlAs) immediately after extraction and for more 3-day daily applications. The animals were randomly assigned into two groups: control group (n = 30, with left maxillary molar extraction-CG) and experimental group (n = 30, with tooth extraction and low-level laser therapy applied to the dental alveolus for 42s-EG). These groups were divided into subgroups (five rats per subgroup) according to the observation time point-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10days-post-tooth extraction. The maxillary bone was separated, and the specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and picrosirius red and immunohistochemistry for RUNX-2. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used with a significance level of 5%. LLLT accelerated bone healing with mature collagen fiber bundles and early new bone formation. Histomorphometric analysis revealed an increase of osteoblast (RUNX-2) and osteoclast (TRAP) activity and in the area percentage of cancellous bone in the lased alveolus compared to the control group. This increase was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Application of LLLT with a GaAlAs diode laser device enhanced bone healing and mineralization on alveolar region.

Local application of low level laser therapy in mice ameliorates ovarian damage induced by cyclophosphamide

The aim of the present study is to assess whether low level laser therapy (LLLT) can protect ovaries from chemotherapy-induced gonadotoxicity using a mice model of premature ovarian failure induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). LLLT (64 J/cm2) increased the number of antral follicles whilst decreasing the number of atretic follicles compared to CTX alone. LLLT increased the number of primordial follicles compared with those in the CTX group but they did not differ from those in the control group. LLLT treatment increased the number of AMH-positive follicles compared to CTX alone. LLLT application increased ovarian weight, serum progesterone concentration and P450scc protein levels compared to CTX alone. LLLT reduced the apoptosis in antral follicles and the BAX/BCL-2 ratio compared to CTX alone. Vascular morphology, analysed by CD31 and α-SMA immunostaining, was restored in LLLT-treated ovaries compared to CTX alone. In conclusion, application of LLLT prior to CTX might serve as a promising and novel protocol to preserve female fertility in cancer survivors.

The effect of low-level laser therapy on functional improvements in the temporomandibular joints: randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) - recognized as the most common chronic orofacial pain condition - significantly impacts individuals’ quality of life and social coexistence. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on functional improvements in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Method: The research was carried out at the Universidade Federal do Piauí on 32 young adults with signs and symptoms of TMD, who were divided into the intervention group (IG) and the control group (CG). The IG was administered the LLLT application directly on the TMJ. While both groups were subjected to the same procedures, for the CG, the laser device was turned off. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.87 ± 2.4 years, with a predominance of females (87.5%) over males (12.5%). Homogeneity was observed between the CG and IG concerning the presence of pain from palpation. The decrease in the pain of the musculature was relevant, with emphasis on the IG, which used LLLT. Moreover, there was an increase in participants, who rated on the pain scale their pain as “0” (no pain), and presented increased measures of joint mobility of the mandible and cervical spine, with relief of the painful symptoms, by breaking the pain-spasm-pain cycle. Conclusion: LLLT promotes a significant reduction of pain from palpation, improves the range of motion, and generates immediate and long-lasting benefits.

Effect of Single Session of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Pain, Swelling, and Trismus after Surgical Extraction of Impacted Lower Third Molar : A Clinical Study

Introduction: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can promote and accelerate the tissue regeneration as it causes the early healing of extraction sockets but the accurate mechanism is unknown. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of LLLT which was applied in a single session immediately after odontectomy of impacted lower wisdom tooth on pain, swelling, and trismus. Patient and Methods: This study was done on 24 healthy patients who required surgical extraction of impacted lower third molar. The patients were randomly selected and randomly divided into two equal groups, each consisted of 12 patients for group, group I received LLLT immediately after surgical extraction of impacted lower third molar, group II was subjected to routine surgical extraction of impacted lower third molar without application of LLLT. LLLT was applied at ten points: four intra-oral beside to the extracted socket and six extra-oral along the masseter muscle. Laser energy was applied at 100mW for a total of 150 sec, 15 sec for each point. Results: The results showed the effect of a single session of LLLT in control of postoperative pain on the day of surgery and reduction of swelling and trismus after surgical removal of impacted lower third molars (p < 0.05). Conclusion: LLLT could represent a viable tool to control pain in patients who are contraindicated to the medications.

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of laser irradiation and Cholisal in the treatment of prosthetic stomatitis

Purpose : to study the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and preparation Cholisal at the microflora of oral mucous in prosthetic stomatitis (PS). Material and methods . Patients were divided into the following groups: Group 1 – control, without PS signs; Group 2 with PS had conventional treatment (sanitation of the oral cavity, removal of supra- and subgingival dental deposits, elimination of traumatic occlusion nodes, curettage of pathological pockets); Group 3 with PS had conventional treatment plus LLLT; Group 4 with PS had conventional treatment plus Cholisal; Group 5 with PS had conventional treatment plus LILI and Cholisal. The oral mucosa of patients with PS was irradiated externally every day for 7 days during 3 min. Matrix-VLOK laser with KL–VLOK head, wavelength of 0.63 mkm – an analog of helium-neon laser (red light) -, output power 2 mW was used. The irradiation dosage was calculated by the equation: D = (P/S) × t, where D is radiation dose, P (W) is radiation power on the wound surface, S (cm 2 ) is area of wound radiation, t (s) is exposure time. Thus, if the erosion surface area is 1–2 cm 2 , the irradiation dose has to be 3–6 J. Cholisal was applied topically before night sleep without subsequent LLLT. In the combined application of LLLT and Cholisal, irradiation was done in the morning. Results . It has been found out that LLLT reduces inflammatory processes and the level of microbial contamination in the oral mucous. Cholisal also reduces microbial contamination. The most effective technique for treating the oral mucous is a combined application of LLLT and Cholisal. Conclusion . The presented studies demonstrate effective outcomes in combined application of LLLT and Cholisal for reducing inflammatory processes and microbial contamination of the oral mucous in prosthetic stomatitis.

Low-Level Laser Therapy in Prevention of the Development of Endothelial Dysfunction and Clinical Experience of Treatment and Rehabilitation of COVID-19 Patients.

Objectives The aim of the article is to justify the application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to prevent the development of endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. The results of treating and rehabilitating patients with COVID-19 and prevention of the disease using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are evaluated. Methods A literature review is conducted on mechanisms of vascular homeostasis regulation, biomodulating effect of laser light, and LLLT methods for preventing endothelial dysfunction. A total of 106 patients were treated in two COVID-19 healthcare centers in Russia. 22 patients with SARS (+) pneumonia at the stage of resolving the pathological lesion were admitted to rehabilitation using pulsed IR laser. 14 patients with acute forms of COVID-19 were treated using LASMIK device: wavelength 904 nm, pulsed mode, externally and ILBI-525 (intravenous laser blood illumination) + LUVBI (ultraviolet laser blood illumination). 70 persons underwent preventive courses of noninvasive LLLT. Results It was shown that LLLT is effective in preventing the development of endothelial dysfunction. Clinical experience demonstrated good tolerability of the treatment, improvement in sputum discharge, and an improvement in overall health. The severity of general hypoxia decreased by the 5th procedure. The procedures for prevention of the disease were well tolerated; there were no cases of COVID-19. Conclusion Low-level laser therapy is a justified treatment method that promotes lung tissue regeneration and mitigates the consequences of the disease. The obtained results confirm that LLLT can be used for the effective prevention and treatment of COVID-19 patients.

The Facts and Myths for the Use of Lasers in Orthopedic Surgery.

For the past three decades, laser use has been investigated, mainly on implant applications, as well as hard and soft tissue processing on orthopedics. However, despite significant technological advances and achievements in Biophotonics, lasers have yet to emerge as a successful tool for hard-tissue manipulation (e.g., osseous tissue). Indeed, a careful search in relevant literature reveals a limited number of laser-based clinical applications in orthopedics, except for the low-level laser therapy applications. In this review article, we give a brief overview of the biophysical mechanisms of bone tissue and biocompatible implants laser surgery and, in parallel, we summarize some specific pre-clinical and clinical laser applications in orthopedics. Taking into consideration the complexity of laser-based applications in inhomogeneous musculoskeletal biostructures and/or implants, it is justified to state that applying laser radiation is still an open field of multidisciplinary research before performing interventions in clinical praxis. The evidence from this study indicates the need for more experimental and theoretical studies regarding light transport on soft and hard tissues, in order to further enhance safe and efficient laser applications in orthopedics. This undoubtedly implies the need for developing modern light delivery devices for laser surgery, by means of implementing robotic guidance, specialized for medical procedures on various anatomic structures. The aforementioned studies could eventually revolutionize the clinical applications of laser technology in orthopedics.