Low-level Laser Therapy In Combination Research Articles

Combined treatment of idiopathic male infertility using low-intensity laser therapy and complex prostate peptides: single-centre experience

Introduction. The study of effective and safe combined methods of conservative treatment of idiopathic male infertility is of great interest.Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of the combined use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the infrared (IR) spectrum and bioregulatory therapy with complex prostate peptides on the semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDNAF) in men with idiopathic infertility.Materials & methods. The study is based on the results of examination and treatment of 97 men with idiopathic infertility. Prior to the start of treatment, all patients were divided into three groups by randomization. Patients in group 1 (n = 34) underwent a course of LLLT in the IR spectrum consisting of 10 procedures q.o.d. Patients in group 2 (n = 31) were prescribed complex prostate peptides Supp. Prostatilen® AC (30 + 180 mg) PR q.h.s. FXD, with a repeat of the course of treatment after 5 days. Patients in group 3 (n = 32) underwent combined treatment: LLLT sessions in the IR spectrum (10 procedures q.o.d.) and a course of Supp. Prostatilen® AC (30 + 180 mg) PR q.h.s. FXD, with a repeat of the course of treatment with peptides according to the same scheme after 5 days. Control examination of patients in all groups was carried out two months after the end of treatment.Results. As a result of treatment of patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, a significant improvement in the main semen parameters, a decrease in the grade of pathological SDNAF, an increase in serum total and free testosterone concentration (p < 0.05) were observed. A comparative statistical analysis of the results obtained in three groups of patients showed that the combined treatment of patients of group 3, who were prescribed a course of LLLT in combination with complex prostate peptides Supp. Prostatilen® AC, was significantly more effective in improving concentration (p < 0.01) and progressive sperm motility (p < 0.01), as well as a decrease in the grade of pathological SDNAF (p < 0.05), than in groups 1 and 2.Conclusion. Combined therapy that includes complex prostate peptides and LLLT in the IR spectrum improves the main semen parameters and reduces the grade of pathological SDNAF in men with idiopathic infertility.

The Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Combination with Leukocyte- and Platelet- Rich Fibrin on Bone Regeneration in Rabbits' Calvarial Defects: Histologic and Histomorphometric Studies.

Bone regeneration is a desired treatment outcome in implant dentistry. The primary goal of the current investigation was to assess the joint effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on new bone formation. During this experiment study, forty bone defects (8 mm in diameter) were generated in the calvaria of ten New-Zealand white rabbits. defects were filled with autogenous bone defined as the control group, autogenous bone with leukocyte- and PRF (PRF group), autogenous bone and low-level diode laser radiation (LLLT group), and autogenous bone with leukocyte- and PRF and low-level laser radiation (LP group). Laser irradiation was done every second day for 2 weeks after surgery. Five rabbits were randomly selected to be sacrificed on postoperative weeks 4 and 8. On one and two-month post-surgery, histological and histomorphometric parameters including bone formation, fibroblast, and osteoblast were assessed. The histological panel depicted that the ratio of fresh bone formation increased at one-and two-month postsurgery in all treatment groups compared to the control group. The most favorable results were seen in the LP group, followed by the PRF group. Based on the ANOVA test, bone neoformation was statistically significant in the LP group in comparison with the control group (P<0.001). One-month post-surgery, a higher degree of fibroblast was seen in the control group, while the last place was for LP group (118.6 ± 6.9 vs. 24.0 ± 3.2). In the PRF group, the percentage of bone formation was higher than that in the control group (13.2 ± 2.8 vs. 2.0 ± 1.2), but no significant difference when compared to the LP group (13.2 ± 2.8 vs. 19.0 ±.3.8). The combined L-PRF and LLLT was more likely to have a positive effect on accelerating bone regeneration and reducing fibrosis.

Pulpal and periapical tissue response after direct pulp capping with endosequence root repair material and low-level laser application

BackgroundThe study aims to investigate the pulp and periapical reaction and healing after capping with EndoSequence Root Repair Material (ERRM) combined with low-level laser application.MethodsIn 6 rabbits, pulps were exposed via class V, half of the samples received a low-level diode laser at 980 nm. Thereafter, cavities were capped with regular-set ERRM. The specimens were processed for histomorphological examination after 2 weeks and two months.ResultsAfter 2 weeks, images show mild inflammation and organized odontoblasts in lased group. The non-lased group shows more severe inflammation. The predentin thickness was thicker in the lased group with statistical significance (p < 0.05). After 2 months, inflammatory cells were sparse in both lased and non-lased groups. In the periapical area, group one showed dilated blood vessels and thick fibrous connective tissues. In group two, there were more numerous maturations of PDL fibers with scattered inflammatory cells and congested blood vessel.ConclusionsUsing low-level laser therapy in combination with ERRM for pulp capping shortens the inflammatory phase and enhances healing.

Low-intensity laser irradiation in the rehabilitation of patients after radical surgical or combined treatment for head and neck tumors

Purpose: to evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser radiation in the complex rehabilitation of patients with head and neck tumors after radical surgical treatment as well as to assess the influence of the discussed treatment on the quality of their life.Material and methods. 134 patients with head and neck cancer aged 23–78 years (mean age – 54.24 ± 12.7 years ) were taken into the study. There were 39 (29.1 %) men and 95 (70.9 %) women. All patients were divided into three groups. In Group 1 (n = 45), patients received traditional rehabilitation treatment (physical exercises, massage, medication); in Group 2 (n = 45), patients had a course of traditional rehabilitation plus low-level laser therapy (LLLT); in Group 3 (n = 44), patients had only several LLLT courses as rehabilitation therapy. For laser therapy, laser device “Azor 2K-02” (laser hazard of class II, GOST 12.1.040-83) was used.Results. During the treatment, most of the patients noted early disappearance or noticeable decrease in pain and numbness intensity at the site of the surgical; skin sensitivity and increase of the muscular tone in the shoulder girdle and upper limb at the site of the surgical were restored as well. The most pronounced regression of complaints after rehabilitation therapy was observed in patients who had LLLT in combination with other rehabilitative measures.Conclusion. Radical surgical or combined treatment of patients with malignant tumors of head and neck causes functional disorders of tissues and organs at the site of treatment. Rehabilitation therapy with LLLT in red and/or infrared spectrum range ensures adequate restoration of impaired functions what improves the quality of life of such patients.

Pretreatment with combined low-level laser therapy and methylene blue improves learning and memory in sleep-deprived mice.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and methylene blue (MB) were proved to have neuroprotective effects. In this study, we evaluated the preventive effects of LLLT and MB alone and in combination to examine their efficacy against sleep deprivation (SD)-induced cognitive impairment. Sixty Balb/c male mice were randomly divided into five groups as follows: wide platform (WP), SD, LLLT, MB, LMB (treatment with both LLLT and MB). Daily MB (0.5mg/kg) was injected for ten consecutive days. An 810-nm, 10-Hz pulsed laser was used in LLLT every other day. We used the T-maze test, social interaction test (SIT), and shuttle box to assess learning and memory and PSD-95, GAP-43, and synaptophysin (SYN) markers to examine synaptic proteins levels in the hippocampus. Our results showed that SD decreased alternation rate in the T-maze test, sociability and social novelty in SIT, and memory index in the shuttle box. Single treatments were not able to reverse these in most of the behavioral parameters. However, behavioral tests showed a significant difference between combined therapy and the SD group. The levels of synaptic plasticity markers were also significantly reduced after SD. There was a significant difference between the MB group and SD animals in GAP-43 and SYN biomarkers. Combination treatment with LLLT and MB also increased GAP-43, PSD-95, and SYN compared to the SD group. We found that the combined use of LLLT and MB pretreatment is more effective in protecting SD-induced cognitive impairment, which may be imparted via modulation of synaptic proteins.

LOW-INTENSITY LASER RADIATION IN CORRECTION OF BLOOD HEMODYNAMIC AND RHEOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AFTER SURGERY FOR HEAD AND NECK CANCER

Purpose: to study the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in correction of blood hemodynamic and rheological parameters after surgery for head and neck cancer.Material and Methods. The study included 134 head and neck cancer patients with a median age of 54.24 ± 12.7 years (range: 23–78 years). There were 39 (29.1 %) men and 95 (70.9 %) women. To assess the effectiveness of LLLT, all patients were divided into 3 groups. Group I included 45 patients, who received conventional therapy without the use of LLLT. Group II consisted of 45 patients, who received conventional therapy in combination with LLLT. Group III included 44 patients, who received LLLT alone. Azor 2K-02 was used as a source of LLLT in the red to near infrared spectral range. Characteristics of blood flow in the vessels of the neck and the rheological properties of blood, as well as the parameters of spontaneous platelet aggregation and the content of soluble fibrinmonomer complexes in the blood plasma of patients were studied.Results. The data obtained indicated that the use of LLLT promoted normalization of blood rheological properties in patients, who underwent surgery. Normalization of blood rheological properties occurred faster and lasted for a longer period. In patients, who received conventional therapy in combination with LLLT, the hemodynamic and rheological parameters of blood were improved 2–14 days after therapy, whereas in patients receiving conventional therapy alone, this improvement was seen 30 or more days after therapy.Conclusion. LLLT in combination with conventional therapy was shown to have a positive effect on hemodynamic and rheological parameters after surgery for head and neck cancer.

Low-level laser therapy vs local anesthetic injection with muscle relaxant splint as a combination therapy for myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome a clinical study

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of low-level laser therapy vs injection of long acting anesthetic drug as an adjunctive treatment in combination with muscle relaxant splint in treating patients suffering from myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS). Patients and methods A total of 36 MPDS female patients represented the candidates of the present study. They were all treated with muscle relaxant splint then randomly divided into three equal groups; group 1 was treated solely with occlusal splints; group 2 was treated with long acting anesthetic injection of both the masseter and temporalis muscles bilaterally in combination with the splint therapy, while group 3 was treated with low-level laser therapy in combination with the splint therapy. Results All patients completed the study period with improvement in their visual analog scale, mouth opening and electromyography. Group 3 showed statistical significant improvement in all measures compared to group 1 and group 2. Conclusion All the utilized treatment modalities aided in reliving the signs and symptoms of the MPD patients and improved their mouth opening and muscle activity. Utilizing low-level laser therapy in combination with splint therapy was found to be the best adjunctive treatment modality, compared to the injection of long acting anesthetic agent and splint therapy.

Interaction between low-level laser therapy and Guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract induces antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects and promotes proliferation in dermal fibroblasts.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has several clinical applications; however, its benefits are not universal. Therefore, combination therapy with LLLT and extracts from the guarana (Paullinia cupana) plant may improve its effectiveness as guarana extracts exhibit anti-aging properties. To evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and proliferative effects of combined LLLT and guarana extract therapy on human dermal fibroblasts. Human dermal fibroblasts (HFF-1) were cultured and initially exposed to several concentrations (1, 3, 5, 10, 30µg/mL) of guarana extract. The experimental concentration of guarana extract was selected by analyzing cytokine levels, DNA oxidation, and apoptotic markers in LLLT-exposed (4J/cm2 ) and LLLT-unexposed fibroblast cultures. After 72hours, the cells were analyzed using spectrophotometric, fluorimetric, immunological, and gene expression (qRT-PCR) assays. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effect of each treatment on cell cycle. Fibroblasts treated with guarana (5µg/mL) exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties been used in complementary protocols. Combined guarana and LLLT treatment significantly decreased protein carbonylation, lipoperoxidation, and DNA oxidation, downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, and upregulated IL-10 gene and protein expression. Guarana plus LLLT also decreased the levels of caspases 1, 3, and 8, increased the percentage of S-phase cells, and decreased FGF-1 and KGF-1 levels. Some of these changes were also observed after treatment with guarana or LLLT alone. Our results suggest that concomitant treatment with guarana and LLLT may promote fibroblast biostimulation and thus is clinically relevant.

Low-level Laser Therapy in Combination with Desensitising Agent Reduces Dentin Hypersensitivity in Fluorotic and Non-fluorotic Teeth - A Randomised, Controlled, Double-blind Clinical Trial.

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a prevalent painful condition of the teeth, the management of which lies in the obliteration of patent dentinal tubules. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of 5% potassium nitrate (PN), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and combination of low-level laser therapy and 5% potassium nitrate (LLLT+PN) in patients with fluorotic and non-fluorotic hypersensitive teeth. Ninety self reporting patients with DH completed the randomised, double-blind study. Patients were equally divided into fluorosis group (FG), with moderate to moderately severe fluorosis and the non-fluorosis group (NFG) and subdivided into 3 groups to receive PN, LLLT (810 nm, 1 W) alone and LLLT+PN. Each participant had at least one tooth eliciting a response of ≥ 3 on a visual analog scale (VAS) to evaporative, thermal and electric tactile stimulus (digital scratch-o-meter). The teeth were evaluated at baseline, 30 min post treatment, 1 week, 4 weeks and 12 weeks. The magnitude of pressure applied by the scratch-o-meter was also assessed for all three interventions. Statistically, LLLT+PN was more effective in alleviating DH at all time intervals compared to baseline. However, statistically significant results (p ˂ 0.05) were seen with LLLT+PN at 12 weeks in FG. Magnitude of pressure applied showed statistically significant differences with LLLT+PN at 30 min post treatment. LLLT+PN alleviated DH at all time intervals, with a greater effect in the fluorotic group. However, LLLT+PN was more efficacious in reducing DH at 12 weeks post treatment in the fluorotic group.

Effect of low-level laser therapy combined with 5000 parts per million fluoride dentifrice on postbleaching sensitivity: A clinical, randomized, and double-blind study.

The aim of this double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical study was to assess the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with 5000 ppm fluoride dentifrice on postbleaching sensitivity in teeth exposed to 35% hydrogen peroxide for four weeks. Twenty-five volunteers were evaluated using the split-mouth model in which the right and left maxillary/mandibular quadrants were randomized and allocated to one of two groups: GPLACEBO, in which the laser tip was positioned without the emission of light (placebo effect) + 5000 ppm sodium fluoride, or GLASER, which comprised LLLT + 5000 ppm sodium fluoride. For both groups, LLLT and placebo were used before bleaching, whereas fluoride was applied after bleaching. LLLT was applied at two points: on the central cervical and medial regions of the incisors, canines, and premolars in the corresponding hemi-arch. At each point, 60 J/cm2 was applied for 16 seconds with an irradiance of 3.75 W/cm2 using the therapeutic infrared device. To assess tooth sensitivity, a modified visual analogue scale was used after an evaporative stimulus, and a daily pain questionnaire was also applied. The Wilcoxon and Friedman tests demonstrated a significant difference in the incidence of sensitivity pain between GPLACEBO and GLASER (P ≤ .05), with different evaluation times. Teeth treated with laser therapy in combination with the topical use of sodium fluoride at each bleaching session demonstrated less sensitivity compared with the application of sodium fluoride only. The use of a low-level laser therapy in combination with topical use of sodium fluoride improves symptoms of dentin sensitivity at each bleaching session.

Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of androgenic alopecia: a review.

There are many new low-level laser technologies that have been released commercially that claim to support hair regrowth. In this paper, we will examine the clinical trials to determine whether the body of evidence supports the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to treat androgenic alopecia (AGA). A literature search was conducted through Pubmed, Embase, and Clinicaltrials.gov for clinical trials using LLLT to treat AGA. Thirteen clinical trials were assessed. Review articles were not included. Ten of 11 trials demonstrated significant improvement of androgenic alopecia in comparison to baseline or controls when treated with LLLT. In the remaining study, improvement in hair counts and hair diameter was recorded, but did not reach statistical significance. Two trials did not include statistical analysis, but showed marked improvement by hair count or by photographic evidence. Two trials showed efficacy for LLLT in combination with topical minoxidil. One trial showed efficacy when accompanying finasteride treatment. LLLT appears to be a safe, alternative treatment for patients with androgenic alopecia. Clinical trials have indicated efficacy for androgenic alopecia in both men and women. It may be used independently or as an adjuvant of minoxidil or finasteride. More research needs to be undertaken to determine the optimal power and wavelength to use in LLLT as well as LLLT's mechanism of action.

Low level laser therapy associated with a strength training program on muscle performance in elderly women: a randomized double blind control study.

The aging process leads to a gradual loss of muscle mass and muscle performance, leading to a higher functional dependence. Within this context, many studies have demonstrated the benefits of a combination of physical exercise and low level laser therapy (LLLT) as an intervention that enhances muscle performance in young people and athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of combination of LLLT and strength training on muscle performance in elderly women. For this, a hundred elderly women were screened, and 48 met all inclusion criteria to participate in this double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Volunteers were divided in three groups: control (CG = 15), strength training associated with placebo LLLT (TG = 17), and strength training associated with active LLLT (808nm, 100mW, 7J) (TLG = 16). The strength training consisted of knee flexion-extension performed with 80% of 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) during 8weeks. Several outcomes related to muscle performance were analyzed through the 6-min walk test (6-MWT), isokinetic dynamometry, surface electromyography (SEMG), lactate concentration, and 1-RM. The results revealed that a higher work (p = 0.0162), peak torque (p = 0.0309), and power (p = 0.0223) were observed in TLG compared to CG. Furthermore, both trained groups increased the 1-RM load (TG vs CG: p = 0.0067 and TLG vs CG: p < 0.0001) and decreased the lactate concentration in the third minute after isokinetic protocol (CG vs TLG: p = 0.0289 and CG vs TG: p = 0.0085). No difference in 6-MWT and in fatigue levels were observed among the groups. The present findings suggested that LLLT in combination with strength training was able to improve muscle performance in elderly people.

Effects of low-level laser therapy combined with toluidine blue on polysaccharides and biofilm of Streptococcus mutans.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a low-level laser therapy in combination with toluidine blue on polysaccharides and biofilm of Streptococcus mutans. S. mutans biofilms were formed on acrylic resin blocks. These biofilms were exposed eight times/day to 10% sucrose, and two times/day, they were subjected to one of the following treatments: G1, 0.9% NaCl as a negative control; G2, 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) as a positive antibacterial control; and G3 and G4 antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) combined with toluidine blue using dosages of 320 and 640J/cm(2), respectively. The experiment was performed in triplicate. The biofilm formed on each block was collected for determination of the viable bacteria and concentration of insoluble extracellular polysaccharides (IEPS) and intracellular polysaccharides (IPS). CHX and aPDT treatments were able to inhibit bacterial growth in comparison with negative control (p < 0.05). The aPDT treatment reduced the number of viable bacteria formed in the S. mutans biofilm, in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The concentration of IEPS and IPS in the biofilms formed in presence of aPDT did not differ each other or in comparison to CHX (p > 0.05). The results suggest that low-level laser therapy presents effects on biofilm bacteria viability and in polysaccharides concentration.

Short-term effects of extremely low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field and pulsed low-level laser therapy on rabbit model of corneal alkali burn

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of combining extremely low frequency–pulsed electromagnetic field (ELF-PEMF) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on alkali-burned rabbit corneas. Fifty alkali-burned corneas of 50 rabbits were categorized into five groups: ELF-PEMF therapy with 2 mT intensity (ELF 2) for 2 h daily; LLLT for 30 min twice daily; combined ELF-PEMF and LLLT (ELF + LLLT); medical therapy (MT); and control (i.e., no treatment). Clinical examination and digital photography of the corneas were performed on days 0, 2, 7, and 14. After euthanizing the rabbits, the affected eyes were evaluated by histopathology. The clinical and histopathologic results were compared between the groups. On days 7 and 14, no significant difference in the corneal defect area was evident between the ELF, LLLT, ELF + LLLT, and MT groups. Excluding the controls, none of the study groups demonstrated a significant corneal neovascularization in both routine histopathology and immunohistochemistry for CD31. Keratocyte loss was significantly higher in the MT group than in the ELF, LLLT, and ELF + LLLT groups. Moderate to severe stromal inflammation in the LLLT group was comparable with that in the MT group and was significantly lower than that in the other groups. In conclusion, combining LLLT and ELF was not superior to ELF alone or LLLT alone in healing corneal alkali burns. However, given the lower intensity of corneal inflammation and the lower rate of keratocytes loss with LLLT, this treatment may be superior to other proposed treatment modalities for healing alkali-burned corneas.

Histological Assessment of a Combined Low-Level Laser/Light-Emitting Diode Therapy (685 nm/470 nm) for Sutured Skin Incisions in a Porcine Model: A Short Report.

The aim of our study was to evaluate, from a histological point of view, the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) with combined low-level laser therapy (LLLT)/light- emitting diode (LED) on porcine skin wound healing. Most LLLT/LED wound healing studies have been performed on various types of rat models, with their inherent limitations. Minipigs are evolutionary and physiologically closer to humans than rats. With the animals under general anesthesia, one full-thickness skin incision was performed on the back of each minipig (n = 10) and immediately closed using simple interrupted percutaneous sutures. The minipigs were randomly allocated into two groups: a PBM-treated group (LLLT λ = 685 nm, LED λ = 470 nm, both light sources producing power densities at 0.008 W/cm2; each light source delivering total daily doses of 3.36 J/cm2) and a sham-irradiated control group. Half of the animals in each group were killed on postoperative day 3, and the other half were killed on the postoperative day 7, and samples were removed for histological examination. Combined red and blue PBM accelerated the process of re-epithelization and formation of cross-linked collagen fibers compared with sham irradiated control wounds. Our results demonstrate that the current dose of combined red and blue PBM improves the healing of sutured skin incisions in minipigs.

The effects of combined low level laser therapy and mesenchymal stem cells on bone regeneration in rabbit calvarial defects

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effect of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) on bone regeneration. Background dataAlthough several studies evaluated the effects of MSCs and LLLT, there is little information available regarding in vivo application of LLLT in conjunction with MSCs. MethodsForty-eight circular bone defects (6mm in diameter) were prepared in the calvaria of 12 New-Zealand white rabbits. The defects of each animal were randomly assigned to 4 groups: (C) no treatment; (L) applying LLLT; (SC) filled with MSCs; (SCL) application of both MSCs and LLLT. LLL was applied on alternate days at wavelength of 810nm, power density of 0.2W/cm2 and a fluency of 4J/cm2 using a Gallium–Aluminum–Arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser. The animals were sacrificed after 3weeks and then histological samples were evaluated to determine the amount of new bone formation and the remaining scaffold and inflammation. ResultsThe histological evaluation showed a statistically significant increase in new bone formation of LLLT group relative to the control and the other two experimental groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in bone formation of the control group compared to experimental groups filled with MSCs. Laser irradiation had no significant effect on resorption of the scaffold material. In addition, inflammation was significantly reduced in LLLT group compared to the control defects and the other two experimental groups. ConclusionLow level laser therapy could be effective in bone regeneration but there is no evidence of a synergistic effect when applied in conjunction with MSCs.

Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and low-level laser therapy on the muscle architecture and functional capacity in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives: To determine the effects of low-level laser therapy in combination with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on the muscle architecture and functional capacity of elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design: A randomized, evaluator-blinded clinical trial with sequential allocation of patients to three different treatment groups. Setting: Exercise Research Laboratory. Subjects: A total of 45 elderly females with knee osteoarthritis, 2-4 osteoarthritis degrees, aged 66–75 years. Intervention: Participants were randomized into one of the following three intervention groups: electrical stimulation group (18–32 minutes of pulsed current, stimulation frequency of 80 Hz, pulse duration of 200 μs and stimulation intensity fixed near the maximal tolerated), laser group (low-level laser therapy dose of 4–6 J per point, six points at the knee joint) or combined group (electrical stimulation and low-level laser therapy). All groups underwent a four-week control period (without intervention) followed by an eight-week intervention period. Main measures: The muscle thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length were assessed by ultrasonography, and the functional capacity was assessed using the 6-minute walk test and the Timed Up and Go Test. Results: After intervention, only the electrical stimulation and combined groups exhibited significant increases in the muscle thickness (27%–29%) and pennation angle (24%–34%) values. The three groups exhibited increased performance on the walk test (5%–9%). However, no significant differences in terms of functional improvements were observed between the groups. Conclusions: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation reduced the deleterious effects of osteoarthritis on the quadriceps structure. Low-level laser therapy did not potentiate the effects of electrical stimulation on the evaluated parameters.

Low-level laser therapy as a treatment for chronic pain.

Low-level laser therapy as a treatment for chronic pain.

Effect of Low-Level Laser on Guided Tissue Regeneration Performed with Equine Bone and Membrane in the Treatment of İntrabony Defects: A Clinical Study

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical results of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) after the application of equine bone and membrane alone or combined with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for the treatment of periodontal defects. This study was an intra-individual longitudinal study of 6 months' duration conducted using a split-mouth and randomized design. In 13 periodontitis patients with bilateral intrabony periodontal defects, while one defect site was treated with GTR plus LLLT (1064 nm, 100 mW, with energy density of 4 J/cm(2)), the contralateral defect site was treated with guided GTR alone. GTR was performed with a combination of equine bone and membrane. LLLT was used both intra- and postoperatively. Clinical probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), clinical gingival recession level (REC), plaque index (PI) score, and sulcus blooding index (SBI) score were recorded at the time of surgery, and at the 3rd and 6th months after operation. The treatment of periodontal intrabony defects with equine bone and membrane in the operation of GTR alone or GTR plus LLLT in combination led to statistically significant PPD reduction, CAL gain, and lower SBI score at the end of the study (p<0.05). In addition, between the two groups, GTR plus LLLT resulted in statistically significant lower REC (p=0.025), lower SBI (p=0.008) score, more reduction of PPD (p=0.009) and CAL gain (p=0.002) compared with GTR alone at 6th month control. This study showed that GTR is an effective treatment for periodontal regeneration, and that LLLT may improve the effects of GTR in the treatment of periodontal defects.

Effect of low-level laser therapy irradiation and Bio-Oss graft material on the osteogenesis process in rabbit calvarium defects: a double blind experimental study

This study aims to assess the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) irradiation and Bio-Oss graft material on the osteogenesis process in the rabbit calvarium defects. Twelve white male New Zealand rabbits were included in this study. Four 8-mm diameter identical defects were prepared on each rabbit's calvarium. One site was left as an untreated control (C), the second site was filled with Bio-Oss (B), the third site was treated with laser irradiation (L), and the fourth site treated with Bio-Oss and laser irradiation (B + L). In the laser group, a diode laser (wavelength 810 nm, output power 300 mW, irradiation mode CW, energy density 4 J/cm2) was applied immediately after surgery and then one other day for the next 20 days. After 4 and 8 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and histological and histomorphometric examinations were performed and the data were subjected to Friedman and repeated measurements ANOVA tests. Significant differences were not found regarding inflammation severity, foreign body reactions, and vitality of newly formed bone on 4th and 8th week after operation. The mean amount of new bone was 15.83 and 18.5% in the controls on the 4th and 8th week; 27.66 and 25.16% in the laser-irradiated group; 35.0 and 41.83% in Bio-Oss and 41.83 and 47.0% in the laser + Bio-Oss treated specimens with significant statistical differences (p <0.05). Application of LLLT in combination with Bio-Oss® can promote bone healing. Therefore, LLLT may be clinically beneficial in promoting bone formation in skeletal defects.