Efficacy Of Low-level Laser Therapy Research Articles

Effect of Low-level Laser Therapy on Orthodontic Movement of Human Canine: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background:Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a noninvasive method of accelerating tooth movement. Herein, this meta-analysis was aimed to assess the efficacy of LLLT in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement of human maxilla or mandible canine.Methods:Five databases including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library were used for searching the studies. Studies on LLLT for orthodontic tooth movement of human canine, randomized clinical trial (RCT), and outcome variables such as distance or speed of the tooth movement in treatment duration were considered for the final analysis. RevMan 5.3 was used for calculating the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) on random-effects model.Results:Out of 275 studies retrieved from five databases, six RCTs were included and analyzed in this meta-analysis. The results showed that the orthodontic movement of canine was statistically increased in the LLLT group compared with the control group in 21 days (MD: 0.74; 95%CI: 0.17, 1.31; P = 0.01), one month (MD: 0.40; 95%CI: 0.10, 0.69; P = 0.008), 1.5 months (MD: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.51, 0.93; P < 00001), two months (MD: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.23, 1.44; P = 0.006) three months (MD: 0.92; 95%CI: 0.06, 1.78; P = 0.04), and 4.5 months (MD: 1.53; 95%CI: 0.92, 2.14; P < 0.00001).Conclusion:The LLLT can speed up the rate of tooth movement of human canine and consequently decrease the treatment time. LLLT represents a proper adjuvant therapy for fixed orthodontic treatment.

Low-level laser therapy with 940nm diode laser on stability of dental implants: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive modality to promote osteoblastic activity and tissue healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT for improvement of dental implant stability. This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 80 dental implants placed in 19 patients. Implants were randomly divided into two groups (n=40). Seven sessions of LLLT (940nm diode laser) were scheduled for the test group implants during 2weeks. Laser was irradiated to the buccal and palatal sides. The same procedure was performed for the control group implants with laser hand piece in "off" mode. Implant stability was measured by Osstell Mentor device in implant stability quotient (ISQ) value immediately after surgery and 10days and 3, 6, and 12weeks later. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the mean ISQ values (implant stability) in the test and control groups. Statistical test revealed no significant difference in the mean values of implant stability between the test and control groups over time (P=0.557). Although the mean values of implant stability changed significantly in both groups over time (P<0.05). Although the trend of reduction in stability was slower in the laser group in the first weeks and increased from the 6th to 12th week, LLLT had no significant effect on dental implant stability.

Efficacy of adjuvant laser therapy in reducing postsurgical complications after the removal of impacted mandibular third molars: A systematic review update and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe authors updated a previously published systematic review to assess the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on reducing complications after the removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Types of Studies ReviewedThe authors searched for randomized clinical trials in which the investigators evaluated the efficacy of LLLT compared with that of placebo or no treatment. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. The authors used random effects model meta-analysis and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to rate the certainty of evidence. ResultsThe authors included 21 studies. There was low-certainty evidence that LLLT results in less pain at 2 days after surgery (mean difference [MD], −1.42 on a 10 point scale; 95% confidence interval [CI], −2.18 to −0.67) and moderate certainty that it results in negligibly less pain at 7 days (MD, −0.59; 95% CI, −0.96 to −0.22); moderate-certainty evidence that LLLT has a negligible benefit on reducing trismus at 2 days (MD, −3.42 millimeters; 95% CI, −5.34 to −1.50) and at 7 days after surgery (MD, −2.30 mm; 95% CI, −3.96 to −0.64); lastly, there was moderate-certainty evidence that LLLT results in less postoperative swelling at 2 days (standardized MD, −0.82; 95% CI, −1.28 to −0.35) and low-certainty evidence that LLLT results in negligibly less postoperative swelling at 7 days after surgery (standardized MD, −0.17; 95% CI, −0.4 to 0.07). Low-quality evidence suggests that LLLT will not cause adverse effects. Conclusions and Practical ImplicationsLLLT probably has negligible benefits but may not result in adverse events. Evidence does not support the use of LLLT in clinical practice to reduce complications after impacted mandibular third-molar surgical extractions.

Safety and Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was introduced as an alternative non-invasive treatment for osteoarthritis, but its effectiveness is still controversial. The main objective of this article was to determine the safety and efficacy of LLLT in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: In order to gather evidence, main medical databases as well as relevant websites were browsed without time limit. We searched with appropriate keywords and strategies. After quality assessment of studies, study data were extracted by two reviewers. Standard mean difference proposed through inverse variance was used in the meta-analysis using the random-effects model. Twelve values were used for the evaluation of heterogeneity. Results: A total of 823 studies, 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected after final review. There was a significant difference between LLLT and placebo in pain at rest (P=0.02), pain at activity (P=0.01), total pain (P=0.03), WOMAC function (P=0.01), WOMAC stiffness (P=0.02) and WOMAC total (P<0.0001) in favor of the LLLT. There was no significant difference between LLLT and Placebo in WOMAC pain (P=0.09) and range of motion (P=0.1). Conclusion: In spite of some positive findings, this meta-analysis lacked data on how LLLT effectiveness is affected with important factors: wavelength, energy density, treatment duration, numbers of sessions the treatment, severity of KOA and site of application.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy compared to steroid therapy in the treatment of oral lichen planus: A systematic review.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been proposed as a potential treatment strategy for the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP). The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of LLLT, in comparison with corticosteroid therapy, in the treatment of OLP. This systematic review aimed to address the following focused question: "Does LLLT yield better clinical outcomes than corticosteroid therapy in the treatment of OLP?" Indexed databases were searched up to and including April 2017. Clinical trials in humans diagnosed clinically and/or histologically with OLP allocated to test (LLLT) versus control (steroid therapy) groups were included. Five clinical studies were included. The risk of bias was considered high in four studies and moderate in one study. Laser wavelengths, power, spot size, and duration of laser exposure ranged between 630 and 970 nm, 10-3000 mW, 0.2-1.0 cm2 , and 6-480 seconds, respectively. The follow-up period ranged from 4 to 48 weeks. All included studies reporting clinical scores showed that LLLT was effective in the treatment of OLP in adult patients at follow-up. Three studies showed significantly higher improvements with topical use of corticosteroids compared to LLLT, while one study showed significant improvement with LLLT. One study showed comparable outcomes between LLLT and corticosteroid application. It remains debatable whether LLLT is more effective as compared to corticosteroids in the treatment of OLP, given that the scientific evidence is weak. These findings are preliminary and further randomized clinical trials are recommended.

EFFICACY OF LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY TO TREAT OBESITY

Background: Obesity has been identified as one of the major concern all over the world in recent times. On one hand obesity is the fundamental cause of cardiovascular complications, diabetes etc and on the other hand, this contemporary health issue also exerts a plethora of negative psychosocial impact. Therefore, wide range of researches are being conducted worldwide for integral management of obesity. This study, in particular is one of those types; delving deeper to identify the efficacy of low-level laser therapy for reducing obesity. Purpose: In recent times, low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been recognised as one of the promising methods for the treatment of obesity. Therefore, this study holds high significance as this has concentrated towards identifying the impact of LLLT on waistline fat as compared to control individuals. Subjects: 400 obese subjects were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control group.200 in experimental and 200 in control. Design: Randomised experimental control design. Method: The control group was treated only with exercise twice a week for 4 weeks and the experimental group was treated with both low level laser therapy as well as exercise twice a week for 4 weeks. Waistline circumference were measured with inch tape prior and after treatments in both the groups. Result: LLLT strategy was found to have reduced the waist line circumference to a considerable extent over a period of 4 weeks as in comparison to the control. group with an identifiable pattern of waistline fat thickness alteration. Conclusion: This research work, from thorough analysis of results obtained from both dataset, has concluded that, low level laser therapy, as compared to traditional approaches is much more effective and consistent. In addition, for individual with higher fat amount, it is beneficial to combine both exercise, diet and laser therapy to obtain the best outcome.

Insufficient Evidence Supports the Use of Low-Level Laser Therapy to Accelerate Tooth Movement, Prevent Orthodontic Relapse, and Modulate Acute Pain During Orthodontic Treatment

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in accelerating tooth movement, preventing relapse and managing acute pain during orthodontic treatment in humans: A systematic review. Sonesson M, De Geer E, Subraian J, Petrén S. BMC Oral Health 2017;17:11. No funding was obtained for this study TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome management: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

We performed this meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a physiotherapy modality with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, in the management of mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We searched PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and Virtual Health Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of LLLT with or without splinting versus placebo on functional and electromyographic outcomes in CTS. All outcomes were pooled as mean differences (MD) under the inverse variance or random effects model, using the statistical add-in (MetaXL, version 5.0). Eight RCTs (473 patients/631 wrists) were eligible for the final analysis. The overall effect estimates did not favor LLLT therapy group over placebo in all primary outcomes: visual analogue scale (MD -1.11, 95% CI [-2.58, 0.35]), symptom severity scale score (MD -1.41, 95% CI [-5.12, 2.29]), and functional status scale score (MD -1.33, 95% CI [-3.27, 0.61]). However, LLLT was superior to placebo in terms of grip strength (MD 2.19, 95% CI [1.63, 2.76]) and inferior to placebo in terms of sensory nerve action potential (MD -2.74, 95% CI [-3.66, -1.82]). Laser therapy is superior to placebo in terms of improving the grip strength; however, no significant difference was found between both groups in terms of functional status improvement, pain reduction, or motor electrodiagnostic evaluations. Further high-quality trials with longer follow-up periods are required to establish the efficacy of LLLT for CTS treatment.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in management of symptomatic oral lichen planus: a systematic review.

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology and indefinite cure. This systematic review assessed the efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of symptomatic OLP. Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched from date of inception till and including December 2016, using various combinations of the following keywords: oral lichen planus, laser therapy, low-level laser therapy, and phototherapy. Owing to heterogeneity of data, no statistical analyses were conducted. Initially, 227 publications were identified. After selection, only six studies were included in this systematic review. In these studies, the laser wavelengths, power output, and duration of irradiation ranged between 630-980nm, 20-300mW, and 10s-15min, respectively. All of the included studies found laser to be effective in management of OLP, without any reported adverse effects. The results of the included studies confirm that low-level laser therapy is effective in management of symptomatic OLP and can be used as an alternative to corticosteroids. However, due to variety of methods and substantial variations in laser parameters among these studies, more randomized clinical trials with large sample sizes are highly warranted.

Role of low-level laser therapy added to facial expression exercises in patients with idiopathic facial (Bell's) palsy.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy in conjunction with conventional facial exercise treatment on functional outcomes during the early recovery period in patients with facial paralysis. Forty-six patients (mean age 41±9.7years; 40 women and 6 men) were randomized into two groups. Patients in the first group received low-level laser treatment as well as facial exercise treatment, while patients in the second group participated in facial exercise intervention alone. Laser treatment was administered at a wavelength of 830nm, output power of 100Mw, and frequency of 1KHz using a gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAIAs, infrared laser) diode laser. A mean energy density of 10J/cm2 was administered to eight points of the affected side of the face three times per week, for a total of 6weeks. The rate of facial improvement was evaluated using the facial disability index (FDI) before, 3weeks after, and 6weeks after treatment. Friedman analysis of variance was performed to compare the data from the parameters repeatedly measured in the inner-group analysis. Bonferroni correction was performed to compare between groups as a post hoc test if the variance analysis test result was significant. To detect the group differences, the Bonferroni Student t test was used. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare numeric data between the groups. In the exercise group, although no significant difference in FDI scores was noted between the start of treatment and week 3 (p<0.05), significant improvement was observed at week 6 (p<0.001). In the laser group, significant improvement in FDI scores relative to baseline was observed at 3 and 6weeks (p<0.001). Improvements in FDI scores were significantly greater at weeks 3 and 6 in the laser group than those in the exercise group (p<0.05). Our findings indicate that combined treatment with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and exercise therapy is associated with significant improvements in FDI when compared with exercise therapy alone.

Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Subjective Tinnitus Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders

Tinnitus is an apparent sound, perceived in the ear with no stimulus. It has been described as a sound originating from the brain. It affects 17% of the general population. Etiological factors for tinnitus include temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ, TMD) and Costen's syndrome. The aim of treatment is to eliminate the tinnitus or at least decrease its apparent volume. In total, 46 patients referred to our department with bilateral subjective tinnitus with TMDs were selected for this study. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with an neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) (1064 nm) laser, LLLT with a diode laser (810 nm), and placebo treatment were applied to the patients. There were 15 patients each in the Nd:YAG and placebo groups and 16 patients in the 810 nm diode laser group. LLLT was applied for 10 days, once per day. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used, with values between 0 and 10. VAS scores were recorded before treatment, on the last day of treatment, and 1 month after treatment. The VAS scores were the same on the last day of treatment and 1 month after treatment. The VAS scores before treatment and at 1 month after treatment were compared in a statistical analysis. There were statistically significant differences in the Nd:YAG laser (p = 0.001) and 810 nm diode laser groups (p = 0.005), but no difference in the placebo group (p = 0.065). Both the Nd:YAG and 810 nm diode lasers were effective for the treatment of subjective tinnitus related to TMDs.

Photobiostimulation reverses allodynia and peripheral nerve damage in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes

For better evaluation of the efficacy of low-level laser therapy in treating painful diabetic neuropathy and in protecting nerve fiber damage, we conducted a study with type 1 diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin. It is well known that diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the leading cause of pain in those individuals who suffer from diabetes. Despite the efficacy of insulin in controlling glucose level in blood, there is no effective treatment to prevent or reverse neuropathic damage for total pain relief.Male Wistar rats were divided into saline, vehicle, and treatment groups. A single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (85mg/kg) was administered for the induction of diabetes. The von Frey filaments were used to assess nociceptive thresholds (allodynia). Behavioral measurements were accessed 14, 28, 48, and 56days after STZ administration. Rats were irradiated with GaAs Laser (Gallium Arsenide, Laserpulse, Ibramed Brazil) emitting a wavelength of 904nm, an output power of 45 mWpk, beam spot size at target 0.13cm2, a frequency of 9500Hz, a pulse time 60ns, and an energy density of 6,23J/cm2.The application of four sessions of low-level laser therapy was sufficient to reverse allodynia and protect peripheral nerve damage in diabetic rats.The results of this study indicate that low-level laser therapy is feasible to treat painful diabetic condition in rats using this protocol. Although its efficacy in reversing painful stimuli and protecting nerve fibers from damage was demonstrated, this treatment protocol must be further evaluated in biochemical levels to confirm its biological effects.

Low-intensity laser (660 NM) has analgesic effects on sternotomy of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafts.

Background:The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy for reducing the acute pain of sternotomy in patients who underwent a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).Methods:This study was conducted with ninety volunteers who electively submitted to CABG. The volunteers were randomly allocated into three groups of equal size (n = 30): control, placebo, and laser (λ of 660 nm and spatial average energy fluency of 1.06 J/cm2). Pain when coughing was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire, according to sensory, affective, evaluative, and miscellaneous domains. The patients were followed for 1 month after the surgery.Results:The laser group had a greater decrease in pain with analogous results, as indicated by both the VAS and the McGill questionnaire (P ≤ 0.05) on sensory and affective scores, on days 6 and 8 postsurgery compared to the placebo and control groups.Conclusion:Laser seems to be effective promoting pain reduction after coronary-arterial bypass grafting.

Strength training prior to muscle injury potentiates low-level laser therapy (LLLT)-induced muscle regeneration.

We evaluated whether strength training (ST) performed prior to skeletal muscle cryolesion would act as a preconditioning, improving skeletal muscle regeneration and responsiveness to low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Wistar rats were randomly assigned into non-exercised (NE), NE plus muscle lesion (NE + LE), NE + LE plus LLLT (NE + LE + LLLT), strength training (ST), ST + LE, and ST + LE + LLLT. The animals performed 10weeks of ST (climbing ladder; 3× week; 80% overload). Forty-eight hours after the last ST session, tibialis anterior (TA) cryolesion was induced and LLLT (InGaAlP, 660nm, 0.035W, 4.9J/cm2/point, 3 points, spot light 0.028cm2, 14J/cm2) initiated and conducted daily for 14 consecutive days. The difference between intergroups was assessed using Student's t test and intragroups by two-way analysis of variance. Cryolesion induced massive muscle degeneration associated with inflammatory infiltrate. Prior ST improved skeletal regeneration 14-days after cryolesion and potentiated the regenerative response to LLLT. Cryolesion induced increased TNF-α levels in both NE + LE and ST + LE groups. Both isolated ST and LLLT reduced TNF-α to control group levels; however, prior ST potentiated LLLT response. Both isolated ST and LLLT increased IL-10 levels with no additional effect. In contrast, increased TA IL-6 levels were restricted to ST and ST + LE + LLLT groups. TA myogenin mRNA levels were not changed by neither prior ST or ST + LLLT. Both prior ST and LLLT therapies increased MyoD mRNA levels and, interestingly, combined therapies potentiated this response. Myf5 mRNA levels were increased only in ST groups. Taken together, our data provides evidences for prior ST potentiating LLLT efficacy in promoting skeletal muscle regeneration.

Low-level laser therapy as an adjunct to conventional therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers

Foot ulcers are serious complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and are known to be resistant to conventional treatment. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in a tertiary care centre (Department of Surgery, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital, A.B. Road, Indore). A total of 30 patients with type 2 DM having Meggitt-Wagner grade I foot ulcers of more than 6weeks duration with negative culture were studied. Patients were randomized into two groups of 15 each. Patients in study group received LLLT (660 ± 20nm, 3J/cm2) along with conventional therapy and those in control group were treated with conventional therapy alone. The primary outcome measure was the absolute and relative wound size reduction at 2weeks compared to the baseline parameter. Percentage ulcer area reduction was 37 ± 9% in the LLLT group and 15 ± 5.4% in the control group (p < 0.001). For ∼75% of wounds of the treatment group, wound area reduction of 30-50% was observed. In contrast, for the control group, ∼80% of wounds showed a wound area reduction of <20% on day 15. Further, the wounds with initial wound area 1000-2000mm2 seems to have better final outcome than the groups with larger areas. The treated groups showed higher amount of granulation than the control group. The results suggest that LLLT is beneficial as an adjunct to conventional therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Relapse of Rotated Teeth: A Systematic Review of Human and Animal Study.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to reduce the relapse of orthodontically rotated teeth. However, controversial conclusions have been drawn by different authors. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT on relapse of corrected tooth rotations systematically by overall search of available studies and scientific assessment. A comprehensive electronic search was performed through PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, PRL, and WHO ICTRP up to November 2015 with no language limitation. This systematic review was carried out according to Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Risk of bias assessment was undertaken according to Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Two review authors conducted the work of search, selection, and quality assessment independently in duplicate. Out of 112 studies, two animal experiments and one human study were included. Degree and percentage of relapse of rotated teeth were compared between control and LLLT group. According to the results of our systematic review, the effect of LLLT on relapse of corrected tooth rotations is related to energy density. Namely, low energy density seems to promote relapse, while high energy density might alleviate the relapse. Since available investigations are limited, more well-designed randomized controlled trials involving humans are needed to get more clinically significant conclusions.

The effectiveness of low-level laser on postoperative pain and edema in secondary palatal operation

ObjectiveThe postoperative period after palatal surgery is usually very painful, requiring the use of pain-relieving drugs. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in post-operative pain control and edema after secondary palatal operations. MethodsA randomized double blinded clinical study on 20 children undergoing secondary palatal operations between 2013 and 2015 was done. Patients were randomly divided on two groups 10 patients each. In one group patients received local application of therapeutic laser immediately after surgery while patients received nothing in the control group. The mean age was 5.22 years ± 2.53 SD in the laser group and 6.42 years ± 0.76 in the control group. Postoperative pain was assessed by using visual analog scale scores and by recording the need of analgesics. The degree of postoperative edema was also recorded. ResultsThe pain scale showed significantly less postoperative pain in the laser group than in the control group from the first day (P-value = 0.006) to the 6th day (P-value = 0.014). The number of postoperative analgesic doses needed were significantly less in the laser group in the second and third days (P-value = 0.014). The postoperative edema was significantly higher in the control group from the 2nd (P-value = 0.004) to the 7th (P-value = 0.014) postoperative days. ConclusionsPreliminary results showed that low-level laser therapy is effective in the reduction of postoperative pain and edema, and minimizing the need of analgesic medication after secondary palatal operations.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy associated to orthoses for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized single-blinded controlled trial.

Compare the efficacy of orthoses and patient education with and without the addition to Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT - 660 nm, 30 mW, a continuous regime and bean area of 0.06 cm2). The laser irradiation was delivered with the fluency of 10J/cm2 in patients with mild and moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). 48 patients were randomized and 30 finished the protocol (a sample loss of 37.5%), 90% female and 10% males. Randomization was applied to allocate the patients in each one of the groups, with association or not to LLLT (group orthoses or LLLT and orthoses). All of them were submitted to ergonomic home orientations. The short-term symptoms and function outcome were assessed through: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) - Severity of Symptoms (SS) Functional Score (FS). Pain (VAS), Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, 2PD and pinch strength was used for characterization of the sample. Most of the participants were women, over 4th decade enrolled on heavy hand duties occupations, right-handed, 66.7% affected on dominant hand, without alterations in sensory median nerve thresholds or pinch strength. Both groups showed a reduction of total BCTQ score and its subdomains after six weeks, with significant difference (p< 0.05), comparing to baseline. No significant difference was found between groups. A Minimal clinical change was observed after the intervention in 92.3% of participants for BCTQ subdomain severity of symptoms at individual comparison for LLLT and orthoses group and 76.5% for the orthoses group, demonstrating clinical relevance. Effect size Cohen's index was moderate for the severity of symptoms. LLLT in association to orthoses and ergonomic orientation seems to be effective in short-term symptoms relieve for patients with mild and moderate CTS.

Clinical efficacy of low-level laser therapy for androgenetic alopecia

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-level laser therapy (LLLT)for androgenetic alopecia, and to compare the therapeutic effect of LLLT alone versus in combination with finasteride tablets. Methods Thirty-nine male patients were randomly divided into the LLLT group (n = 21)and combination group (n = 18)to be treated with LLLT alone or in combination with oral finasteride tablets (1 mg/d)for 6 months. LLLT was given twice a week, and each session lasted 30 minutes. All the patients were photographed and asked to fill a questionnaire about subjective symptoms, and hair density (the number of hairs per unit area on the scalp)was determined by using a dermatoscope to evaluate the grade of alopecia, before the treatment, and 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Results The hair density in the LLLT group was significantly higher after 6 months than after 3 months of treatment and before the treatment (184.59±21.17 vs. 169.24±29.21 and 166.67±32.94 hairs/cm2, both P 0.05). The hair density in the combination group significantly increased after 6 and 3 months of treatment compared with that before the treatment (201.80±16.55 and 186.39±17.97 vs. 157.85±27.97 hairs/cm2, both P 0.05), but the combination group showed increased hair density compared with the LLLT group after 3 and 6 months of treatment (both P 0.05). During the treatment, 24 (62%)patients felt less greasy, and 22 (56%)reported less hair loss, with no discomforts reported by the patients except local warm feeling. Conclusion LLLT is indeed effective for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia with no adverse reactions. Key words: Alopecia; Laser therapy, low-level; Finasteride; Treatment outcome; Randomized controlled trial

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in accelerating tooth movement, preventing relapse and managing acute pain during orthodontic treatment in humans: a systematic review

BackgroundRecently low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been proposed to improve orthodontic treatment. The aims of this systematic review were to investigate the scientific evidence to support applications of LLLT: (a) to accelerate tooth movement, (b) to prevent orthodontic relapse and (c) to modulate acute pain, during treatment with fixed appliances in children and young adults.MethodsTo ensure a systematic literature approach, this systematic review was conducted to Goodman’s four step model. Three databases were searched (Medline, Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register and Scitation), using predetermined search terms. The quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE system.ResultsThe search identified 244 articles, 16 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria: three on acceleration of tooth movement by LLLT and 13 on LLLT modulation of acute pain. No study on LLLT for prevention of relapse was identified. The selected studies reported promising results for LLLT; elevated acceleration of tooth movement and lower pain scores, than controls. With respect to method, there were wide variations in type of laser techniques.ConclusionsThe quality of evidence supporting LLLT to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement is very low and low with respect to modulate acute pain. No studies met the inclusion criteria for evaluating LLLT to limit relapse. The results highlight the need for high quality research, with consistency in study design, to determine whether LLLT can enhance fixed appliance treatment in children and young adults.