High-intensity Laser Therapy Group Research Articles

Comparison Of The Effectiveness Of High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) And Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) On Improving Balance In Knee Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND : Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a joint disease with a high prevalence among the elderly. OA can cause balance disorders, which are one of the main causes of falls in the elderly. Balance can be measured using several scoring systems, one of which is the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). One of the treatment modalities for OA is laser therapy which is non-invasive and easy to apply. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been widely used in patients with knee OA, but recently high intensity laser therapy (HILT) has begun to be used in physical therapy with advantages over a wider range and depth. AIMS : to compare the effect of LLLT and HILT therapy on improving functional balance in the elderly with knee OA. METHOD : This research is a randomized controlled trial pre-test and post-test-controlled group design. The sampling method used in this study is the simple random sampling method. The sample size was 27 subjects and divided into two groups, the LLLT group (n=14) and the HILT group (n=13). Each subject received laser therapy sessions 2 times a week for 4 weeks. Balance was assessed using the BBS before and after the intervention. RESULT : There was an increase in BBS scores before and after treatment in the HILT group (p<0.001) and in the LLLT group (p<0.001), with the increase in the HILT group (7.79 ± 2.16) significantly greater than in the LLLT group (3 .08 ± 0.76) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION : HILT improves balance score better than LLLT.

Effectiveness of High-intensity Laser Therapy for Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) is still a controversial physical therapy modality for individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of HILT on pain and function in patients with knee OA. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 56 patients with knee OA referred to Amin Hospital affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, from April 19 to August 30, 2022. Patients were randomized into two groups (HILT and control), receiving isometric exercises targeting the quadriceps muscle, meloxicam 15 mg tablet, and Rahamin ointment for two weeks. The HILT group also received high-intensity laser irradiation three times a week for two weeks. The primary outcome was pain assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the secondary outcome was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and its subscales (pain, stiffness, and physical function). Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, immediately, and three months after the last treatment session. Results: After adjusting for age, sex, and baseline values, immediately and three months after treatment, VAS pain scores were significantly lower in the HILT group than in controls (P < 0.001), with a large effect (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.81; -0.62 and SMD = -1.31, 95% CI: -1.90; -0.70, respectively). The results were similar for WOMAC's pain subscale. Despite the difference in WOMAC stiffness score was not significant between the two groups immediately after treatment (P = 0.135), this score was significantly lower in the HILT group than in the control group (SMD = -0.98, 95% CI: -1.56; -0.40, P = 0.002) three months after treatment. Furthermore, WOMAC physical function scores were significantly lower with HILT immediately and three months after treatment (P < 0.001). The same was true for the total WOMAC score. Conclusions: High-intensity laser therapy significantly improved pain and the WOMAC score in patients with knee OA immediately and three months after the last treatment session compared to the control group.

Effect of high-intensity laser therapy versus shockwave therapy on selected outcome measures in osteoporotic long-term hemiparetic patients: a randomized control trial

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in treating consequences of osteoporosis in hemiparetic patients.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted on hemiplegic patients with osteoporosis. They were randomly classified into three equal groups (n = 40 in each group). The control group received medication and traditional physiotherapy programs for stroke patients. The high-intensity laser (HIL) group received the same intervention as the control group in addition to high-intensity laser therapy. The shock wave (SW) group received the same intervention as the control group in addition to shock wave therapy. The three groups received an intervention that lasted 3 sessions/week for 12 weeks). All groups were assessed before and after therapy for the degree of pain, fall risk, and quality of life.ResultsA statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found concerning VAS, which had a significant difference in favor of HILT and ESWT groups compared to the control group; however, no significant difference was determined between HIL and SW groups. Regarding the overall stability index, SFBBS, and QUALEFFO-41, there was a significant difference in favor of HIL and SW groups compared to the control group, and a significant difference was found in HIL when compared to SW.ConclusionThe current study indicates that the combined traditional physical therapy and HILT and ESWT have clinical significance in improving osteoporotic long-term hemiparetic patients with more favor to HILT.Trial registration: The study was registered as a clinical trial at ClinicalTrial.gov ID (NCT05616611).

High-intensity laser therapy for hamstring muscle tightness: rationale and study design for a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Prolonged sitting and a sedentary lifestyle may result in hamstring shortness. A decline in regular physical activity could lead to a decrease in the flexibility of the muscle in a younger adult. Increasing hamstring muscle flexibility could decrease the possibility of injuries and prevent low back pain. The application of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) has proved to be innumerable benefits for many conditions. However, to date, no published research is available on the effectiveness of this therapy in improving hamstring muscle length in healthy young adults. This article describes the study protocol for investigating the benefits of HILT in treating hamstring muscle tightness among young adults. METHODS: 136 healthy young individuals will be recruited, by purposive sampling method, to participate in a randomized, single-blinded, sham-controlled study. Recruited participants will be randomly divided into two groups, the active HILT group, and the sham HILT group. The treatment duration will be 8-10 minutes per session, on both lower limbs, for alternate days a week, for two weeks. The active knee extension test and sit-toe and touch test are the outcome measures that will be recorded at baseline, end of the 2-week post-intervention period. The p-value ≤0.05 will be considered statistically significant. DISCUSSION: The study findings will provide the data to determine whether HILT would be a future non-pharmacological non-invasive intervention to reduce hamstring muscle tightness among young adults. Trial Registry: Clinical Trials Registry (NCT05077761).

High-intensity laser therapy in low back pain management: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Low back pain (LBP) is a widespread health issue affecting people globally and is the second leading cause of missed workdays. High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) promises to decrease pain intensity in LBP patients. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of HILT in adult LBP patients. We searched for randomized controlled studies (RCTs) published before January of 2023. Our primary outcome was pain intensity, while our secondary outcomes included disability and flexibility scores. We synthesized the evidence using RevMan v.5.4 and assessed methodological quality with the Oxford/Jadad scale and the Cochrane collaboration's risk of bias tool 1. The model favors the HILT group over the control group in terms of pain intensity after treatment (MD with 95% CI is -1.65 [-2.22, -1.09], p-value < 0.00001, I2=67%), Oswestry disability index (MD with 95% CI is -0.67 [-1.22, -0.12], p-value = 0.02, I2=73%), and Roland disability index (MD with 95% CI is -1.36 [-1.76, -0.96], p-value <0.00001, I2=0%). The patients in the high-intensity laser therapy had statistically significantly lower (low back) pain intensity compared to the patients in the control group. Based on three RCTs, our model also showed the positive effect of the HILT on LBP in terms of the Oswestry disability index and Roland disability index.

Short-term Effectiveness of High-intensity Laser Therapy in De Quervain Tenosynovitis: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study.

The effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) has been demonstrated in some musculoskeletal repetitive strain injury disorders. This study aimed to determine the short-term effectiveness of HILT in de Quervain tenosynovitis (DQT). Sixty-four patients with DQT diagnosis (32 males, 32 females; 18-65 years) were randomly divided into two groups. A short opponens splint was applied to both groups and HILT to the treatment group and sham HILT to the control group once a day, on alternate days, 3 days a week, for 5 weeks. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations were made using a visual analog scale (VAS); Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; Short Form-36 Health Survey; and hand grip strength test. The demographic results (age, gender, duration of complaint, body mass index, occupational group) of both groups were similar (p>0.05). The pre-treatment measured values were similar in both groups (p>0.05). After a 5-week treatment, a significant improvement was observed in all parameters in both groups. Post-treatment, hand grip strength levels were statistically higher in the HILT group than in the sham therapy group, and VAS levels were significantly lower (p<0.001). HILT is a non-invasive and reliable method that increases grip strength and decreases pain in DQT.

The Comparison Of The Low-Level Laser Therapy And High Intensity Laser Therapy On Pain And Functional Ability In Knee Osteoarthritis

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee causes disability due to pain and will affect the functional ability to walk. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been shown to reduce pain in knee OA, while High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) is able to reach deeper joint areas.&#x0D; Method: This study aimed to compare the effect differences between LLLT and HILT on pain and functional capacity in knee OA. Methods: This is a double-blind randomized controlled trial with 61 subjects randomized into LLLT (n=31) and HILT (n=30) groups. All the subjects were knee OA patient with Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ≥ 4. The laser therapy and exercise were given 3 times per week for 6 sessions. The pain scale evaluated using VAS and functional ability evaluated using 50-feet walk test.&#x0D; Result: After 6 sessions, both LLLT and HILT group showed reduced VAS score [∆VAS Score LLLT = 3 (2 – 4), HILT = 3 (2 – 5)] and increased walking speed (∆ walking speed for LLLT = 0.23 (0.02 – 1.24) m/s, HILT = 0.22 (0.08 – 0.7) m/s) which were statistically (p &lt; 0.001) and clinically significant. HILT group had faster walking speed and greater VAS reduction compared to LLLT group (p &lt; 0.001), but there was no significant difference in walking speed between two groups (p=0.655).&#x0D; Conclusion: HILT and LLLT combined with exercise were effective in reducing pain and increasing functional ability in knee OA after 6 sessions of intervention. Pain and functional ability improvement was faster and greater in HILT group than LLLT group.&#x0D;

Efficacy of Low-level Laser Versus High-intensity Laser Therapy in the Management of Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) are effective in alleviating pain and improving functionality in patients with adhesive capsulitis (AC); however, no study has compared the efficacy of these two laser treatments. To compare the effectiveness of LLLT and HILT in improving the shoulder joint range of motion and functional status and in reducing pain level in patients with AC. Prospective, randomized, parallel group, patient- and assessor-blinded. A total of 45 patients (aged: 18-65 years) with complaint of shoulder pain were evaluated for inclusion criteria, which included being aged 18-65 years and a diagnosis of AC based on physical examinations. Using computer-generated random numbers, eligible patients were randomized into two groups: HILT + stretching exercise and LLLT + stretching exercise groups. Both HILT and LLLT were performed three times/week for 3 weeks. Functional status and pain of the patients were evaluated with Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS), while shoulder joint range of motion was measured with goniometry. All assessments were done before and 3 weeks after treatment. A total of 40 patients (20 in each group) completed the study. At baseline, there was no statistically significant difference in the demographic and clinical characteristics between both groups. Both the LLLT and HILT groups showed significant improvement in the VAS and SPADI scores 3 weeks after treatment; however, the improvement was significantly higher in the HILT group than the LLLT group. There was no significant improvement in goniometric scores in both groups compared with baseline. No injury or other musculoskeletal complications were recorded during or after the treatments. HILT + stretching exercise treatment was more effective than LLLT + stretching exercise for improving functional parameters and pain in patients with AC. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05469672. None.

High-intensity laser therapy (class IV) and ibuprofen gel phonophoresis for treating knee osteoarthritis among people living in hilly terrain: a randomized, double blind, multi-centre trial protocol

INTRODUCTION: People living in hilly terrain with abnormal cyclic loading could lead to bone cartilage degeneration. High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and Ibuprofen gel phonophoresis (IGP) have innumerable benefits for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, it is still unclear which treatment is effective among them in rehabilitating patients with KOA. OBJECTIVE: To verify whether 8-week HILT is no worse than the IGP in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis living in hilly terrain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 individuals with KOA will be recruited by simple random sampling to participate in a randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Recruited individuals with KOA will be randomly divided into two groups, the HILT group (experimental group) and the IGP group (active control group). The treatment duration of HILT and IGP will be 8 minutes in one session/knee joint for each day for 3 days/week up to 8 weeks in addition to their conventional exercises for 30 minutes. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Digitalized pain pressure algometer, and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire are the outcome measures that will be recorded at baseline, end of the 8-week post-intervention period. PERSPECTIVES: The results from this trial will contribute to evidence-based recommendations for the clinical implication of whether HILT is no worse than IGP, along with exercise intervention for treating individuals with KOA living in hilly terrain. Trial Registry: Clinical Trials Registry (NCT04320914)

Comparison of extracorporeal shock wave therapy and high-intensity laser therapy on pain, grip strength, and function in patients with lateral epicondylalgia: a randomized controlled study.

This study aimed to compare the effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on pain, grip strength, and function in patients with lateral epicondylalgia. This prospective randomized controlled study included 42 patients (22 women and 20 men, mean age: 37) divided into 3 groups. The first group received physiotherapy (n = 14), the second received physiotherapy combined with ESWT (n = 14), and the third received physiotherapy combined with HILT (n = 14). All participants underwent 10 physiotherapy sessions for 2weeks, 5 sessions per week. In addition to physiotherapy, the ESWT group received 4 ESWT sessions, 2 sessions per week, and the HILT group received 4 HILT sessions, 2 sessions per week. The outcomes were pain intensity as assessed by Visual Analog Scale, grip strength by hand dynamometer, and function by the Duruoz Hand Index and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation-Turkish version questionnaire. The participants were assessed at the beginning of the study (T1/week 0), at the end of treatment (T2/2nd week), and at follow-up (T3/6th week). At follow-up (T3), a significant improvement was observed in all outcomes compared to baseline (T1) in all groups (P < 0.05). Inter-group comparison of the mean differences between baseline and end values showed that the HILT group was superior in all outcomes (P < 0.05). This study showed that physiotherapy alone combined with ESWT and HILT positively affected the treatment of lateral epicondylalgia. Physiotherapy combined with HILT was found to be the most effective for improving pain, grip strength, and function. Clinical trial number: NCT674325.

Effect of high-intensity laser on upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome

Aim of the study: As high intensity laser therapy (HILT) is capable of reaching and stimulating deeper and larger tissues than traditional physiotherapy modalities, so we studied its influence on cervical myofascial pain. Subject and methods: 50 patients with chronic upper trapezius muscle myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) within age range of 20 to 40 years old were assigned into group A that received traditional treatment only (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound massage (US), stretch and exercise), while group B received HILT with traditional treatment. Outcome measures included pain severity via visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT) by pressure algometer, neck functional activities by neck disability index (NDI) and cervical range of motion by CROM apparatus. Results: both groups showed significant improvement in the posttreatment outcome measures, but the HILT group (group B) showed a more significant improvement than the control group (group A) with p-value &gt;0.001. Conclusion: HILT is a supportive physical therapy modality that may provide preferable results for a cervical MTrP patient.

A Randomized Prospective Pilot Study Investigating the Feasibility and Effects of High Intensity Laser Therapy for Women with Vulvodynia

ABSTRACT Introduction Laser therapy and more specifically, High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT), is an emerging non-invasive and non-ablative treatment modality, that appears promising for treating provoked vestibulodynia (PVD). However, evidence supporting this treatment remains limited so far as no prospective study has examined the feasibility, acceptability and effects in women with PVD. Objective 1) to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of HILT in women with PVD and 2) to explore the effects of active and sham HILT on pain intensity during intercourse. Methods Women aged 18-45 years suffering from PVD participated in this randomized pilot study. Women were included if they reported pain at the entry of the vagina during vaginal intercourse (intensity of ≥5 on a numerical rating scale (NRS)) for more than three months. A standardized pelvic examination was performed by a gynecologist from our team to confirm the eligibility of participants. Women were randomized to receive bi-weekly sessions of active (n=20) or sham HILT (n=20) for 6 weeks. Women were assessed at baseline and post-treatment (2 weeks after the end of the treatment). Patients, outcome assessors and data analysts were blinded to group assignation. The attendance rate at laser sessions (≥80% of participants attending ≥10 sessions), the dropout rate (˂15%) and the absence of serious adverse events served as feasibility and acceptability outcomes and benchmarks. Patients’ perceived improvement and satisfaction were also assessed. The effects of treatment on mean pain intensity during intercourse were measured. Results A total of 45 women were screened by the gynecologist and 40 were enrolled in the study (n=5 were excluded because of other diagnoses i.e. infection, dermatological conditions). Among the women included, only one participant in the real HILT group dropped out of the study at post-treatment due to time constraints. Regarding the attendance rate for treatment, the 12 sessions were completed by all participants, except for two women who had 11 sessions due to Covid-related reasons. No serious side effects were observed in either group. In regard to patients’ global impression of change, 79% of women reported significant improvement in the active HILT group as opposed to 47% in the sham group. In the sham group only, 10% reported worsening of their condition. Regarding satisfaction to treatment, women in the active group were more satisfied with a mean of 6.6/10 (SD 2.8) compared to 4.6/10 (SD 3.1) in the sham group (p&amp;lt;0.05). A significant reduction in pain from baseline to post-treatment was found for women in the active HILT group (baseline 7.3±1.3; post-treatment 4.1±2.2; p˂.001) and sham HILT group (baseline 7.4±1.6; post-treatment 5.4±3.2; p=.002). Conclusions HILT is a feasible and acceptable intervention to treat women with PVD. With the significant improvements observed, findings support conducting a randomized controlled trial to confirm the efficacy of this promising intervention. Disclosure No

Effect of high intensity laser in the treatment of myofascial trigger points in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: A randomized single-blinded controlled trial

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent causes of musculoskeletal pain and disability among the middle age and elderly population. It significantly affects the overall quality of life of the affected individuals. Objectives: To find out the impact of high intensity laser therapy (HILT) on myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in symptomatic knee OA. Methods: This is a single-blinded pre–post randomized experimental trial. A total of 40 patients, both male and female, falling within the age group of 35-55 years, BMI 25–29.9 Kg/Cm2, diagnosed with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (grade 2), were recruited as participants of the study. All the participants were clinically evaluated for the signs and symptoms of myofascial pain, tenderness over the vastus medialis muscle and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups with n=20 in each group. The participants of the experimental group received high-power laser therapy and underwent exercises on the MTrPS of the vastus medialis and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. The participants of the control group received placebo laser "sham laser" and underwent exercises for the vastus medialis and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. A blood cortisol level test, pressure algometer, digital electronic goniometer, and the KOOS-PS questionnaire were used to measure the pain level, pain threshold, knee ROM, and knee function. Outcome assessment was done at Day 0 and post intervention at the end of 4 weeks. Results: The MANOVA test revealed that both groups improved significantly in all parameters at week 4, with the HILT group improving more than the sham group in blood cortisol levels, pressure algometer measures, knee passive ROM, and KOOS scores (P &lt; .05). Conclusion: HILT is an efficient approach in the treatment of MTrPs in knee OA.

Effect of High-Power Laser Therapy Versus Shock Wave Therapy on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), as outpatient physical therapy modalities, on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. Materials and methods: The treatment program was completed by 40 individuals with stage II KOA (according to Kellgren and Lawrence) who were randomly allocated to one of two groups. They have had more than grade 3 pain on the visual analog scale (VAS) during activities for the last 3 months, with body-mass index less than 30 and no history of knee operation, fracture, cancer, or other neuromuscular or musculoskeletal diseases that may affect study results. The ESWT group (n = 20, mean age = 40.12 ± 9.45 years) received ESWT, 0.05 mJ/mm2, one session/week for 4 weeks, and the HILT group (n = 20, mean age = 46.62 ± 8.68 years) received HILT, 1500 mJ/cm2 in each session, three sessions/week for 4 weeks. Both groups received conservative physical therapy programs. Before and after 4 weeks of intervention, pain, physical function, and disability were assessed using a VAS, 6-min walking test, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Results: When the pre- and post-treatment mean values of dependent variables of both groups were compared, there were statistically significant improvements in both groups. Significant differences in the measured variables were also discovered in favor of the HILT group compared with the ESWT group. Conclusions: HILT showed a superior effect compared with ESWT on pain, physical function, and disability in chronic KOA patients. Pan African Clinical Trials Registry number: PACTR202007638955907.

Evaluation of the efficiency of different treatment modalities in individuals with painful temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction: a randomised controlled clinical trial

The aim of the study was to investigate and compare short and long-term effects of occlusal splints (OS), ultrasound (US), and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in patients with painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement with reduction (DDWR). This prospective, randomised, single-blinded, controlled clinical study was conducted on patients with DDWR at a university oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic. A total of 140 patients were allocated randomly to four groups (OS, US, HILT, and control), with 35 patients in each. Patients were evaluated for pain, range of motion of the jaw, disability, and quality of life. A total of 132 patients completed the study. In all treatment groups (OS, US, and HILT), a significant improvement was observed in terms of pain, function, disability, and quality of life, at both weeks four and 12 compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Improvements in VAS pain and maximum mouth opening were not significantly different between the treatment groups. However, compared with the OS group, there was a significant improvement in the HILT and US groups in terms of total Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-20 (JFLS-20) scores at week four, but no difference between the groups at week 12. The results of this study show that OS, US, and HILT are effective treatments for pain and functional jaw movements in patients with DDWR. HILT, a new method, can be an alternative treatment in cases of TMD.

Comparison of the Efficiency of High-Intensity Laser Therapy and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Therapy in Patients With Symptomatic Temporomandibular Joint Disc Displacement With Reduction

Many different treatment modalities have been tried in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and different results have been reported. The aim of the study was to investigate and compare the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy on the treatment of patients with TMJ disc displacement with reduction(DDWR). Researchers conducted a prospective, single-blind, controlled clinical trial on patients with TMJ disc disease at a university's oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic. One hundred two patients were randomized into 3 groups (HILT, TENS and control group). The patients were evaluated in terms of maximum mouth opening (MMO), assisted MMO, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (pain), and VAS (function). In addition, the disability status of the patients with the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-20 (JFLS-20) and the quality-of-life with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was evaluated. At the start of the trial, in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, no significant differences existed between the groups. Significant improvements were seen in pain (VAS), MMO, total JFLS-20 and total OHIP-14 scores in the HILT and TENS groups compared to the control group. At week 4, the VAS pain score decreased significantly in the HILT group compared to the TENS group (48 and 25%, respectively), while the MMO was significantly increased (24 and 10%, respectively). In addition, there was a significant improvement in both the total JFLS-20 score and the total OHIP-14 score at weeks 4 and 12 in the HILT group compared to the TENS group (P < .05). It was observed that the healing effect of pulsed Nd: YAG laser therapy was significantly higher than TENS in patients with DDWR. Therefore, HILT should be a priority option over TENS therapy in patients with disc displacement.

Effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in patients with myogenic temporomandibular joint disorder: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study

PurposeThe aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in the short and long term in the treatment of patients with the myogenic temporomandibular joint disorder(TMD). MethodsThis prospective, double-blind, controlled clinical study was conducted on patients with myogenic TMD at a university's oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic. Seventy-six patients were randomized into two groups (HILT, and control group), including 38 patients in one group. The patients were evaluated for pain, the range of motion of the jaw, disability, and quality of life. Assessments were performed before therapy (week 0) and after therapy (weeks 4 and 12). Data were evaluated using SPSS-20 and the level of significance was set at p <0.05. ResultsThere was no significant difference between the groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics of the groups at the beginning of the study. In the 4th week, the VAS pain score was significantly decreased in the HILT group (47%) compared to the placebo HILT group (4%) (p <0.001). The maximum mouth opening was significantly increased in the HILT group (27%) compared to the placebo HILT group (4%) at week 12 (p <0.001). The HILT group showed a significant improvement in Jaw Functional Limitation Scale 20 (JFLS-20) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) compared to the placebo HILT group (p <0.001 and p <0.005 respectively). ConclusionAs a result of the study, it was concluded that HILT is a highly effective, non-invasive therapeutic method for patients with myogenic TMD.

The effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of post-stroke patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain: a prospective randomized controlled study.

To evaluate clinical and ultrasonographic efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) accompanied by partial thickness rotator cuff tear (PTRCT). The study was designed as a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Patients with HSP accompanied by PTRCT (n = 44) were randomly assigned to HILT and control groups. Both groups were treated with a multidisciplinary stroke rehabilitation and a therapeutic exercise program to the affected shoulder supervised by physiotherapists. In addition, HILT group received 3 sessions of the intervention per week for 3 weeks. Primary outcome measure was visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Secondary outcome measures were range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder joint, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Brunnstrom Recovery Stage (BRS), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and ultrasonographic PTRCT size. Participants were assessed at pre- and post-treatment. A total of 41 patients completed the study. A statistically significant improvement was observed in VAS, ROM, FIM, SPADI, NHP, and PTRCT parameters in HILT group at post-treatment compared to pre-treatment (all P < 0.05). However, control group indicated significant improvement only in VAS, ROM, and SPADI parameters (all P < 0.05). When differences in clinical parameters at pre- and post-treatment assessment were compared between two groups, change in VAS, FIM, BRS, SPADI, NHP, and PTRCT in HILT group was significantly better than control group (all P < 0.05). HILT combined with therapeutic exercise seems to be clinically and ultrasonographically more effective in the treatment of patients with HSP accompanied by PTRCT than therapeutic exercise alone in the short term. Further studies are needed with long-term follow-up. CinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04669405.

A Prospective Comparative Study of Pulsed High-Intensity Laser Therapy and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain.

Objective: This study explored the different effects of pulsed high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) versus pulsed electromagnetic field (EMF) in the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain (ChNsLBP). Methods: Between August and December 2019, 51 ChNsLBP participants with a mean age of 35.2 ± 8.6 years were enrolled in this prospective comparative study. At random, they were divided into three groups, 17 in each; HILT, EMF, and controls. HILT group was recruited for Nd:YAG laser using the following parameters: a wavelength of 1064 nm, fluency of 610-810 mJ, frequency of 10-40 Hz, average power of 10.5 W, and 120 μs short pulse duration in scanning mode. All groups received the treatment twice a week for 8 consecutive weeks. They were assessed for the modified Oswestry disability index (MODI), pain disability index (PDI), visual analog scale (VAS), and lumbar flexion range of motion (flex ROM) before and after 8 weeks of study program. Results: The results showed greater improvement in the HILT group (VAS, PDI, MODI, and lumbar flex ROM, p = 0.001) than the EMF group (VAS, p = 0.002, PDI, p = 0.045, MODI, p = 0.002, and lumbar flex ROM, p = 0.042), with significant difference between the two groups in favor of the HILT group (p ˂ 0.05). Conclusions: Depending on the results of the study, both HILT and EMF are useful physiotherapy modalities in the treatment of ChNsLBP with HILT exhibiting better outcomes than EMF. Clinical recommendations should be highlighted to instigate the use of HILT in the management of musculoskeletal disorders, distinctively ChNsLBP.

Efficacy of high intensity laser versus ultrasound therapy in the management of patients with lateral epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis, 'tennis elbow', is a common condition seen in general practice. Patients present with lateral elbow pain radiating distally and exacerbated by wrist and finger extension against resistance. Pain is also accompanied with functional impairment of the upper limb and hand. High intensity laser therapy (HILT) is a relativelynewpain managementmodality used for treating musculoskeletal disorder. Aim of the work: To compare the efficacy of therapeutic HILT and ultrasound (US) in pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis. Patients and methods: 45 patients were randomly distributed into three equal groups: Group I treated by HILT and US; Group II treated by HILT only and Group III by US only. Patients were treated day after day for 12 sessions. The hand grip-strength was assessed by the dynamometry, pain measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) and the disorder of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scored. The HILT emitted a double wave length (915 nm and 808 nm) at a power of 3.2 Watt (W) and energy density of 5 Joule/cm2 while the US was used at an intensity of 1.5 W/cm2. Results: Patients were 24 females and 21 males with mean age of 44.9 ± 7.3 years. There was a significant improvement in the VAS, DASH and grip-strength for the three groups after sessions (p < 0.0001). Results were superior in the combined HILT and US group than each alone for VAS (p < 0.0001) and DASH (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Combined HILT and US is potentially more effective in treating lateral epicondylitis.