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Research Objectives
To examine the effects of LLLT upon pain and patient reported function.
Design
Study participants underwent examination to determine appropriateness for the use
of LLLT. Data was collected initially by a physical therapist followed by application
of 12 sessions of LLLT. Data was again collected by a physical therapist following
completion of LLLT treatment.
Setting
This study was performed within an interprofessional clinic located on a college campus.
Participants
Study participants included adults recruited from a college campus and surrounding
community. Inclusion criteria included being at least 18 years of age and be experiencing
pain in a muscle or joint.
Interventions
Study participants received 12 sessions of LLLT using a class 3B laser device. The
device used in the study delivered light therapy using a handheld probe which included
a combination of LED and laser diodes. LLLT dosage varied according to the anatomical
location treated and was based upon guidelines developed by WALT.
Main Outcome Measures
Pain was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) pre- and post-treatment.
Function was measured using the Patient-Specific Functional Scale pre- and post-treatment.
Results
Participants included 31 adults (22 females, 9 males) ranging from 29 to 77 years
old, with average age 55 years. Study participants presented with reports of pain
in various anatomical location (NPRS for worst pain ranging from 2 to 9). Hip and
thigh region pain represented the most commonly reported area of discomfort among
study participants, present in 7 of 31 subjects (or 23%). Significant improvements
were noted in Current, Best, and Worst reported pain ratings, median of differences
from pre to post of -2, -1, and -2 (p < 0.01). Significant improvements were also
observed in the Patient-Specific Function Scale measurements, median of differences
from pre to post of +1 for first and second listed activities (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
LLLT had a positive effect upon numeric pain ratings and reported function in adults
with pain.
Author(s) Disclosures
No conflicts of interest have been identified or reported by any of the researchers
associated with this study.
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© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
