Article

OBJECTIVES: To assess the long-term effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), in
combination with strengthening exercises in patients with osteoarthritis of the
knee. DESIGN: Follow-up results at three and six months in a previously published
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Specialist
Rehabilitation Services. SUBJECTS: Forty participants of both genders, aged 50-75
years with knee osteoarthritis grade 2-4 on Kellgren-Lawrence scale.
INTERVENTION: The LLLT group received 10 LLLT treatments with invisible infrared
laser (904 nm, 3 Joules/point) over three weeks followed by an eight-week
supervised strengthening exercise program. The placebo LLLT group received
identical treatment, but the infrared laser output was disabled. MAIN MEASURES:
Pain on a visual analogue scale, paracetamol consumption, and osteoarthritis
severity measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis
Index (WOMAC) and Lequesne Index. RESULTS: The new data obtained during the
follow-up period showed that all outcomes remained stable and there were no
significant differences between the groups at three and six months. However,
daily consumption of rescue analgesics (paracetamol) was significantly lower in
the LLLT group throughout the follow-up period, ending at a group difference of
0.45 vs. 3.40 units ( P < 0.001) at six months follow-up.
We conclude that within
the limitations of this small study, the previously reported improvement after
LLLT plus exercise was maintained for a period of six months. CONCLUSION: We find
that the immediate post-intervention improvements from LLLT plus strengthening
exercises were maintained for six months.

Langue : ANGLAIS