Effect of laser treatment on postural control parameters in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

The management of nonspecific lumbar pain (NSLP) using laser irradiation remains controversial. A systematic review of recently published studies indicates that the effects of laser therapy are commonly assessed using only imperfect methods in terms of measurement error. The main objective of this study was to assess static postural stability using an objective tool in patients with chronic NSLP after laser irradiation at different doses and wavelengths. In total, 68 patients were included in the laser sessions and were randomly assigned into four groups: high-intensity laser therapy at 1064 nm and 60 J/cm2 for 10 min (HILT), sham (HILT placebo), low-level laser therapy at 785 nm and 8 J/cm2 for 8 min (LLLT), and sham (LLLT placebo). In addition, all patients were supplemented with physical exercises (standard stabilization training). To assess postural stability, a double-plate stabilometric platform was used. All measurements were performed pre- and post-laser sessions (three weeks) and at follow-up time points (one and three months). Laser procedures led to more balanced posture stability in patients, although these positive changes were significant mainly for short-term observation (after 4-week therapy). In the follow-up analysis, the parameters were gradually impaired. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) for independent variables did not show any difference between the studied groups. Low- and high-intensity laser therapy does not lead to a significant improvement in postural sway in patients with NSLP compared with standard stabilization training based on short- and long-term observations.

The Effects of Kinesio Taping with LASER Therapy to Improve on Pain Threshold, Blood Flow, and Balance Ability in Patient with Knee Osteoarthritis

“…Also, Simon et al [39] showed that KT application was associated with significant improvements in dynamic balance and postural stability, as compared with non-application of KT. Taradaj et al [40] noted that the distance of static balance COP improved by lumbar area laser treatment in patients with nonspecific low back pain, and the result was the same, though the laser treatment region was different. This may be because taping administered in the ankle and the knee increased stability of each joint and induced the neurofacillitation of the cutaneous receptor [41].…”

Comparison between capacitive and resistive electronic transfer therapy and high-intensity laser therapy in pain conditions related to musculoskeletal disorders

“…49 Taradaj J, Rajfur K, Rajfur J, Ptaszkowski K, Ptaszkowska L, Sopel M, Rosińczuk J, Dymarek R. Effect of laser treatment on postural control parameters in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. (19) The main objective was to evaluate static postural stability using an objective tool in patients with chronic non-specific lumbar pain after laser treatment with different doses and wavelengths.…”

The Usefulness of Selected Physical Therapy Methods in the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Review of Our Experience

“…The aim of the study was to record any changes in the measured parameters and determine the potential effect of laser beam irradiation at different doses on improving postural control and enhancing central stabilization. Unfortunately, the results were again disappointing, as the use of these therapeutic measures did not lead to a significant improvement in postural stability in patients with LBP caused by discopathy compared to standard exercise training based on both short-and long-term analysis [9].…”

“…Limitations of the publications presented. Lack of blinding of treatment providers and outcome assessors Lack of following the intention-to-treat principle Taradaj et al[9] Lack of blinding of treatment providers and outcome assessors Lack of following the intention-to-treat principleTaradaj et al [10]Lack of blinding of treatment providers and outcome assessorsRajfur et al [11]Lack of blinding of treatment providers and outcome assessors Lack of following the intention-to-treat principle Walewicz et al[12] Lack of blinding of treatment providers Walewicz et al[13] Lack of blinding of treatment providers…”