The effects of low-level laser therapy on muscle strength and functional outcomes in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with 808 and 660 nm wavelength on muscle strength and functional outcomes in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 47 participants were randomly assigned to the 808 nm, 660 nm, and sham control groups. Two LLLT groups received continuous LLLT with a mean power of 300 mW in different wavelengths at the knee joint 15 min a session three days per week for eight weeks, while the control group received the sham LED treatment. The knee strength and functional performance involving 30-s sit-to-stand, 40 m fast-paced walk, stair climbing, and the TUG test were measured at the baseline and one week after the interventions were completed. The results showed that knee extensor strength was more improved in the 808 nm group as compared to the 660 nm group (p < 0.001, d = 0.57) and the sham control (p < 0.001, d = 0.40), while increased flexor strength was demonstrated in the 808 nm (p = 0.009, d = 0.67) and sham control groups (p < 0.001, d = 0.97). The number of 30-s sit-to-stand was increased only in the 660 nm group (p = 0.006, d = 0.49). All three groups exhibited improvements in the other three functional performance-based tests after the interventions with no statistically significant differences among the groups. In conclusion, both intervention groups improved muscle strength and functional performance as compared to the control group. The 808 nm wavelength group showed better results in knee extensor strength. Therefore, laser therapy is suggested to be integrated into rehabilitation programs to improve muscle strength and functional performance in the population with knee OA.

Effectiveness of Korean Red Ginseng on fatigue in patients with rheumatic diseases: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

“…Although placebos are typically known to influence a patient’s perception of symptoms, they may also impact the same physiological systems as active medication, ultimately leading to the modification of physical symptoms [ 31 ]. The placebo response is dependent on intricate neurobiological mechanisms that involve neurotransmitters and the activation of specific, measurable, and pertinent brain regions [ 32 ]. The genetic signatures of patients likely to respond to placebos are being identified [ 33 ].…”

Equine Musculoskeletal Pathologies: Clinical Approaches and Therapeutical Perspectives—A Review

“…In fractures, LLLT increases the bone regeneration process only in the first weeks after the fracture, indicating that LLLT is effective only in the early stages of the process [64]. It is recommended as a physical agent to be used concomitantly with rehabilitation programs [63,66].…”

Comparison between Low-Level and High-Intensity Laser Therapy as an Adjunctive Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

“…In recent years, photobiomodulation therapy specifically, LLLT and HILT have emerged as the most promising modalities [4,8,10], as both variants can reduce pain and inflammation [6,7], augment tissue repair [11,12], increase blood circulation [13], and improve physical function and performance [6,7]. Since Life 2023, 13, 1519 2 of 16 previous trials have predominantly evaluated either LLLT or HILT without comparing them directly [14,15], it remains unclear which electrophysical agent is more effective in treating KOA [6,8,16].…”