Abstract | BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Photobiomodulation has been shown to modulate cellular protein production and stimulate tendon healing in a dose-dependent manner. Previous studies have used class IIIb lasers with power outputs of less than 0.5 W. Here we evaluate a dual wavelength (980/810 nm) class IV laser with a power output of 10 W for the purpose of determining the efficacy of class IV laser therapy in alleviating the pain and dysfunction associated with chronic epicondylitis. METHODS: Sixteen subjects volunteered for laser therapy, or an identically appearing sham instrument in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. Subjects underwent clinical examination ( pain, function, strength, and ultrasonic imaging) to confirm chronic tendinopathy of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon, followed by eight treatments of 6.6 ± 1.3 J/cm(2) ( laser), or sham over 18 days. Safety precautions to protect against retinal exposure to the laser were followed. The exam protocol was repeated at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months post-treatment. RESULTS: No initial differences were seen between the two groups. In the laser treated group handgrip strength improved by 17 ± 3%, 52 ± 7%, and 66 ± 6% at 3, 6, and 12 months respectively; function improved by 44 ± 1%, 71 ± 3%, and 82 ± 2%, and pain with resistance to extension of the middle finger was reduced by 50 ± 6%, 93 ± 4%, and 100 ± 1% at 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. In contrast, no changes were seen until 12 months following sham treatment (12 months: strength improved by 13 ± 2%, function improved by 52 ± 3%, pain with resistance to extension of the middle finger reduced by 76 ± 2%). No adverse effects were reported at any time. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that laser therapy using the 10 W class IV instrument is efficacious for the long-term relief of the symptoms associated with chronic epicondylitis. The potential for a rapidly administered, safe and effective treatment warrants further investigation.
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Authors | Delia B Roberts, Roger J Kruse, Stephen F Stoll |
Journal | Lasers in surgery and medicine
(Lasers Surg Med)
Vol. 45
Issue 5
Pg. 311-7
(Jul 2013)
ISSN: 1096-9101 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 23733499
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. |
Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Hand Strength
- Humans
- Lasers, Semiconductor
(therapeutic use)
- Lasers, Solid-State
(therapeutic use)
- Low-Level Light Therapy
(instrumentation)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pain
(etiology, prevention & control)
- Recovery of Function
- Tendinopathy
(complications, therapy)
- Tennis Elbow
(complications, therapy)
- Treatment Outcome
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