Comparison between Low-Level and High-Intensity Laser Therapy

Mohd Azzuan Ahmad1, Mageswari Moganan2, Mohamad Shariff A Hamid3 , Norhuda Sulaiman3, Ushantini Moorthy3, Nazirah Hasnan4 and Ashril Yusof2

1Physiotherapy Programme, Centre for Rehabilitation and Special Needs Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

2Faculty of Sports and Exercise Science, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

3Sports Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

4Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Low-level (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HIL) can be beneficial additions to knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rehabilitation exercises; however, it is still being determined which electrophysical agent is more effective.

Methods: Thirty-four adults with mild-to-moderate KOA were randomly allocated to either LL + EX or HL + EX (n = 17 each). Both groups underwent their respective intervention weekly for twelve weeks. Participants’ Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), active knee flexion, and Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG) were assessed.  

Study found that combining LLLT or HIL with usual KOA rehabilitation exercises resulted in statistically significant improvements in knee pain, knee-related disability, physical function, and functional mobility. Interestingly, the results also indicate that combining HIL with exercises produces greater positive changes than using LLLT as an adjunctive therapy to rehabilitation exercises in patients with knee osteoarthritis; specifically, the improvements in knee pain, physical function, and knee-related disability surpassed clinical relevance capacity. Thus, this study supports the consideration of HIL as a more effective treatment option than LLLT in the management of knee osteoarthritis.

Read the entire study here

Check the technology used here: High Intensity Laser