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WITHDRAWN: Low level laser therapy (Classes III) for treating osteoarthritis
L Brosseau1, V Robinson, G Wells
1University of Ottawa, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1H 8M5. lbrossea@uottawa.ca
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 20, 2007
Summary
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) shows promise for treating osteoarthritis (OA) pain and improving function. While some studies found significant benefits, further research is needed to optimize LLLT application for OA.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Photomedicine
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition impacting a large population.
- Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) utilizes specific wavelengths of light for non-thermal photochemical reactions within cells.
- LLLT has been explored as a non-invasive OA treatment for approximately 30 years, necessitating a closer examination of its efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Class III LLLT in treating osteoarthritis.
- To assess the impact of directing laser irradiation at the osteoarthritic joint capsule.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of controlled clinical trials of LLLT for OA, identified through comprehensive database searches (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane registries) up to May 2005.
- Inclusion criteria focused on controlled clinical trials with a clinical OA diagnosis; abstracts lacking data were excluded unless further information was obtainable.
- Data analysis employed fixed and random effects models for continuous variables (WMD, SMD) and relative risk (RR) for dichotomous outcomes, accounting for heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- Eight trials involving 233 patients receiving LLLT and 172 receiving placebo were analyzed.
- Pooled analysis of pain scales across seven trials revealed a statistically significant benefit for LLLT (SMD -0.28; 95% CI: -0.48 to -0.09).
- Significant improvements were also noted in pain during movement, patient-assessed global disease activity, temporomandibular joint OA pain, and morning stiffness; however, joint tenderness and strength did not show significant differences.
Conclusions:
- Five of the included trials demonstrated statistically significant benefits of LLLT over placebo for at least one outcome measure.
- Variability in results suggests potential influence from LLLT application methods and device parameters.
- Further research is recommended to standardize LLLT reporting, utilize validated outcomes, investigate optimal dosages, and explore anti-inflammatory mechanisms for OA treatment.
