High-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in treatment of patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

Marwa Shafiek Saleh ^1,2, Dina Othman Shokri Galal ³, Mostafa S Ali ⁴

⁰Department of Basic Science for Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. Marwa_shafiek2000@cu.edu.eg.

Lasers in Medical Science +

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January 5, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) combined with exercises significantly improved shoulder function and pain in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS) patients more than Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). HILT also enhanced pain threshold and sleep quality more effectively.

Area Of Science

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Orthopedics
Pain Management

Background

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SAIS) is a common cause of shoulder pain and disability.
Current treatments often involve exercise programs, but adjunctive therapies are explored to enhance outcomes.
Laser therapy, including High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), is investigated for its potential benefits.

Purpose Of The Study

To compare the efficacy of HILT versus LLLT as adjuncts to exercise for patients with SAIS.
To evaluate the impact on shoulder pain, disability, range of motion (ROM), pain pressure threshold (PPT), and sleep quality.

Main Methods

A randomized controlled trial involving 42 SAIS patients assigned to HILT, LLLT, or control groups.
All groups received a standardized exercise program.
The HILT group received HILT (810 nm/980 nm) and the LLLT group received LLLT (904 nm) three times weekly for three weeks.
Outcomes including SPADI, shoulder ROM, PPT, and PSQI were measured pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results

Both HILT and LLLT groups showed significant improvements in all measured parameters compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
HILT demonstrated clinically significant advantages over LLLT in improving SPADI pain and disability, PPT, and PSQI scores, with large effect sizes.
HILT combined with exercises was more effective than LLLT combined with exercises in enhancing pain, function, PPT, and sleep quality.

Conclusions

HILT, when combined with exercise, is a superior treatment modality for SAIS compared to LLLT combined with exercise.
HILT offers significant benefits for pain reduction, functional improvement, increased pain threshold, and enhanced sleep quality in SAIS patients.
This study supports the use of HILT as an effective therapeutic option for managing Subacromial Impingement Syndrome.

Keywords:

Disability Laser therapy Range of motion Shoulder pain Subacromial impingement syndrome Therapeutic exercise.