Effect Of Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy) In Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Orthopedics
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disease causing pain and functional limitations.
• Non-pharmacological interventions are sought for managing osteoarthritis symptoms.
• Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a therapeutic modality using light to stimulate cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) as a treatment for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.
• To compare PBM effects against sham (placebo) and control (no intervention) groups.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized clinical trial adhering to CONSORT guidelines.
• 65 participants with knee osteoarthritis were randomized into PBM, sham, or control groups.
• PBM group received 790 nm laser treatment (4 J/point) at nine knee areas.

Main Results:

• Significant pain reduction (p < 0.05) in the PBM group compared to sham and control.
• Improvements in WOMAC scores (pain, stiffness, function) within the PBM group (p < 0.05).
• No significant changes observed in sham or control groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Photobiomodulation (790 nm) effectively reduces pain in knee osteoarthritis patients.
• PBM improves daily function and quality of life (KOOS) compared to placebo and control.
• PBM is a viable non-pharmacological option for knee osteoarthritis management.