Low-level laser therapy in ankle sprains: a randomized clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitative Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Lateral ankle sprains are common injuries, often treated with standard regimens.
• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is explored as an adjunct treatment for pain and healing.
• Evidence for LLLT efficacy in ankle sprains requires rigorous clinical evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of high-dose and low-dose LLLT versus placebo for acute lateral ankle sprains.
• To assess LLLT's impact on pain, function, and recovery time.
• To determine if LLLT offers benefits beyond a standardized treatment protocol.

Main Methods:

• Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 217 patients.
• Comparison of high-dose (5J/cm2), low-dose (0.5J/cm2), and placebo (0J/cm2) 904nm laser therapy.
• LLLT administered over 4 weeks as an adjunct to brace therapy and home exercises, with 1-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in pain reduction between LLLT groups and placebo.
• Placebo group showed significantly better function, reduced sick leave, and fewer daily activity hindrances.
• Low-dose LLLT group had a significantly higher rate of relapses at 1 year compared to high-dose and placebo groups.

Conclusions:

• Neither high-dose nor low-dose LLLT is effective for treating lateral ankle sprains.
• LLLT does not provide additional benefit when used with a standardized treatment regimen.
• Placebo treatment demonstrated superior outcomes in function and recovery compared to LLLT.