Photobiomodulation therapy and static magnetic field in pain relief and sensitivity associated with side epicondylitis: a randomized, placebo controlled, triple blind trial

• Grant number: 19/21670-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2020
• End date: June 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Ernesto Cesar Pinto Leal Junior
• Grantee: Marcelo Ferreira Duarte de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE). Campus Vergueiro. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Lateral epicondylitis (EL) is one of the most frequently encountered lesions in the upper extremity and is the most common cause of adult elbow pain known as tennis elbow. This clinical condition has a significant impact on the health sector and society at large. Treatment options include therapeutic exercises, orthotics, shock waves or ultrasound, in addition to corticosteroid injections. The photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been presenting satisfactory results in the stimulation of tendon healing, obtaining favorable results in the tendon repair process. PBMT can be used as a therapeutic tool for the management of epicondylitis, however, further investigations are necessary to establish the optimal parameters of use. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of MR5® LaserShower in relieving pain and associated sensitivity in patients with lateral epicondylitis. To this end, a randomized, placebo controlled, triple blind trial will be conducted, for which 60 adults of both genders will be randomly assigned to two experimental groups. Individuals will receive photobiomodulation therapy at 4 points of the epicondyle region. Thirty days after treatment with phototherapy participants will be evaluated with the degree of pain classification (visual analogue scale), grip strength evaluation and collection of material for analysis of the level of TNF-±, in addition to satisfaction with the overall result of the study. (AU)