Low-level laser therapy and static stretching exercises for patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomised controlled trial

Author(s)

Robbins, Sarah R. ^[1] ; Alfredo, Patricia P. ^[2] ; Junior, Washington S. ^[3] ; Marques, Amelia P. ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sydney, Royal North Shore Hosp, Northern Clin Sch, Rheumatol Dept, Fac Med & Hlth, Sch Med, Sydney, NSW - Australia

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Med, Dept Physiotherapy Occupat Therapy & Speech Thera, Rua Cristiano Viana 279, Apto 113, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Nove De Julho Univ, Fac Dent, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CLINICAL REHABILITATION; v. 36, n. 2 OCT 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Objectives To investigate the laser effect associated with stretching exercise on pain and functionality in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design A randomised controlled trial Setting Special Rehabilitation Services. Subjects We enrolled 215 knee osteoarthritis patients (430 knees were treated). Intervention Group Laser + Stretch (n = 43), Placebo + Stretch (n = 43), Stretch (n = 43), Laser (n = 43) and Control (n = 43) were treated with active laser and stretching exercises; placebo laser and stretching exercises; stretching exercises; active laser, and control, respectively. Interventions were conducted 3 times a week for 8 or 11 weeks. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the change in knee pain and disability. Secondary outcomes included severity of osteoarthritis, mobility, knee range of motion, flexibility, activity, severity of osteoarthritis and medication intake for pain relief. Results The patients' average age was 63.52 (6.8) years. Pain scores at baseline and post treatment (p < 0.001) were 7.43 (2.10) and 2.79 (1.92) for group Laser + Stretch, 7.39 (1.98) and 4.47 (2.82) for group Placebo + Stretch, 6.83 (1.42) and 4.24 (2.43) for group Stretch, 6.61 (1.68) and 2.94 (2.65) for group Laser, 6.74 (1.75) and 6.47 (2.29) for group Control, respectively. Disability score at baseline and post treatment (p = 0.000237) were 12.36 (5.02) and 8.08 (4.64) for group Laser + Stretch, 12.71 (5.12) and 9.90 (4.95) for group Placebo + Stretch, 11.83 (2.77) and 7.20 (5.28) for group Stretch, 11.58 (5.59) and 8.21 (6.18) for group Laser, 11.23 (4.68) and 11.45 (4.83) for group Control, respectively. Conclusion Laser therapy combined with stretching exercises improves pain during rest, activities of daily living, stiffness, muscle shortening and range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/01827-3 - Effect of laser and stretching exercises in patients with knee osteoarthritis
• Grantee: Sarah Rúbia Ferreira de Meneses
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master