Effects of the infrared laser on classical ballerinas' feet: Analysis of plantar foot and static balance

Autor(es)

Paolillo, Fernanda Rossi ^{[1, 2]} ; Lobo da Costa, Paula Hentschel ^[3] ; Braga Mendes, Paulo Vinicius ^[4] ; Cezar da Cruz, Daniel Marinho ^[4] ; Paolillo, Alessandra Rossi ^[4] ; Bagnato, Vanderlei Salvador ^[5]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] State Univ Minas Gerais UEMG, Sch Phys Educ, BR-37902092 Passos, MG - Brazil

^[2] Fed Univ Alfenas UNIFAL, Physiotherapy Dept, Rehabil Sci Program, Motric Sci Inst, Av Jovino Fernandes Sales 2600, BR-37133840 Alfenas, MG - Brazil

^[3] Fed Univ Sao Carlos UFSCar, Dept Phys Educ & Human Motric, Rodovia Washington Luiz Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[4] Fed Univ Sao Carlos UFSCar, Dept Occupat Therapy, Rodovia Washington Luiz Km 235, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos Inst Phys IFSC, Opt Grp, Av Trabalhador Saocarlense 400, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: JOURNAL OF BODYWORK AND MOVEMENT THERAPIES; v. 26, p. 246-252, APR 2021.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

Background and purpose: Overuse injuries and painful symptoms in athletes and dancers (especially classical ballerinas) may lead to reduced functional performance. However, laser application may reduce pain and increase physical conditioning. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term effects of infrared laser on classical ballerinas' feet. Methods: Eight female adults who perform classical ballet training and feel pain in their foot, but report no injuries in the last 6 months participated in the study. Infrared laser (808 nm) was applied on ballerina's feet twice a week during three months. The laser parameters utilized were 100 mW average optical power and spot size of 0.04 cm(2) applied during 1 min, leading to 6 J and 125 J/cm(2) per point. Thermography, algometry and unipodal static standing balance test were performed. Results: There was a significant increase in plantar arch temperature (1.6 degrees C for center and 2.3 degrees C for border, p < 0.05) immediately after laser treatment for all ballerinas. The pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were significantly increased for 5 of 7 analyzed sites (p < 0.05). Regarding to the static standing balance, the time on one-foot showed a significant increases (from 23 +/- 12 s to 34 +/- 13 s, p < 0.05) only when the test was performed on the left foot (support foot). Conclusion: Then, there were pain relief and improvement of functional performance in ballerinas. The possible mechanism of laser action in reducing pain and thus enhancing performance, like higher blood flow of foot due to an increase of cutaneous temperature, will be discussed. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 13/07276-1 - CEPOF - Centro de Pesquisa em Óptica e Fotônica
• Beneficiário: Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Centros de Pesquisa, Inovação e Difusão - CEPIDs
• Processo FAPESP: 13/14001-9 - Espectroscopia de fluorescência em dentes de ratas ovariectomizadas para o diagnóstico da osteoporose
• Beneficiário: Fernanda Rossi Paolillo
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Pós-Doutorado