Article

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the effects of low level laser therapy in combination
with a programme of exercises on pain, functionality, range of motion, muscular
strength and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. DESIGN:
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial with sequential allocation of
patients to different treatment groups. SETTING: Special Rehabilitation Services.
SUBJECTS: Forty participants with knee osteoarthritis, 2-4 osteoarthritis degree,
aged between 50 and 75 years and both genders. INTERVENTION:
Participants were
randomized into one of two groups: the laser group (low level laser therapy dose
of 3 J and exercises) or placebo group (placebo laser and exercises). MAIN MEASURES: Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), functionality
using the Lequesne questionnaire, range of motion with a universal goniometer,
muscular strength using a dynamometer, and activity using the Western Ontario and
McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) questionnaire at three time points:
(T1) baseline, (T2) after the end of laser therapy (three weeks) and (T3) the end
of the exercises (11 weeks). RESULTS: When comparing groups, significant
differences in the activity were also found (P = 0.03). No other significant
differences (P > 0.05) were observed in other variables. In intragroup analysis,
participants in the laser group had significant improvement, relative to
baseline, on pain (P = 0.001), range of motion (P = 0.01), functionality (P =
0.001) and activity (P < 0.001). No significant improvement was seen in the
placebo group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that low level laser therapy when
associated with exercises is effective in yielding pain relief, function and activity on patients with osteoarthritis of the knees.

Langue : ANGLAIS