GET THE APP

Low-level vs. High-intensity Laser Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-blind Clinical Trial
..

Journal of Physiotherapy & Physical Rehabilitation

ISSN: 2573-0312

Open Access

Commentary - (2024) Volume 9, Issue 1

Low-level vs. High-intensity Laser Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-blind Clinical Trial

Rushika Eladl*
*Correspondence: Rushika Eladl, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka P.O. Box 2014, Saudi Arabia, Email:
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka P.O. Box 2014, Saudi Arabia

Received: 02-Jan-2024, Manuscript No. jppr-24-126057; Editor assigned: 04-Jan-2024, Pre QC No. P-126057; Reviewed: 16-Jan-2024, QC No. Q-126057; Revised: 22-Jan-2024, Manuscript No. R-126057; Published: 29-Jan-2024 , DOI: 10.37421/2573-0312.2024.9.370
Citation: Eladl, Rushika. “Low-level vs. High-intensity Laser Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-blind Clinical Trial.” Physiother Rehabil 9 (2024): 370.
Copyright: © 2024 Eladl R. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Introduction

The comparative efficacy of different therapeutic modalities in managing knee osteoarthritis has been a focal point in the pursuit of optimal treatment strategies. This study delves into the realm of laser therapy, specifically investigating the effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) versus highintensity laser therapy for knee osteoarthritis through a double-blind clinical trial. Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint condition characterized by pain, stiffness and reduced function, significantly impacting the quality of life for affected individuals. As the field of laser therapy continues to evolve, this research aims to provide critical insights into the relative effectiveness of lowlevel and high-intensity laser therapies, informing clinicians and researchers alike on the most efficacious interventions for managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms. As we await the culmination of this clinical trial, the potential implications for patient care are substantial. Should one modality prove superior in alleviating pain, improving joint function, or enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals with knee osteoarthritis, it could herald a transformative shift in the treatment paradigm. Clinicians may be better equipped to tailor laser therapy interventions based on the specific needs and characteristics of patients, thereby optimizing therapeutic outcomes and patient satisfaction [1,2].

Description

The study employs a rigorous double-blind clinical trial design, a gold standard in clinical research, to systematically assess and compare the outcomes of low-level laser therapy and high-intensity laser therapy in individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. Participants are randomized into two groups, each receiving either low-level or high-intensity laser therapy, without knowledge of the treatment intensity. Objective measures such as pain levels, joint function and quality of life are assessed at baseline and subsequent intervals, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the therapeutic impact over the course of the trial. Utilizing state-of-the-art laser devices calibrated for their respective intensities, the interventions are administered following established protocols, ensuring standardization and reproducibility. The focus on knee osteoarthritis, a condition with substantial global prevalence, enhances the clinical relevance of the study. Laser therapy, as a non-invasive and potentially modality-specific treatment, holds promise in alleviating symptoms and improving functional outcomes for patients with knee osteoarthritis. The differentiation between low-level and high-intensity laser therapy allows for a nuanced understanding of how the power parameters of laser therapy may influence treatment efficacy. Through a combination of subjective patient-reported outcomes and objective clinical assessments, this research endeavours to contribute valuable evidence to the on-going discourse surrounding optimal therapeutic interventions for knee osteoarthritis [3,4].

Furthermore, this study holds the potential to influence the broader landscape of non-pharmacological interventions for knee osteoarthritis. As laser therapy gains recognition for its capacity to modulate cellular processes and reduce inflammation, the differentiation between low-level and high-intensity applications becomes paramount. The clinical trial's structured approach not only elucidates the relative effectiveness of these two laser therapy modalities but also contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of laser therapy into mainstream musculoskeletal care. The double-blind design, wherein both participants and assessors are unaware of the treatment allocation, safeguards against bias and enhances the robustness of the study's findings. The rigorous methodology ensures that any observed differences in outcomes can be confidently attributed to the specific laser therapy modality rather than confounding variables. This meticulous approach lends credibility to the results, fostering greater confidence in the applicability of the findings to real-world clinical scenarios [5].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the double-blind clinical trial comparing low-level versus high-intensity laser therapy for knee osteoarthritis represents a significant advancement in our quest for evidence-based interventions in musculoskeletal care. By adopting a meticulous research design and utilizing robust outcome measures, this study aims to discern the relative effectiveness of two distinct laser therapy modalities. The findings are anticipated to have far-reaching implications for clinicians, researchers and healthcare policymakers involved in the management of knee osteoarthritis. Whether low-level or high-intensity laser therapy emerges as a more efficacious option, the results promise to inform personalized treatment approaches, contributing to the optimization of care for individuals grappling with the challenges of knee osteoarthritis. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of methodologically sound investigations in shaping the future landscape of therapeutic modalities in musculoskeletal medicine.

Acknowledgment

None.

Conflict of Interest

No conflict of interest.

References

  1. Stausholm, Martin Bjørn, Jon Joensen, Rodrigo Álvaro Brandão Lopes-Martins and Hans Lund, et al. "Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials." BMJ Open 9 (2019).
  2. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  3. Wyszyńska, Justyna and Monika Bal-Bocheńska. "Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy in treating knee osteoarthritis: A first systematic review." Photomed Laser Surg 36 (2018): 343-353.
  4.  Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  5. Penberthy, William Todd and Charles E. Vorwaller. "Utilization of the 1064 nm wavelength in photobiomodulation: A systematic review and meta-analysis." J Lasers Med Sci 12 (2021).
  6. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  7. Kim, Eu-Deum, Yu Hui Won, Sung-Hee Park and Jeon-Hwan Seo, et al. "Efficacy and safety of a stimulator using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound combined with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with painful knee osteoarthritis." Pain Res Manag 2019 (2019).
  8. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

  9. Samaan, Soheir Shehata RezkAllah Rezk, Magda G. Sedhom and Mariam O. Grace. "A randomized comparative study between high‐intensity laser vs. low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound both combined with exercises for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis." Int J Rheum Dis 25 (2022): 877-886.
  10. Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

arrow_upward arrow_upward