Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Comparison Between Low-Level and High-Intensity Laser Therapy as An Adjunctive Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial

Version 1 : Received: 9 May 2023 / Approved: 10 May 2023 / Online: 10 May 2023 (04:42:48 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Ahmad, M.A.; Moganan, M.; A Hamid, M.S.; Sulaiman, N.; Moorthy, U.; Hasnan, N.; Yusof, A. Comparison between Low-Level and High-Intensity Laser Therapy as an Adjunctive Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Life 2023, 13, 1519. Ahmad, M.A.; Moganan, M.; A Hamid, M.S.; Sulaiman, N.; Moorthy, U.; Hasnan, N.; Yusof, A. Comparison between Low-Level and High-Intensity Laser Therapy as an Adjunctive Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial. Life 2023, 13, 1519.

Abstract

Background: Low-level (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) can be beneficial additions to knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rehabilitation exercises; however, it is still being determined which modality is more effective. Aim: To compare the effects of LLLT and HILT as adjuncts to rehabilitation exercise (LL+EX and HL+EX) on clinical outcomes in KOA. Methods: Thirty-four adults with mild to moderate KOA were randomly allocated to either LL+EX (n = 17) or HL+EX (n = 17) groups. All participants underwent their designated laser treatment combined with rehabilitation exercises weekly for twelve consecutive weeks. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), active knee flexion, and Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG) were assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Results: Post-intervention, both groups significantly improved their KOOS, NPRS, active knee flexion, and TUG scores compared to baseline (p < 0.01). The mean difference of change in KOOS, NPRS, and active knee flexion scores for the HL+EX group surpassed the minimal clinically important difference threshold. In contrast, the LL+EX group only demonstrated clinical significance in NPRS scores. Conclusions: Incorporating HILT as an adjunct to usual KOA rehabilitation led to significantly higher improvements in pain, physical function, and knee-related disability compared to LLLT.

Keywords

high-intensity laser; knee osteoarthritis; low-level laser; pain; photobiomodulation; rehabilitation

Subject

Public Health and Healthcare, Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

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