High-Intensity Laser Therapy: Effectiveness on Knee Osteoarthritis Patients

Additional Effect of High-Intensity Laser Therapy Over Conventional Physiotherapy Related to Pain and Function in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, 12-Week Follow-up Study

The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study is to investigate the additional benefits of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) over conventional physiotherapy, related to pain and function, in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

The study was performed in Baskent University Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Unit. 43 patients of both sexes, who were diagnosed clinical and radiographic knee osteoarthritis, with Kellgren Lawrence Grade 2 and 3, were randomly assigned in two groups. Group 1 (n = 21) received TENS, HP, exercises (EX), and High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT; Nd:yag laser, 10W). Group 2 (n = 22) received the same interventions but placebo HILT. All interventions were applied for 10 sessions. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Questionnaire (WOMAC), and Lequesne Algofunctional Index (LAI) were performed before, after, and at 12-week follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• both sexes and age between 40 and 65;
• pain at least 3 months on single or both knees
• diagnosed as KOA with Kellgren Lawrence (KL) Grade 2 or 3 KOA on weight-bearing anteroposterior X-ray images
• normal serum acute phase reactants and uric acid levels
• had no major effusion in the joint.

Exclusion Criteria:

• therapeutic joint injection in the last 6 months
• physical therapy and/or HILT in the last 3 months
• any surgical invention for the knee joint
• malignancy in the last 5 years.