Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Committee Chair

Trey Boyd

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease associated with numerous effects on quality of life (QoL) and activities of daily living (ADLs). In recent years, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been evaluated as a symptom management option for KOA due to its non-invasive mechanistic properties. The purpose of this paper is to assess the efficacy of LLLT as a modality of treatment to help reduce mild to moderate symptoms associated with KOA.

Methods: A search via PubMed database was made using the keywords “LLLT” AND “osteoarthritis” AND “knee” with additional specifiers resulting in 10 articles for review. Four articles were chosen to include due to their study parameters aligning with the purpose of this review. The remaining six articles were excluded.

Results: Of the four articles included, two were RCTs, one was a meta-analysis, and one was a systematic review. Each article looked at varying wavelengths and protocols for LLLT. The main outcomes of each of the four studies included function, pain control, and the effects on QoL.

Discussion: Results of the data show supportive evidence favoring the use of LLLT as a treatment method for symptomatic relief and pain management for individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate KOA. LLLT used in combination with exercise therapy (ET) has shown significant improvement on functional performance, QoL, and pain management. Therefore, laser therapy is suggested to be integrated into rehabilitation programs to improve muscle strength and functional performance. Further investigation is needed to determine the long-term benefits and the efficacy of treatment method for patients diagnosed with severe KOA.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License

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