Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: January-March | Volume: 6 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 219-224
The Effectiveness of Low-Level LASER Therapy for Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain
Senarath MKID1, Dasanayaka DARK2, Mayooran S3, Senadheera VV4, Malwanage VMBKT5, Prasanna ALI6
1,2,3,4,5,6Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Corresponding Author: Senarath MKID
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives:Recently, low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been widely used to reduce pain caused by musculoskeletal disorders as low back pain. Though it is being suggested that LLLT is an effective method to relieve pain in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) and widely utilized, therapeutic outcomes of LLLT in NSCLBP are varied and conflicting. However there is still lack of evidence regarding its effectiveness on functional outcomes. This study aims to identify the effectiveness and therapeutic efficiency of LLLT in treating NSCLBP.
Materials and Methods:In this current study, 58 participants (patients from nearby hospitals) were included in experimental (32) and control (26) groups where they received LASER + Exercises (Arm 1) and Heat Therapy + Exercises (Arm 2) respectively for consecutive three weeks, two sessions per week. Assessments were conducted for pain and AROM (forward flexion, extension, right and left side-flexion of lower back) at the baseline and at the end of the intervention. The data were analyzed with the time; baseline, and end of intervention and between two groups using two-way repeated measure MANOVA with significant at 5% significant level with 95% CI.
Results:According to the analysis, it was found that there is no statistically significance between the groups except for back extension at baseline. There is a significant improvement (P ≤ .005) in all the variables in both the groups separately and experimental group have higher improvement than the control group.
Conclusion:It can be concluded that the LLLT is an effective treatment modality for treating NSCLBP.
Keywords: Low level LASER therapy, exercises, low back pain, non-specific, chronic.