Article type
Year
Abstract
Introduction: Previous reviews show promising results of low dose laser therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. However, no clear definition is given about dosage used. Also all possible wavelengths are assembled in one review. Recent studies show wave length and dose specific effects. It is therefore sensible to update previous reviews according to used wavelength.
Objective: To examine the effects of 904 nm laser therapy in musculoskeletal disorders.
Methods: All RCTs and CCTs on the efficacy of 904 nm laser therapy published until 1996 are collected. All language articles were eligible, provided an English abstract was presented. If necessary, translations of non-European language articles are provided for. Articles are reviewed independently by two reviewers using the 'Maastricht' criteria list, with additional criteria adapted from the preliminary results of the Delphi criteria list and the Jadad criteria list.
Results: 28 articles met the inclusion criteria. There was no apparent difference in quality between older and newer studies. Description of randomization procedure and drop-outs was poor, and sample sizes were small. Although very easy to accomplish, blinding of therapist and observer was rarely done.
Discussion: 904 nm laser therapy seems effective in establishing fast pain relief and quicker functional recovery, when compared to placebo laser therapy. More specifically, for rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic joint disorders, myofascial pain and trigeminal neuralgia, laser therapy seems to have therapeutic value.This conclusion is inevitably prudent as the methodological quality of the studies was rather poor.
Objective: To examine the effects of 904 nm laser therapy in musculoskeletal disorders.
Methods: All RCTs and CCTs on the efficacy of 904 nm laser therapy published until 1996 are collected. All language articles were eligible, provided an English abstract was presented. If necessary, translations of non-European language articles are provided for. Articles are reviewed independently by two reviewers using the 'Maastricht' criteria list, with additional criteria adapted from the preliminary results of the Delphi criteria list and the Jadad criteria list.
Results: 28 articles met the inclusion criteria. There was no apparent difference in quality between older and newer studies. Description of randomization procedure and drop-outs was poor, and sample sizes were small. Although very easy to accomplish, blinding of therapist and observer was rarely done.
Discussion: 904 nm laser therapy seems effective in establishing fast pain relief and quicker functional recovery, when compared to placebo laser therapy. More specifically, for rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic joint disorders, myofascial pain and trigeminal neuralgia, laser therapy seems to have therapeutic value.This conclusion is inevitably prudent as the methodological quality of the studies was rather poor.