ABSTRACT
The management of nonspecific lumbar pain (NSLP) using laser irradiation remains controversial. A systematic review of recently published studies indicates that the effects of laser therapy are commonly assessed using only imperfect methods in terms of measurement error. The main objective of this study was to assess static postural stability using an objective tool in patients with chronic NSLP after laser irradiation at different doses and wavelengths. In total, 68 patients were included in the laser sessions and were randomly assigned into four groups: high-intensity laser therapy at 1064 nm and 60 J/cm2 for 10 min (HILT), sham (HILT placebo), low-level laser therapy at 785 nm and 8 J/cm2 for 8 min (LLLT), and sham (LLLT placebo). In addition, all patients were supplemented with physical exercises (standard stabilization training). To assess postural stability, a double-plate stabilometric platform was used. All measurements were performed pre- and post-laser sessions (three weeks) and at follow-up time points (one and three months). Laser procedures led to more balanced posture stability in patients, although these positive changes were significant mainly for short-term observation (after 4-week therapy). In the follow-up analysis, the parameters were gradually impaired. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) for independent variables did not show any difference between the studied groups. Low- and high-intensity laser therapy does not lead to a significant improvement in postural sway in patients with NSLP compared with standard stabilization training based on short- and long-term observations.
Subject(s)
Laser Therapy/methods , Low Back Pain/radiotherapy , Postural Balance/radiation effects , Adult , Chronic Disease , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pain Measurement , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The management of nonspecific lumbar pain (NSLP) using laser irradiation remains controversial. A systematic review of recently published studies indicates that the effects of laser therapy are commonly assessed using only imperfect methods in terms of measurement error. The main objective of this study was to assess static postural stability using an objective tool in patients with chronic NSLP after laser irradiation at different doses and wavelengths. In total, 68 patients were included in the laser sessions and were randomly assigned into four groups: high-intensity laser therapy at 1064 nm and 60 J/cm2 for 10 min (HILT), sham (HILT placebo), low-level laser therapy at 785 nm and 8 J/cm2 for 8 min (LLLT), and sham (LLLT placebo). In addition, all patients were supplemented with physical exercises (standard stabilization training). To assess postural stability, a double-plate stabilometric platform was used. All measurements were performed pre- and post-laser sessions (three weeks) and at follow-up time points (one and three months). Laser procedures led to more balanced posture stability in patients, although these positive changes were significant mainly for short-term observation (after 4-week therapy). In the follow-up analysis, the parameters were gradually impaired. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) for independent variables did not show any difference between the studied groups. Low- and high-intensity laser therapy does not lead to a significant improvement in postural sway in patients with NSLP compared with standard stabilization training based on short- and long-term observations.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Low Back Pain/radiotherapy , Postural Balance/radiation effects , Laser Therapy/methods , Pain Measurement , Chronic Disease , Follow-Up Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of NMES program applied in male soccer players (after ACL reconstruction) on the quadriceps muscle. The 80 participants (NMES = 40, control = 40) received an exercise program, including three sessions weekly. The individuals in NMES group additionally received neuromuscular electrical stimulation procedures on both right and left quadriceps (biphasic symmetric rectangular pulses, frequency of impulses: 2500 Hz, and train of pulses frequency: 50 Hz) three times daily (3 hours of break between treatments), 3 days a week, for one month. The tensometry, muscle circumference, and goniometry pendulum test (follow-up after 1 and 3 months) were applied. The results of this study show that NMES (in presented parameters in experiment) is useful for strengthening the quadriceps muscle in soccer athletes. There is an evidence of the benefit of the NMES in restoring quadriceps muscle mass and strength of soccer players. In our study the neuromuscular electrical stimulation appeared to be safe for biomechanics of knee joint. The pathological changes in knee function were not observed. This trial is registered with Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613001168741.
