LLLT and Russian Electrical Stimulation in Osteoarthritis

Efficacy of Low-level Laser Therapy Associated With Russian Electrical Stimulation in Knee Osteoarthritis: a Randomized Controlled Double-blind Study

Objectives: To investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) application combined with Russian Electrical Stimulation on pain, mobility, functionality, range of motion, muscular strength, and activity in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Design: Randomized controlled double-blind study. Setting: Specialist Rehabilitation Services.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) application combined with Russian Electrical Stimulation on pain, mobility, functionality, range of motion, muscular strength, and activity in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Design: Randomized controlled double-blind study. Setting: Specialist Rehabilitation Services. Participants: Eighty participants with knee osteoarthritis were randomized. Intervention: Participants were randomized into four groups: Group I (n=20; LLLT over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving Russian electrical stimulation), Group II (n=20; Placebo laser over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving Russian electrical stimulation), Group III (n=20; LLLT over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving LLLT application combined with Russian electrical stimulation), Group IV (n=20; Placebo laser over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving Placebo laser application combined with Russian electrical stimulation). The groups treated with LLLT received treatments with invisible infrared laser (904 nm, 3 Joules/point). The Placebo groups received identical treatment, but the infrared laser output was disabled. The sessions occurred three times a week. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was the change in knee pain and functionality (Lequesne). Secondary outcomes included change in mobility (8 meters and Timed Up and Go test), range of motion (goniometer), muscular strength (dynamometer), activity (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis questionnaire) and medication intake.

LLLT over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving LLLT application combined with Russian electrical stimulation

Placebo laser over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving Placebo laser application combined with Russian electrical stimulation

LLLT over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving LLLT application combined with Russian electrical stimulation

Placebo laser over three weeks followed by an eight-week receiving Placebo laser application combined with Russian electrical stimulation

Was measured using the Lequesne questionnaire (11 questions about pain, discomfort and function). Scores range from 0 to 24 (from 'no' to 'extremely severe' dysfunction).

were evaluated by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test19 and the 8-meter walk test.20 The TUG test, a measure of functional mobility, quantifies in seconds the time that the individual needs to stand up from a chair, walk 3m, turn back toward the chair and sit down again. The 8-meter walk test measures the time and number of steps required for a person to walk 8m.

was estimated at maximal isometric force for the quadriceps, using a portable dynamometer (Lafayette, USA). Under stabilized conditions, patients, sitting with knees flexed at 60 (measured by a goniometer),21 were asked to extend the legs as far as they could. Three trials were conducted, and the mean value was obtained.

was measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) questionnaire,22 which is self-administered and measures pain, frozen joints and physical activity. Increased scores suggest decreased activity.

Inclusion Criteria: levels 2-4 according to Kellgren-Lawrence grade aged 50-75 years both genders have knee pain and functional disability for at least three months according to the criteria of the American College for Rheumatology. Exclusion Criteria: cancer, diabetes, symptomatic hip osteoarthritis, or used antidepressants, anti-inflammatory medications or anxiolytics during six months prior to enrolment.

The results obtained with the study will be made available to participants at the end of the study. These data will be published in articles, so that the anonymity of the participants is guaranteed. All subjects who agreed to participate in the study signed a free and informed consent form and authorized the dissemination of the study results in articles or abstracts presented at scientific congresses.