EFFECTS OF HIGH VERSUS LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY IN PATIENTS OF LUMBAR RADICULOPATHY
Fazila Bashir*, Binash Afzal, Fizza Pervez, Mariam Tariq, Abeer Shaukat and Aqsa Arif
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate the differential effects of high-level laser therapy (HLLT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. 38 participants diagnosed with lumbar radiculopathy were randomly allocated into, HLLT or LLLT Groups. The HLLT Group received laser therapy at higher power intensity (950nm,500mW) for 5 minutes, while the LLLT Group received at lower power intensity (660nm,100mW) for 10 minutes on 2cm laterally from spinous processes of L1-L5 for 6 weeks. The pre and post treatment outcomes were assessed by using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Straight Leg Raise Test (SLR), Oswerty Disability Index and Health Questionnaire EuroQol-5D-5L. Both HLLT & LLLT Groups demonstrated significant difference (P < 0.005) in pain level, straight leg raise of both leg and EuroQol pain level dimension and no significant difference was found in other dimensions. Within Group results were highly significant (P < 0.005) in both HLLT & LLLT Group but according to the means LLLT Group showed more improvement than HLLT in VAS (mean changes 6.47 to 2.83 in low level and 6.63 to 4.17 in high level laser therapy), SLR right and left, and EuroQol pain level dimension (P<0.001).
Keywords: Biomechanics, Neuropathic Pain, Quality of Life, Rehabilitation, Sciatica.
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