Effect of helium-neon laser irradiation on peripheral sensory nerve latency.
The purpose of this randomized, double-blind study was to determine the effect of a helium-neon (He-Ne) laser on latency of peripheral sensory nerve. Forty healthy subjects with no history of right upper extremity pathological conditions were assigned to either a Laser or a Placebo Group. Six 1-cm2 blocks along a 12-cm segment of the subjects' right superficial radial nerve received 20-second applications of either the He-Ne laser or a placebo. We assessed differences between pretest and posttest latencies with t tests for correlated and independent samples. The Laser Group showed a statistically significant increase in latency that corresponded to a decrease in sensory nerve conduction velocity. Short-duration He-Ne laser application significantly increased the distal latency of the superficial radial nerve. This finding provides information about the mechanism of the reported pain-relieving effect of the He-Ne laser.
Snyder-Mackler
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Department of Physical Therapy, Sargent College of Allied Health Professions, Boston University, MA 02215.
Bork
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D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006371:Helium; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D009356:Neon; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011826:Radial Nerve / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011897:Random Allocation
D006371:Helium; D009356:Neon