The effect of low-level laser therapy on musculoskeletal pain: a meta-analysis.
A meta-analysis was undertaken of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on musculoskeletal pain. A literature search revealed 23 LLLT trials and of these 17 were controlled trials. Ten were double blind and 7 were insufficiently blinded. Within the studies identified pain was assessed by visual analogue scale or by "some other indices of pain". Nine double-blind trials and 4 controlled trials presented results in a form which allowed pooling of data. In the double-blind trials, the mean difference in pain between LLLT and placebo was 0.3% (S.E.(d) 4.6%, confidence limits -10.3-10.9%). In the insufficiently blinded trials the mean difference in pain was 9.5% (S.E.(d) 4.5%, confidence limits -2.9-21.8%). We conclude that LLLT has no effect on pain in musculoskeletal syndromes.
Gam
Arne Nyholm
AN
Department of Rheumatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, CopenhagenDenmark Institute of General Practice, University of Copenhagen, CopenhagenDenmark Danish Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, CopenhagenDenmark.
Thorsen
Hanne
H
Lønnberg
Frank
F
D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010146:Pain / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012107:Research Design