The use of polarized polychromatic non-coherent light as therapy for acute tennis elbow/lateral epicondylalgia: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of polarized, polychromatic, non-coherent, low energy light (Bioptron 2, Bioptron AG, Switzerland) in the treatment of acute tennis elbow.


BACKGROUND
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is one of the most common lesions affecting the arm. A plethora of treatment regimes have been described for this condition, but no specific therapy has emerged as a gold standard.


METHODS
A pilot study was carried out with 25 patients who had acute tennis elbow. Bioptron 2 device was applied over lateral epicondyle three times per week for 4 weeks. Pain on VAS, function on VAS, and painfree grip strength were measured at the beginning (week 0) and at the end of the study (week 4).


RESULTS
The pain on VAS was reduced at the end of treatment (t(24) = 3.84, p = 0.001). Function on VAS was increased at the end of treatment (t(24) = 4.23, p < 0.001). Pain-free grip strength was increased at the end of treatment (t(24) = 4.23, p < 0.004).


CONCLUSIONS
Although the results suggested that the Bioptron 2 could reduce patients' symptoms with acute tennis elbow, future controlled studies are needed to establish the relative and absolute effectiveness of Bioptron 2.
Stasinopoulos
Dimitrios
D
Rheumatolory and Rehabilitation Centre, Orfanidou 16, Patissia, Athens 11141, Greece. d_stasinopoulous@yahoo.com
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010789:Phototherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000628:therapy*