title: The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy on pain, self-reported hand function, and grip strength compared to placebo or "sham" treatment for adults with carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common peripheral neuropathies in the upper extremity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this review was to systematically and critically appraise the available literature for the effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on pain, self-reported hand function, and grip strength compared to placebo treatment in adults with CTS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seven databases were searched from 2000 to March 2015 namely: Cinahl, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, PEDro, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus. Key search terms were: CTS, LLLT, and physiotherapy. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The methodological quality was appraised with the PEDro scale. Data were extracted and captured on an Excel spreadsheet.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The nine included randomized control trials (RCTs) had an average score of 8.2/11 according to the PEDro scale. The heterogeneity of the LLLT regimes used made statistical pooling inappropriate for this review and results were described narratively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  No strong evidence exists concerning the effects of LLLT on CTS in adults. Studies that used 780-860 nm Lasers and energy dosages of 9-11 J/cm2or 10.8 J reported a more favorable outcome for pain, symptom severity, and functional ability as well as grip strength at the end of treatment and short-term follow up.
authors.affiliation: a Division of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa.
authors.forename: Marlette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Burger
authors.affiliation: a Division of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa.
authors.forename: Réna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kriel
authors.affiliation: b Phillo Beukes Physiotherapy, Hunters Medical Services , Knysna , South Africa.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Damon
authors.affiliation: c Department of Physiotherapy, Jacquie Kieck Physiotherapy , Port Alfred , South Africa.
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abel
authors.affiliation: d Linksfield Netcare Hospital and New Life Kensington Hospital , Johannesburg , South Africa.
authors.forename: Anisha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bansda
authors.affiliation: e Department of Physiotherapy, Prof ZK Matthews Hospital , Barkly West , South Africa.
authors.forename: Marinique
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wakens
authors.affiliation: a Division of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University , Cape Town , South Africa.
authors.forename: Dawn
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ernstzen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000294:innervation*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D015990:Placebo Effect; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Low level laser therapy; carpal tunnel syndrome; physiotherapy or physical therapy; systematic review