Effects of Photobiomodulation by Laser and Mechanical Systems on Low Back Pain: A Longitudinal, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Abstract
Approximately 80% of the world population has had, has, or will have back pain. The aim of this study is to investigate the acute and chronic effects of the synergistic application of photobiomodulation with mechanical systems on low back pain. Patients with low back pain were randomly distributed into 5 groups: 1- Vacuum therapy combined with Laser (VL); 2- Roller combined with Laser (RL); 3- Ultrasound combined with Laser (USL); 4- Punctual Laser (L); and 5- Placebo Laser (P). All treatments were performed in the posterior region of the trunk (lumbar, thoracic, and cervical), totaling 20 min, once a week for 7 sessions. Pain assessment, biomechanical measurement, kinesiological evaluation, and questionnaires to assess quality of life and well-being were performed. There were pain reduction and increased isometric strength, flexibility, and mobility, improving some aspects of life quality and well-being, especially when combined therapies were applied for rehabilitation of back pain.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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