The Effects of High Intensity Nd:YAG Laser on Pain and Function in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder which often targets elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the high-intensity Nd:YAG laser therapy (HILT) compared to conventional physiotherapy (CPT) on pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study conducted in 2016-2017, sixty eligible patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly assigned into two groups of high-intensity Nd:YAG laser therapy and conventional physiotherapy [including ultrasonography and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)]. They received ten sessions of treatment. All patients were evaluated for pain intensity, range of knee flexion, functional tests, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire at the baseline and after the treatment. Wilcoxon and paired t tests were used to compare intragroup changes pre and post-intervention, and Mann-Whitney and independent sample t tests were used to compare between-group changes. Findings: There were significant differences in all variables (P < 0.001) between pre and post-intervention in each group. There were also significant differences in the pain (P < 0.001), and function subscale (P = 0.006) and total score (P = 0.030) of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that high-intensity Nd:YAG laser therapy is more effective in decreasing pain and increasing functional performance in comparison to conventional physiotherapy in patient with knee osteoarthritis.

Keywords

• Osteoarthritis of knee
• Nd-YAG lasers
• Physiotherapy (Techniques)