Photobiomodulation with cluster does not present superior results to placebo in young people with chronic non-specific lumbar pain

Abstract

Introduction and objective Since the characteristic of chronic non-specific lumbar dysfunction presents a high prevalence and morbidity, and that there are still conflicting results with the use of photobiomodulation, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of photobiomodulation application in patients with chronic non-specific lombalgy. Material and methods A quantitative, experimental, randomized study composed of 21 volunteers randomly separated into two groups: 1) the intervention group (IG), who were given an application of photobiomodulation (LED (617nm ±10%, 1,500 mW) and low-level laser therapy (830nm, 150 mW, beam area 12.57mm), combined energy of 8.4 J per area for one minute in four different locations: in regions of greatest pain referred to palpation, on a bilateral basis, area of the applicator – 23,8 cm2). 2) the control group (CG), in which the device remained switched-off during therapy. All subjects were evaluated by McGill and Roland Morris questionnaires before and at the end of 6 interventions (3 weeks). Results For both McGill and Roland Morris total pain rates, there was no inter-group interaction or interaction between evaluation and group (p>0.05). In the comparison between evaluations (before and after), there was a significant difference (p<0.001). Conclusions The use of photobiomodulation in these parameters in young patients with chronic non-specific lombalgy, was not more effective than the placebo for the relief of painful symptoms. Nor did it promote a decrease in the repercussion of lombalgy in the performance of daily activities.

Keywords

• laser therapy
• low back pain
• pain measurement