Efficacy of Laser on Acupuncture Points in Knee Osteoarthritis, YASMIN A. ABDEL HALEM, RAGIA M. KAMEL, RANIA R. ALI and HUSSEIN A. HUSSEIN
Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis is reported to be a major health problem worldwide and a main source of disability and handicap, which leads to considerable socioeconomic costs.
Purpose: The study conducted to investigate the efficacy of laser on acupuncture points in management of knee osteoar-thritis.
Methodology: Thirty patients with moderate knee osteoar-thritis from both genders were assigned, aged between 40-60 years old were divided randomly into two equal groups. Group (A) 15 patients received low level laser on acupuncture points and conventional exercises. Group (B) 15 patients received placebo laser and conventional exercises. Treatment was done 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Pain level, range of motion and functional performance were measured before and after treat-ment by visual analogue scale, digital goniometer and WOMAC questionnaire respectively.
Results: There were significant statistical differences within the two groups before and after treatment. Active laser Group (A) demonstrated high significant improvement in pain, knee ROM and function ability compared with Placebo laser Group (B).
Conclusion: Low level laser on acupuncture points was effective modality in for managing chronic knee osteoarthritis.