Page 142 - JSOM Spring 2020

TABLE 5 Studies on Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Pain, Function, and Stiffness in Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy
Sample Size (N), Palpation Morning
Experimental Pain Tenderness Stiffness
Conditions, and Follow- (VAS, 0–100 Scale) a VISA-A Score a (0–100 Scale) (0–100 Scale)
b
Patient Inclusion Laser Treatment Up Period
Study Criteria Protocol (wk) L P L P L P L P
Tumilty et al., 1. N = 10 L + Ecc 3 per wk, 4 wk 0 48 ± 25 39 ± 20 57 ± 17 56 ± 20
2008 135 2. N = 10 P + Ecc 4 25 22 38 35
12 17 19 32 35
Stergioulas et 1. N = 20 L + Ecc 2 per wk in 0 80 ± 10 82 ± 12 34 34 63 60
al., 2008 136 2. N = 20 P + Ecc wk 1–4; 1 per 4 54 ± 20 72 ± 12* 26 33* 48 61*
wk in wk 5–8
8 37 ± 28 62 ± 14* 20 30* 32 58*
12 33 ± 30 53 ± 20* 16 26* 30 51*
L, laser therapy; P, placebo; Ecc, eccentric exercise (Alfredson protocol).
*P < .05, laser vs placebo.
a Mean ± standard deviation (SD). In some cases, SD not provided.
b Means estimated from graphs.

performed. It was found that tendon abnormalities prospec- Disclosure
tively identified during a baseline assessment substantially in- The authors have nothing to disclose.
creased the risk of a future AT [relative risk (abnormality/no
abnormality) = 7.33, 95% confidence interval = 2.95–18.24]. References
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