Riassunto dello studio

Sixty-five patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis were randomized to receive photobiomodulation therapy (n=21), sham laser treatment (n=22), or no intervention (control) (n=22). The primary outcome of interest was knee pain reduction as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included stiffness, physical function (WOMAC and KOOS), mobility (Timed Up and Go test), and local skin temperature via thermography. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 10 weeks post-intervention. Overall, the results of the study revealed that photobiomodulation significantly improved pain, stiffness, daily activities, and quality of life compared to sham and control groups, while temperature changes were not significant. These findings suggest that photobiomodulation therapy is a beneficial non-pharmacological option for managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms.