Efficacy of Adjunctive Photobiomodulation in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Resumo do estudo

4 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including 162 patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) or anterior knee pain (AKP), were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), with sham treatment, physiotherapy (PT) alone, or no intervention. Outcomes of interest included pain, knee function, range of motion, balance, quality of life, and adverse events. The pooled analysis favoured PBM for pain reduction, but the difference was not statistically significant (effect size: −1.520; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.542 to 0.502; P=.097), with substantial heterogeneity (I²=91.1%). Individual trials reported improvements in pain and selected functional outcomes, with no adverse events reported. Overall, PBM showed potential for short-term symptom relief, although the available evidence was insufficient to establish its effectiveness as a routine adjunctive treatment.