Comparison of low-level laser treatment and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized, prospective clinical study
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OrthoEvidence Journal (OE Journal) - ACE Report
OE Journal. 2021;9(16):17 Lasers Med Sci. 2021 Jun;36(4): 773-781.What this means for my practice?
The results of this study suggest that whilst both treatments provide significant improvement in clinical outcomes, extracorporeal shockwave therapy may provide greater improvement in pain and function at 3 months compared to low-level laser therapy for patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. This study was limited by the absence of a control group, small sample size, and the lack of long-term follow up. Longer-term studies with larger study populations are required to assess the long term efficacy and optimal treatment regimen.
Study Summary
Seventy-one patients with subacromial impingement syndrome were randomized to receive 3 weeks of low-level laser therapy (LLLT; n=37) or 3 weeks of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT; n=34). Outcomes of interest included range of motion, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores during the day and night, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores, Beck Depression and Anxiety scores, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) physical and mental component scores. Outcomes were assessed upon completion of treatment and at 3 months follow up. Results revealed significantly favourable VAS daytime pain scores and SPADI pain scores at 3 months in the ESWT group. SPADI disability and total scores were significantly in favour of the ESWT group at all time-points. Pittsburgh scores, SF-36 mental scores, and SF-36 physical scores were significantly in favour of the ESWT group. No other differences were detected between the two groups.
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