Comparison of the effects of high-intensity laser therapy and low-level laser therapy in knee osteoarthritis.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on clinical parameters and ultrasonographic cartilage measurements in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: This study was designed as a double-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Ninety patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology were included. Following the acquisition of written informed consent, the patients were randomized into two treatment groups: HILT combined with exercise therapy (ET) and LLLT combined with ET. Each patient underwent five sessions of therapy per week for a duration of 2 weeks. Pain and functional disability levels were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Ultrasonographic measurement of femoral cartilage thickness was performed. Knee range of motion (ROM) in flexion was measured using goniometry.

Results: In both groups, statistically significant improvements were observed in VAS and WOMAC scores, femoral cartilage thickness, and flexion ROM at the end of treatment (at weeks 2 and 6) compared to the pre-treatment period (p < 0.05). VAS and WOMAC scores at week 6 were significantly lower in the HILT + ET group compared to the LLLT + ET group (p < 0.05). Similarly, statistically significant increases in flexion ROM measurements were identified in the HILT + ET group compared to the LLLT + ET group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in femoral cartilage thickness measurements.

Conclusion: Both HILT and LLLT, when combined with ET, were found to be effective in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. However, HILT provided more pronounced improvements in pain, functionality, and flexion ROM. No difference was detected between the two methods in terms of cartilage thickness.