Proposed Guidelines for Reporting Parameters and Procedures of High- and Low-Level Laser Therapy in Medical Research Articles.

Abstract

Objective: Laser therapy is increasingly used in clinical medicine, ranging from high-level laser therapy (HLLT) to low-level laser therapy (LLLT). This study proposes standardized guidelines for reporting parameters and procedures of HLLT and LLLT in medical research articles, aiming to improve clarity, reproducibility, and scientific rigor in clinical reporting.

Methods: The recommendations are based on insights from peer-reviewed studies that consistently identify gaps in the reporting of laser parameters and procedures. The key parameters include wavelength, power density, energy, energy density, and beam characteristics. Common issues noted are missing data, miscalculated doses, and unverified device specifications. To strengthen these recommendations, selected laser-tissue interactions were modeled using COMSOL Multiphysics. This modeling illustrates how power, spot size, and penetration depth affect treatment outcomes.

Results: The analysis revealed substantial inconsistencies in the way laser parameters are reported, often compromising reproducibility and reliability. The proposed framework introduces a structured checklist to support systematic documentation of treatment protocols, covering laser settings, irradiation, and treatment parameters.

Conclusion: Adopting these proposed guidelines can enhance the accuracy, transparency, and comparability of laser-based studies, filling a critical gap in current reporting practices and ultimately improving treatment validation and advancing the evidence base for HLLT and LLLT.