Low-level laser therapy in ankle sprains: a randomized clinical trial

Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1998 Nov;79(11):1415-20. doi: 10.1016/s0003-9993(98)90237-4.

Abstract

Objective: To test the efficacy of low-level laser therapy on lateral ankle sprains as an addition to a standardized treatment regimen, a trial was conducted in which high-dose laser (5J/cm2), low-dose laser (0.5J/cm2), and placebo laser therapy (0J/cm2) at skin level were compared.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial with a follow-up of 1 year. Patients, therapists, assessors, and analysts were blinded to the assigned treatment.

Setting: An ambulatory care setting.

Patients: After informed consent and verification of exclusion criteria, 217 patients with acute lateral ankle sprains were randomized to three groups from September 1, 1993, through December 31, 1995.

Interventions: Twelve treatments of 904nm laser therapy in 4 weeks as an adjunct to a standardized treatment regimen of 4 weeks of brace therapy combined with standardized home exercises and advice. The laser therapy device used was a 904nm Ga-As laser, with 25-watt peak power and 5,000 or 500Hz frequency, a pulse duration of 200nsec, and an irradiated area of 1cm2.

Primary outcome measures: Pain and function as reported by the patient.

Results: Intention-to-treat analysis of the short-term results showed no statistically significant difference on the primary outcome measure, pain (p = .41), although the placebo group showed slightly less pain. Function was significantly better in the placebo group at 10 days (p = .01) and 14 days (p = .03) after randomization. The placebo group also performed significantly better on days of sick leave (p = .02) and at some points for hindrance in activities in daily life and pressure pain, as well as subjective recovery (p = .05). Intention-to-treat analysis showed that total days of absenteeism from work and sports were remarkably lower in the placebo group than in the laser groups, ranging from 3.7 to 5.3 and 6 to 8 days, respectively. The total number of relapses at 1 year in the low-dose laser group (n = 22) was significantly higher (p = .04) than in the other two groups (high laser, n = 13; placebo, n = 13). Subgroup analysis to correct for possible confounders did not alter these findings.

Conclusions: Neither high- nor low-dose laser therapy is effective in the treatment of lateral ankle sprains.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ankle Injuries / therapy*
  • Bandages
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy*
  • Male
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain Management*
  • Sprains and Strains / physiopathology
  • Sprains and Strains / therapy*