EFFICACY OF NON-INVASIVE HIGH POWER LASER ACUPUNCTURE STIMULATION IN CHRONIC NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Physical Therapy for basic science/ Faculty of Physical Therapy/ Cairo University

2 National Institute/ Motor Neurone System

10.21608/iptccu.2024.456840

Abstract

Background: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) is defined as persistent back pain 
lasting longer than 12 weeks, localized between the inferior gluteal fold and the costal margin. 
CNSLBP affects people of all ages and is a leading contributor to the disease burden worldwide. 
Because CNSLBP does not have a known anatomical cause, treatment focuses on reducing pain 
and its consequences. High-intensity laser therapy has been proven to significantly reduce pain 
by describing the anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, and analgesic effects of HILT. Purpose: 
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high-power laser acupuncture on pain, back 
range of motion on patients with CNSLBP. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted at 
the outpatient clinic, Faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University between April and December 
2023. Sixty patients of both gender (42 female and 18 male) with CNSLBP aged (29.4±5.9) years 
and Body Mass Index (BMI) ranged from (23±1.9) kg/m2 were randomly assigned into 2 equal 
groups. Group A received high power laser acupuncture (HPLA) and conventional physical 
therapy program (hot packs and stretching exercises, strengthening exercises and lumbar 
stabilization exercises). The treatment was applied 3 times per week for consecutive 4 weeks. 
Group B received sham laser and conventional physical therapy, Pain intensity was evaluated by 
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and back range of motion by back range of motion instrument 
(BROM) in patients with CNSLBP. Statistical analysis, Mixed design MANOVA was performed 
to compare within and between groups’ effects for measured variables (pain, back range of 
motion). Results: There was a significant difference in VAS and BROM scores within both 
groups (P = 0.001). In addition to a significant difference in VAS and in BROM scores between 
groups in favor to group A (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Application of HPLA may relief pain and 
improve back range of motion in patients with CNSLBP

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