Efficacy of different doses of high intensity laser and traditional exercise on pain and function in chronic knee osteoarthritis

Introduction. High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) appears to be effective for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, no recommendations exist for the optimal dosage of HILT in chronic KOA. Aim of the study. This study examined how different dosages of HILT affect KOA pain and function. Materials and methods. Fifty-one patients with third-degree knee osteoarthritis, aged 50–70 years, were randomly assigned to three equal groups. Group A received exercises and a dose of 1500 J of HILT. Group B received exercises and a dose of 3000 J of HILT. Group C received sham laser treatment along with exercises. Pain and function were evaluated using the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Groups were evaluated before and after a six-week treatment period. Results. A mixed design multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that pain and function significantly improved in all three groups after treatment (p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed between both active groups (A and B) and the control group. Between groups A and B, no significant differences were found (p > 0.05). However, descriptive analysis revealed that group B achieved greater improvements than group A. Conclusion. In patients with chronic KOA, HILT at either 1500 J or 3000 J combined with exercises effectively reduced pain and improved function. To save time and energy, a dosage of 1500 J may be recommended.