Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Pain and Disability in Knee Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trials (2019)
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This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT)/photobiomodulation (PBM) improves pain and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by analyzing randomized placebo-controlled trials.
Key findings:
Pain reduction: LLLT significantly reduced knee pain compared with placebo, especially when recommended treatment doses were used.
Improved disability/function: Patients showed improvements in physical function and disability scores, suggesting better mobility and daily activity performance.
Dose-dependent effect: Benefits were stronger when specific wavelengths and energy doses were followed, indicating protocol matters.
Sustained benefits: Some pain improvements persisted weeks after treatment completion, not just during active therapy.
Safety: No major adverse effects were reported, suggesting LLLT was generally well tolerated.
