Effectiveness Of Low-Level Laser Therapy In Muscle Recovery And Quality Of Life In Patients With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Incomplete Injuries of Spinal cord, result in significant motor and sensory impairments, which substantially diminish individuals’ quality of life (QoL). Although rehabilitation focus to improve motor recovery and QoL, many iSCI patients still struggle with persistent motor deficits. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has shown promising results into a painless modality having potential neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effects for iSCI patients.

Purpose: The study sought to find the efficacy of LLLT combined with conventional therapy to promote motor recovery and life’s quality in incomplete spinal cord injury patients.

Participants: This RCT involved 104 iSCI participants (29.8% female, 70.2% male, mean age 34.24± 5.61 years) and distributed into two groups.

Methods: Experimental group was given LLLT plus conventional physiotherapy, and control group was given Placebo LLLT plus conventional physiotherapy. The evaluations were done at pre-intervention and post intervention after 4 weeks on lower extremity motor score (LEMS) and QoL assessment using the LEMS-ASIA and WHOQOL-BREF respectively.

Result: Independent t test was performed between the groups for LEMS-ASIA scores from baseline to 4th week of the study and Mann Whitney U-test was done for WHOQOL-BREF. Both groups showed improvement, however the LLLT group demonstrated better improvement in LEMS (23.44 ± 13.30 to 32.67 ± 9.91, p=0.000) as compared to placebo LLLT group (20.36±12.14 to 27.59±12.11, p=0.000) as well as in QoL (median 63(44-87) (pre) to 72 (48-89) (post), P=0.000) in LLLT group in comparison to placebo (60(44-90) (pre) to 63(44-96) (post), P=0.000) suggesting a positive impact on QOL.

Conclusion: This study indicates LLLT is positively effective on motor function and QOL. The findings may be an effective measure for both clinicians and the patient community.