ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the modulation of tissue temperature and hyperalgesia following a partial injury to the Achilles tendon in rats. Forty-five rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, a group treated with LLLT at a dose of 1.4 J (808 nm, 50 mW, 1.4 J), and a group treated with LLLT at a dose of 2.1 J (808 nm, 50 mW, 2.1 J). LLLT was administered to a single point immediately following the partial injury of the Achilles tendon. Tissue temperature and hyperalgesia were evaluated 6, 24, and 48 hours following the injury. Thus, a significant group-versus-time interaction was found for tissue temperature (F = 4.097, p = 0.001) and hyperalgesia (F = 106.605, p < 0.001), with a greater reduction in theses outcomes in the group that received LLLT at a dose of 2.1 J evaluated 48 hours after the injury. Therefore, LLLT at a wavelength of 808 nm and dose of 2.1 J administered immediately following a partial injury to the Achilles tendon led to a reduction in tissue temperature and hyperalgesia at the injury site in rats, especially 48 hours after injury.
Authors disclosure
This study received no funding, grants or equipment. The authors declare no competing interests.