Publication Cover
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
An International Journal of Physical Therapy
Volume 33, 2017 - Issue 3
888
Views
18
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Systematic Review

The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy on pain, self-reported hand function, and grip strength compared to placebo or “sham” treatment for adults with carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review

, , , , , & show all
Pages 184-197 | Received 05 Jun 2015, Accepted 31 Jan 2016, Published online: 08 Mar 2017
 

ABSTRACT

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common peripheral neuropathies in the upper extremity. Objective: The aim of this review was to systematically and critically appraise the available literature for the effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on pain, self-reported hand function, and grip strength compared to placebo treatment in adults with CTS. Methodology: Seven databases were searched from 2000 to March 2015 namely: Cinahl, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, PEDro, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus. Key search terms were: CTS, LLLT, and physiotherapy. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The methodological quality was appraised with the PEDro scale. Data were extracted and captured on an Excel spreadsheet. Results: The nine included randomized control trials (RCTs) had an average score of 8.2/11 according to the PEDro scale. The heterogeneity of the LLLT regimes used made statistical pooling inappropriate for this review and results were described narratively. Conclusion: No strong evidence exists concerning the effects of LLLT on CTS in adults. Studies that used 780–860 nm Lasers and energy dosages of 9–11 J/cm2 or 10.8 J reported a more favorable outcome for pain, symptom severity, and functional ability as well as grip strength at the end of treatment and short-term follow up.

Conflict of interests

The authors have stated that they had no interests that might be perceived as posing a conflict or bias.

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 65.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 325.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.