Effect of low level laser therapy on neurovascular function of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Evaluation of the efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow in terms of symptoms and clinical and electrophysiological findings: a randomized, prospective, double-blind clinical trial

Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is the second most common entrapment neuropathy and presents with symptoms such as pain, paresthesia, and weakness in the elbow. Provocative tests and electrophysiological examinations are helpful in the diagnosis of UNE. Low-level laser therapy is one of the conservative treatments of UNE however, limited results were reported on the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of UNE. In our study, we aimed to the efficacy of LLLT in reducing symptoms and providing clinical and electrophysiological improvement in patients with UNE. This study with a randomized-sham controlled, and double-blind design included 68 patients aged 18-60 years who were diagnosed with UNE. LLLT was applied to the first group, and sham laser was applied to the second group. The VAS pain, paresthesia, and weakness scores, grip strength, and provocative test positivity were evaluated in clinical examination. The QuickDASH questionnaire was administered to assess functional status. Electrophysiologically, motor distal latency (MDL) differences, sensory distal latency (SDL), motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were examined. Evaluations were performed before treatment and on the 15th day and at the third month after treatment. The LLLT group showed improvement in symptoms, clinical findings, motor NCV, and MDL at both post-treatment evaluations and sensory NCV on the post-treatment 15th day (p < 0.05). The comparison of post-treatment changes between the two groups revealed that the LLLT group had greater improvement in VAS day and night pain scores at both post-treatment evaluation times, QuickDASH scores at the third month, and sensory NCV on the 15th day (p < 0.05) compared to the SL group. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the post-treatment changes in VAS weakness scores, grip strength and electrophysiological findings (p > 0.05). It was observed that splinting alone was effective in UNE, but the addition of LLLT, one of the conservative treatment methods, enhanced treatment outcomes.

Effectiveness and safety of photobiomodulation therapy in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a widely prevalent complication in patients with type 2 diabetes, exerts a significant influence on patients' overall health and financial circumstances. Photobiomodulation therapy is one of the means of physical therapy for DPN. Although preliminary findings suggest the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy in alleviating peripheral neuropathy, the existing literature lacks substantial evidence regarding its safety and effectiveness specifically in the context of diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, we plan to arrive at more distinct findings through systematic evaluation and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We will conduct a comprehensive search for studies published from the beginning until October 1, 2023, using various databases including Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, AMED, Wanfang database, VIP database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature database. Simultaneously, we will also search for the WHO International Clinical Trial Registration Platform, China Clinical Trial Registration Platform, and Clinical Trials.gov. Gray literature will be retrieved using Google Scholar and opengrey.edu. Only randomized controlled trials in Chinese and English were included, with no restrictions on publication status. The primary outcomes will include change of symptom scores, change of nerve conduction velocity. Additional outcomes will encompass quality of life, change in pain, blood glucose levels after fasting and 2 hours after eating, levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, and any adverse events associated with photobiomodulation therapy. Reman V.5.4 and R language will be used for the meta-analysis. Assessment of potential bias will be conducted through Cochrane risk of bias 2 tool (RoB 2.0) and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Registration: PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023466586).

DISCUSSION

This meta-analysis aims to assess the efficacy and safety of photobiomodulation therapy as a potential treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), and providing a straightforward and convenient therapeutic for patients. Additionally, it expands the range of treatment alternatives available to healthcare professionals managing DPN.

Assessment of photobiomodulation by a 660-nm diode laser on the reversal of soft tissue anesthesia in children: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue anesthesia (STA) following inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) anesthesia lasts 3-5 h. It is important to reverse STA after treatment to prevent soft tissue injury (STI).

AIM

This study evaluated photobiomodulation using a 660 nm diode laser on STA reversal and its impact on STI following IANB anesthesia.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 32 children, aged 5-8 years, allocated into the test and control groups. Anesthesia was administered; the operative procedure was performed followed by exposure to laser. STA reversal was monitored through lip tapping, current perception threshold (CPT) tests, and paediatric Functional Assessment Battery.

RESULTS

The test group showed significantly faster recovery to normal sensation following exposure to laser than the control group which did not undergo any reversal (p < .0001), with a median time of 115 and 60 min according to lip tapping and CPT tests, respectively. The test group also showed significantly faster recovery to normal function (p = .016). The incidence of STI in the form of redness was significantly higher in the control group (p = .022).

CONCLUSION

Photobiomodulation using a 660 nm diode laser can be considered as an efficient approach to minimize STA and STI after dental interventions.

Diabetes in spotlight: current knowledge and perspectives of photobiomodulation utilization

Introduction

Diabetes is a global health concern characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from insulinopenia and/or insulin resistance. The rising prevalence of diabetes and its associated complications (ulcers, periodontitis, healing of bone defect, neuropathy, retinopathy, cardiopathy and nephropathy) necessitate innovative therapeutic approaches. Photobiomodulation (PBM), involves exposing tissues and cells to low-energy light radiation, leading to biological effects, largely via mitochondrial activation.

Methods

This review evaluates preclinical and clinical studies exploring the potential of PBM in diabetes and its complications, as well all clinical trials, both planned and completed, available on ClinicalTrials database.

Results

This review highlights the variability in PBM parameters across studies, hindering consensus on optimal protocols. Standardization of treatment parameters and rigorous clinical trials are needed to unlock PBM's full therapeutic potential. 87 clinical trials were identified that investigated PBM in diabetes mellitus (with 5,837 patients planned to be treated with PBM). Clinical trials assessing PBM effects on diabetic neuropathy revealed pain reduction and potential quality of life improvement. Studies focusing on wound healing indicated encouraging results, with PBM enhancing angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen density. PBM's impact on diabetic retinopathy remains inconclusive however, requiring further investigation. In glycemic control, PBM exhibits positive effects on metabolic parameters, including glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.

Conclusion

Clinical studies have reported PBM-induced reductions in fasting and postprandial glycemia without an increased hypoglycemic risk. This impact of PBM may be related to its effects on the beta cells and islets in the pancreas. Notwithstanding challenges, PBM emerges as a promising adjunctive therapy for managing diabetic neuropathy, wound healing, and glycemic control. Further investigation into its impact on diabetic retinopathy and muscle recovery is warranted.

The effect of Tecar therapy on neurological disorders and nerve conduction velocity of lower limbs in peripheral neuropathy of type 2 diabetic patients: A six-week follow-up study

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Tecar therapy on neuropathy symptoms and tibial nerve conduction velocity in individuals with diabetes.

Patients and methods

The single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted between January 2019 and October 2019. Twenty-four type 2 diabetics (8 males, 16 females; mean age: 60.4±8.9 years; range, 40 to 78 years) with peripheral neuropathy were randomly allocated to control (n=12) and study (n=12) groups. The study group received the capacitive Tecar therapy with 10 to 30% intensity and infrared radiation in 10 sessions. The controls received the same protocol with zero intensity. The neuropathy symptoms and nerve conduction velocity were evaluated at baseline, after 10 sessions, and six weeks after the end of sessions.

Results

There were no significant differences in variables (p>0.05). In this way, the homogeneity of the data variables was confirmed. Moreover, the results of two-way mixed analysis of variance showed that improvement of neuropathy symptoms in the study group was significantly more than controls in all stages (p<0.001). After 10 sessions, the results of post hoc analysis showed that the neuropathy symptoms and tibial nerve conduction velocity were significantly improved in both groups (p<0.05). However, there was no change in these outcomes after six weeks in the control group (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Tecar therapy could improve neuropathy symptoms and tibial nerve conduction velocity in diabetic individuals with peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, the use of this method to control the symptoms of diabetic patients can be recommended.

Effect of photobiomodulation on neuropathic pain of diabetic origin: a narrative review of the literature

To update the literature on the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy in relieving pain in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) compared to the effects of post-intervention, control/placebo groups, and other therapies. Search on the following databases: PORTAL PERIODICOS CAPES, PUBMED, GOOGLE ACADEMIC/SCHOLAR, SCOPUS, SCIELO, CENTRAL, and MEDLINE. Manual search: 1) manually capture the references of relevant articles originally selected to be included in the eligible studies. Two independent researchers performed the screening and selection of studies, methods assessment, and data extraction with unblinded authors and impressions. Subsequently, the full text of the originally selected studies was screened. The screening form registered the criteria for excluding literature from the full-text screening. The screening resulted in a total of 1692 citations. Out of these, 1402 citations were examined for titles and abstracts, followed by the removal of duplicated studies; therefore, 68 articles remained for full-text evaluation. 54 articles were excluded after full-text screening. Fourteen articles met the selection criteria, hence being selected and included in this narrative review. PBM showed to be a promising modality in relieving painful symptoms in DPN, especially when implemented in combination with other therapies, by improving the quality of life of diabetic patients.

Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Neuropathic Pain, Nerve Conduction and Plantar Pressure Distribution in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy - A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a severe complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The most common symptoms are neuropathic pain and altered sensorium due to damage to small nerve fibers. Altered plantar pressure distribution is also a major risk factor in diabetic peripheral neuropathy, leading to diabetic foot ulcers.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the various studies involving photobiomodulation therapy on neuropathic pain and plantar pressure distribution in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane) to summarise the evidence on photobiomodulation therapy for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Randomized and non-randomized studies were included in the review.

RESULTS

This systematic review included eight studies in which photobiomodulation therapy showed improvement in neuropathic pain and nerve conduction velocity. It also reduces plantar pressure distribution, which is a high risk for developing foot ulcers.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that photobiomodulation therapy is an effective, non-invasive, and costefficient means to improve neuropathic pain and altered plantar pressure distribution in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Modulation of the autonomic nervous system by one session of spinal low-level laser therapy in patients with chronic colonic motility dysfunction

Patients with a defecation disorder may not evoke a normal defecation reflex, or the reflex may be excessive, as a dysfunction of the spinal autonomic nervous system. Treatment with various forms of lumbar and sacral neuromodulation have shown symptom improvement, but potential changes in autonomic functioning are rarely studied. Here we evaluate the effects on autonomic function of a single session of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the lumbar and sacral spine in 41 patients with chronic gastrointestinal motor dysfunction. The LLLT protocol used red LED light at a wavelength of 660 nm for 10 min and infrared LED light at a wavelength of 840 nm for 10 min, followed by infrared laser light at a wavelength of 825 nm for 10 min. Effects on the autonomic nervous system were assessed by measuring heart rate variability (HRV) changes. Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) and Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD) were used to quantify parasympathetic reactivity; the Baevsky’s Stress Index (SI) reflected sympathetic activity while the ratios SI/RSA and SI/RMSSD were used to show shifts in autonomic dominance. The results indicate that lumbar and sacral neuromodulation using light arrays reduced, whereas stimulation by the laser probes significantly increased parasympathetic activity. The light arrays increased whereas the laser probes significantly decreased sympathetic activity (SI). The entire protocol shifted the autonomic balance toward parasympathetic activity. The comparison of actual vs. sham neuromodulation proved that the change in HRV parameters was due to actual light stimulation and not due to the arrays and probe touching the skin. In conclusion, a single session of LLLT markedly affects autonomic nervous system activity reflected in changes in HRV which is only possible by generating activity in the spinal autonomic nerves. These results warrant a study into the effects of LLLT on restoring autonomic dysfunction in chronic refractory colonic motility disorders.

Photobiomodulation therapy in management of cancer therapy-induced side effects: WALT position paper 2022

Disclaimer

This article is based on recommendations from the 12th WALT Congress, Nice, October 3-6, 2018, and a follow-up review of the existing data and the clinical observations of an international multidisciplinary panel of clinicians and researchers with expertise in the area of supportive care in cancer and/or PBM clinical application and dosimetry. This article is informational in nature. As with all clinical materials, this paper should be used with a clear understanding that continued research and practice could result in new insights and recommendations. The review reflects the collective opinion and, as such, does not necessarily represent the opinion of any individual author. In no event shall the authors be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the proposed protocols.

Objective

This position paper reviews the potential prophylactic and therapeutic effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on side effects of cancer therapy, including chemotherapy (CT), radiation therapy (RT), and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Background

There is a considerable body of evidence supporting the efficacy of PBM for preventing oral mucositis (OM) in patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer (HNC), CT, or HSCT. This could enhance patients’ quality of life, adherence to the prescribed cancer therapy, and treatment outcomes while reducing the cost of cancer care.

Methods

A literature review on PBM effectiveness and dosimetry considerations for managing certain complications of cancer therapy were conducted. A systematic review was conducted when numerous randomized controlled trials were available. Results were presented and discussed at an international consensus meeting at the World Association of photobiomoduLation Therapy (WALT) meeting in 2018 that included world expert oncologists, radiation oncologists, oral oncologists, and oral medicine professionals, physicists, engineers, and oncology researchers. The potential mechanism of action of PBM and evidence of PBM efficacy through reported outcomes for individual indications were assessed.

Results

There is a large body of evidence demonstrating the efficacy of PBM for preventing OM in certain cancer patient populations, as recently outlined by the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO). Building on these, the WALT group outlines evidence and prescribed PBM treatment parameters for prophylactic and therapeutic use in supportive care for radiodermatitis, dysphagia, xerostomia, dysgeusia, trismus, mucosal and bone necrosis, lymphedema, hand-foot syndrome, alopecia, oral and dermatologic chronic graft-versus-host disease, voice/speech alterations, peripheral neuropathy, and late fibrosis amongst cancer survivors.

Conclusions

There is robust evidence for using PBM to prevent and treat a broad range of complications in cancer care. Specific clinical practice guidelines or evidence-based expert consensus recommendations are provided. These recommendations are aimed at improving the clinical utilization of PBM therapy in supportive cancer care and promoting research in this field. It is anticipated these guidelines will be revised periodically.

10.6-μm infrared laser as adjuvant therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: study protocol for a double-blind, randomized controlled trial

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common chronic neurological complication. It is the main cause of disability in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients and seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Pharmacological treatments always associate with limited efficacy and adverse effects. Moxibustion has been recommended to treat DPN as an adjuvant therapy to conventional medical treatment to accelerate alleviation of the symptoms of DPN. 10.6-μm laser moxibustion (LM), whose wavelength is close to the peak of infrared radiation spectrum of the traditional moxibustion as well as human acupoints, produces the thermal effect similar with moxibustion but with no smoke or smell. The purpose of this sham controlled clinical trial is to determine the effect and safety of 10.6-μm LM as adjuvant therapy in patients with DPN.

Methods

This is a protocol for a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. One hundred fourteen patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be recruited and randomly assigned to the LM group or the sham LM group with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients in both groups will receive a basic integrated treatment of Chinese and Western medicine and a total of 12 sessions of true or sham LM treatments over 4 weeks with 3 sessions a week. The primary outcome is nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and the secondary outcomes include Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) scores, Diabetes-Specific Quality of Life (DSQL) scores, blood rheology parameters, and assessments of safety and blinding. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, 2 weeks after treatment, the end of LM treatments (4 weeks), and 4, 8 weeks after the end of LM treatment (8, 12weeks).

Discussion

This study will be conducted to compare the efficacy of LM versus sham LM combined with medical treatment. 10.6-μm LM may alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the dosage of drugs as well as avoid causing serious side effects.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000029329. Registered on 25 January 2020.

The use of photobiomodulation therapy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial (NEUROLASER trial)

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in breast cancer patients.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized placebo-controlled pilot trial (NEUROLASER) was set up with 32 breast cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03391271). Patients were randomized to receive PBM (n = 16) or placebo treatments (n = 16) (2 × /week) during their chemotherapy. The modified Total Neuropathy Score (mTNS), six-minute walk test (6MWT), Numeric pain Rating Scale (NRS), and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group Taxane (FACT/GOG-Taxane) were used to evaluate the severity of CIPN and the patients' quality of life (QoL). Outcome measures were collected at the first chemotherapy session, 6 weeks after initiation of chemotherapy, at the final chemotherapy session, and 3 weeks after the end of chemotherapy (follow-up).

RESULTS

The mTNS score increased significantly over time in both the control and the PBM group. A significantly higher score for FACT/GOG-Taxane was observed in the PBM group during chemotherapy compared to the control group. Questions of the FACT/GOG-Taxane related to sensory peripheral neuropathy symptoms showed a significant increase in severeness over time in the control group, whereas they remained constant in the PBM group. At follow-up, a (borderline) significant difference was observed between both groups for the 6MWT and patients' pain level, in benefit of the PBM group.

CONCLUSIONS

This NEUROLASER trial shows promising results concerning the prevention of CIPN with PBM in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, a better QoL was observed when treated with PBM.

New evidence from hyperspectral imaging analysis on the effect of photobiomodulation therapy on normal skin oxygenation

The aim of this study was to assess the changes induced by photobiomodulation therapy in oxygenation of normal skin and underlying tissue using hyperspectral imaging combined with a chemometric regression approach. Eleven healthy adult volunteers were enrolled in this study. The dorsal side of the left hand of each subject was exposed to photobiomodulation therapy, while the correspondent side of the right hand was used as a control (placebo effect). Laser irradiation was performed with a laser diode system (635 nm, 15mW, 9 J/cm²) for 900 s. Changes in skin oxygenation were assessed before and after applying the photobiomodulation therapy and placebo using the hyperspectral imaging. Hyperspectral data analysis showed that variations of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations had no statistical significance in both groups. In conclusion, photobiomodulation therapy does not induce changes in oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations in the normal skin measured from hyperspectral images, at least at λ = 635 nm and 900-s exposure time.

Effectiveness and safety of low-level laser therapy in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes mellitus. The main symptoms of DPN include numbness or pain in both extremities and paresthesia (such as formication or burning sensations), which greatly affect patients' quality of life. Pharmacological treatments for DPN are associated with both uncertain therapeutic effects and adverse effects, as well as with high costs. Some clinical studies have reported that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) relieves clinical symptoms and improves nerve function in patients with DPN. We intend to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to further evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LLLT for DPN.

METHODS

The following electronic databases will be searched to retrieve literature from their inception until December 2020: MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science (the Science and Social Science Citation Index), CNKI, VIP, WanFang, and SinoMed. Simultaneously, clinical registration tests and gray literature will also be retrieved. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LLLT with either sham LLLT, no (specific) treatment, or active conventional medical treatments will be included. The primary outcomes will be nerve conduction velocity as well as clinical scores that assess neurological function and related symptoms. The risk of bias of each study and quality of evidence will be assessed using the updated Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and GRADE approach, respectively. A meta-analysis will then be conducted using Review Manager software version 5.3.

DISCUSSION

This study will integrate RCTs and analyze data to provide a detailed summary of the evidence relating to the effects and safety of LLLT in patients with DPN. LLLT will be compared with sham LLLT, no (specific) treatment, or active conventional medical treatments, especially in terms of neurological function, quality of life, and adverse events. In conclusion, this systematic review will generate evidence regarding the use of LLLT to treat DPN, in terms of both its efficacy and safety.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

This protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews on April 2020 (registration number: CRD42020170625 ).

Acupuncture for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common chronic complication of diabetes mellitus that has a considerable impact on quality of life, but there are few effective therapeutic strategies. The aim of this trial is to determine the efficacy and safety of manual acupuncture (MA) versus sham acupuncture (SA) for DPN.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 118 patients with DPN will be recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the MA group or SA group. All patients will receive 24 sessions over 12 weeks. Participants will complete the trial by visiting the research center at month 6 for a follow-up assessment. The primary outcome is peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity (peroneal MNCV) at week 12 compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes include peroneal motor nerve action potential amplitude (peroneal MNAP) and latent period (peroneal MNLP), sural sensory nerve conduction velocity (sural SNCV), action potential amplitude (sural SNAP) and latent period (sural SNLP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (2hPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) at week 12 compared with baseline, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) score and Diabetes Specific Quality of Life scale (DSQL) at week 12 and month 6 compared with baseline. Safety will be assessed during the whole trial. Masking effectiveness will be assessed by patients.

DISCUSSION

This trial may provide high-quality evidence for evaluating the efficacy and safety of MA treatment for DPN compared with SA treatment. Results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR1800020444. First registered on 29 December 2018, retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?Proj=31063 .

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Pain Acceptance and Pain Perception in Patients with Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Neuropathic pain is a complex phenomenon in patients with diabetes. These patients have many problems, such as psychological problems, high-level pain perception, and pain acceptance. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on pain acceptance and pain perception in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy.

METHODS

This study was performed according to the clinical trial method. The sample size was 50 participants. In this study, participants were divided into interventional and control groups. According to the diagnosis of neurologists, all participants received conventional medications to manage neuropathic pain. The intervention group received acceptance and commitment therapy for eight sessions. The results in the three phases of pre-test, post-test, and follow-up were evaluated. After completing the study, to comply with ethical standards, the control group received psycho-education. The tools used were the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ). Statistical analysis includes mean, standard deviation, and repeated-measures (ANOVA) conducted by SPSS software version 22.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that in the post-test and follow-up phases, acceptance and commitment therapy could improve pain acceptance and reduce pain perception in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that acceptance and commitment therapy could be used as a psychological intervention besides pharmacotherapy to improve pain acceptance and reduce pain perception in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy.

CLINICAL TRAIL REGISTRATION

This study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20180205038630N4).

Photobiomodulation-Underlying Mechanism and Clinical Applications

The purpose of this study is to explore the possibilities for the application of laser therapy in medicine and dentistry by analyzing lasers' underlying mechanism of action on different cells, with a special focus on stem cells and mechanisms of repair. The interest in the application of laser therapy in medicine and dentistry has remarkably increased in the last decade. There are different types of lasers available and their usage is well defined by different parameters, such as: wavelength, energy density, power output, and duration of radiation. Laser irradiation can induce a photobiomodulatory (PBM) effect on cells and tissues, contributing to a directed modulation of cell behaviors, enhancing the processes of tissue repair. Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), can induce cell proliferation and enhance stem cell differentiation. Laser therapy is a non-invasive method that contributes to pain relief and reduces inflammation, parallel to the enhanced healing and tissue repair processes. The application of these properties was employed and observed in the treatment of various diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, brain injury, spinal cord damage, dermatological conditions, oral irritation, and in different areas of dentistry.

Photobiomodulation Therapy for the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: An Overview

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of chemotherapy (CT), affecting 68% of patients. Current treatment strategies are based on pharmacological symptom management, but have limited results. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a new and emerging therapeutic tool in the supportive care of cancer patients. In this overview, we explore the usability of PBMT for management of CIPN. Objective: To provide a comprehensive overview of management of CIPN with PBMT. Methods: Specific terms, including "Photobiomodulation Therapy," "Drug Therapy," and "Peripheral Nervous System Diseases," were identified for the literature research in PubMed. Results: Three articles were considered eligible for this review. Primary outcome measures were highly variable across the included studies. Conclusions: PBMT might be an effective treatment strategy to manage CIPN, with very encouraging reports from renowned teams, but evidence is limited. More methodologically uniform research (mainly regarding the parameters of PBMT) is needed to support the use of PBMT for this indication.

Effect of Modified Laser Transcutaneous Irradiation on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy

Background: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the major complications developed by individuals with diabetes mellitus. DN is responsible for a high morbidity and mortality rate and impacts the public health and medical assistance resources. Intradermic laser irradiation on blood (ILIB) consists of the application of light beams on the radial arterial, providing anti-inflammatory and vasodilator effects, antiarrhythmic action, reduction of glucose, and stabilization of the hormonal and immunological systems. These effects help to maintain the physiological dynamics of the body. Objective: The goal of this research was to evaluate the effects of ILIB to relieve pain and improve the quality of life in DN patients. The sample comprised 30 diabetic volunteers with DN, randomly distributed into 3 groups: Control-conventional treatment; ILIB-100 mW, 660 ± 10 nm, 30 applications in total, divided into 3 stages of 10 applications, 30 min each, daily, with a 20-day interval between each stage; SILIB-same protocol described for ILIB, with the equipment switched off. Before and after the application of the therapeutic protocols, all volunteers were evaluated by the following instruments: Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), visual analog scale, Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS), and PAIN DETECT scale. Collected data were statistically analyzed with a 95% confidence interval, p < 0.05. Results: The ILIB group presented significantly lower pain levels and a better quality of life compared with the control and SILIB groups. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that ILIB therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with DN.

The Efficacy of Adding Electromagnetic Therapy or Laser Therapy to Medications in Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common disease with a highly significant burden among the Saudi population. This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding either magnetic or laser therapy to medications in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods: Seventy-one medically controlled diabetic patients were randomly assigned to 1) Magnetic group: 26 patients were exposed to magnetic therapy for 20 minutes/session, 2 sessions/week, for 3 months 2) Laser group: 25 patients were exposed to laser therapy with intensity 5.7 J/cm² for 30 minutes/session, 2 times/week, for 3 months. 3) Drug group: 20 patients received only the regular medications for diabetic control and pain analgesia. Pain and neuropathy were assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Toronto Clinical Neuropath Scoring System (TRCNSS). Conduction velocities and amplitudes of peroneal and sural nerves were measured by electromyography. Results: The results showed significant increases in conduction velocities and amplitudes in both magnetic and laser groups in parallel with significant reductions in TRCNSS. Non-significant changes were obtained only after using only medications (P >0.05). The mean values of VAS reduced significantly in the three groups. The least significant differences showed significant changes among the three groups, whereas non-significant differences were obtained between both magnetic and laser groups. Conclusion: There were non-significant differences between both magnetic and laser therapy groups. Addition of either magnetic or laser therapy to medications could bring extra positive benefits to patients with DPN. Both magnetic and laser therapy can be applied with medications for the treatment of patients with DPN.

Assessment of photobiomodulation therapy by an 8l0-nm diode laser on the reversal of soft tissue local anesthesia in pediatric dentistry: a preliminary randomized clinical trial

During the injection of local anesthesia in pediatric dental procedures, from the injection time until the elimination of tissue anesthesia, inevitable problems were reported. According to the encouraging results of previous studies addressing the positive effects of laser therapy on increasing the microcirculation, we aimed to investigate the clinical effect of photobiomodulation therapy on the reversal of soft tissue anesthesia in children. Using a split-mouth design, 34 children aged 4 to 8 years old, candidate for receiving local infiltration injection at both right and left side in mandible, were enrolled in the study. The mandibular right and left quadrants were randomly assigned to groups of laser or sham laser: in laser side, patients received 810-nm laser irradiation, and in the sham laser group, the patients had the laser in off mode at 45 min after injection with an interval of 7-10 days between two sessions of each quadrant treatments. The degree of anesthesia was evaluated using the palpation technique alternately every 15 min. Data were analyzed using paired sample t test and multiple linear regression test. The mean duration of anesthesia expressed in minutes was equal to 145.15 ± 23.27 and 188.82 ± 12.31 for the laser group and sham laser group, respectively. There was a significant difference in duration of anesthesia between two groups (P < 0.001). Considering the results and limitations of the present study, photobiomodulation therapy by 810-nm diode laser can be proposed as a non-invasive method in order to reduce the duration of anesthesia in pediatric patients.

Comparison of Ozone and Photo-Biomodulation Therapies on Mental Nerve Injury in Rats

PURPOSE

This study compared photo-biomodulation (PBM) and ozone therapy (OT) for mental nerve injury by counting Schwann cells (SCs) and fasciculated nerve branches and measuring fascicular nerve areas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects of OT and PBM on mental nerve injury were evaluated. Mental nerves of 27 rats were partly sutured and allocated into 3 groups. Group 1 received no treatment, group 2 received OT, and group 3 received PBM. The number of fascicules beyond nerve branches and the number of SCs before and after nerve injury were evaluated histologically.

RESULTS

A better healing pattern was observed in the treatment groups. The number of SCs was markedly larger in the OT and PBM groups than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons should be familiar with the differential diagnosis, prevention, and management of neurosensory disturbances. This study provides insights into the management of neurosensory disturbances related to mental nerve injury using OT and PBM. This study clearly suggests that OT and PBM are promising novel methods for the treatment of mental nerve injury.

Effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT 808 nm) on lower limb spastic muscle activity in chronic stroke patients

A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) may affect basic motor functions, including spasticity that may be present in the upper extremity and/or the lower extremity, post-stroke. Spasticity causes pain, muscle force reduction, and decreases the time to onset of muscle fatigue. Several therapeutic resources have been employed to treat CVA to promote functional recovery. The clinical use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for rehabilitation of muscular disorders has provided better muscle responses. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of LLLT in spastic muscles in patients with spasticity post-CVA. A double-blind clinical trial was conducted with 15 volunteer stroke patients who presented with post-stroke spasticity. Both males and females were treated; the average age was 51.5 ± 11.8 years old; the participants entered the study ranging from 11 to 48 months post-stroke onset. The patients participated in three consecutive phases (control, placebo, and real LLLT), in which all tests of isometric endurance of their hemiparetic lower limb were performed. LLLT (diode laser, 100 mW 808 nm, beam spot area 0.0314 cm(2), 127.39 J/cm(2)/point, 40 s) was applied before isometric endurance. After the real LLLT intervention, we observed significant reduction in the visual analogue scale for pain intensity (p = 0.0038), increased time to onset of muscle fatigue (p = 0.0063), and increased torque peak (p = 0.0076), but no significant change in the root mean square (RMS) value (electric signal in the motor unit during contraction, as obtained with surface electromyography). Our results suggest that the application of LLLT may contribute to increased recruitment of muscle fibers and, hence, to increase the onset time of the spastic muscle fatigue, reducing pain intensity in stroke patients with spasticity, as has been observed in healthy subjects and athletes.

Efficacy of low level laser therapy on painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) accounts for most common complications of T2DM. Painful DPN is associated with functional limitation & poor quality of life. Therefore, objective of the study is to find the effect of low level laser therapy on painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) Materials & methods: The study design is pre-post observational design. After obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent, 19 T2DM subjects were screened and confirmed for peripheral neuropathy in an outpatient setting with biochemical parameter, pain scale and Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Low Level Laser therapy was irradiated through scanning mode with dosage of 3.1J/cm(2) on the plantar and dorsum of the foot and 3.4j/cm(2) with contact method for 10days and all subjects were reassessed at the end of the 10 day. Descriptive statistics and paired' test was used to analyze the pre-post finding within the group. Level of significance was set at p<0.05 RESULTS: The result analysis showed significant reduction in Pain using VAS scale (6.47 ± 0.84 to 1.21 ± 0.78 (p<0.001), MNSI (5.52 ± 1.26 to 2.71 ± 0.97 (reduction in Vibration perception threshold (32.68 ± 6.08 to 24.84 ± 4.29 (<0.001) and a significant increase in the temperature from baseline to post intervention (30.01 ± 2.11 to 31.75 ± 1.03 (p<0. 001).

CONCLUSION

In the present study, Low level laser therapy was found to be effective in type 2 DM with peripheral neuropathy.