Abstract

INTRODUCTION

To assess the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy [LLLT] in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS).

METHODS

A total of 60 patients with SIS were randomly assigned into a laser group and a placebo laser group. All participants also received 15 sessions of superficial heat treatment, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy, and an exercise program. Outcomes were global pain severity; active and passive shoulder range of motion (ROM); and disability assessed by the Turkish Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH-T) Outcome Measurement.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant improvements in all outcome measurements in both groups. In comparison of the groups, median active and passive flexion, active and passive abduction, passive internal rotation, and passive external rotation were significantly higher in the laser group after the treatment (P = 0.015, P = 0.004, P = 0.048, P = 0.014, P = 0.031, and P = 0.044, respectively), but median differences in both groups were similar (P > 0.05). The median differences for global visual analogue scale score for pain and DASH-T in both groups were also similar (P > 0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results of our study demonstrated that both treatments provided improvement in pain, ROM, and disability status, but LLLT did not contribute additional improvements.