Efficacy of low-level laser therapy on scar tissue
Freitas CP, Melo C, Alexandrino AM, Noites A
Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology · 21 citations
Review labels
Neutral facts our review recorded about how this study was done. They describe method, never whether we like the result.
How it was studied
- Design
- Randomized controlled trial (indexed by PubMed)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Funding not disclosed
Publication
- Published
- 2013-04-22 · J Cosmet Laser Ther · vol. 15 · issue 3 · pp. 171–176
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Cited
- 34 citations · more than 81% of similar papers · 1.5× the field average
- References
- 45 works
- Access
- Open access (repository copy) · OTHER-OA
- Research areas
- Laser Applications in Dentistry and Medicine · Dermatologic Treatments and Research · Periodontal Regeneration and Treatments
- Keywords
- Medicine, Scars, Low level laser therapy, Itching, Placebo, Laser therapy, Surgery, Dermatology, Laser, Pathology
- MeSH
- cicatrix, humans, pain measurement, treatment outcome, chi-square distribution, statistics, nonparametric, longitudinal studies, pilot projects, adolescent, adult, female, male, physical therapy modalities, low-level light therapy
4 authors
From PT
- Carla P. Freitas · correspondingPolytechnic Institute of Porto
- Cristina Argel de MeloPolytechnic Institute of Porto
- Ana Silva AlexandrinoPolytechnic Institute of Porto
- Andreia NoitesPolytechnic Institute of Porto
Abstract
Background
Physiotherapy has a very important role in the maintenance of the integumentary system integrity. There is very few evidence in humans. Nevertheless, there are some studies about tissue regeneration using low-level laser therapy (LLLT).
Aim
To analyze the effectiveness of LLLT on scar tissue.
Methods
Seventeen volunteers were stratified by age of their scars, and then randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) - n = 9 - and a placebo group (PG) - n = 8. Fifteen sessions were conducted to both the groups thrice a week. However, in the PG, the laser device was switched off. Scars' thickness, length, width, macroscopic aspect, pain threshold, pain perception, and itching were measured.
Results
After 5 weeks, there were no statistically significant differences in any variable between both the groups. However, analyzing independently each group, EG showed a significant improvement in macroscopic aspect (p = 0.003) using LLLT. Taking into account the scars' age, LLLT showed a tendency to decrease older scars' thickness in EG.
Conclusion
The intervention with LLLT appears to have a positive effect on the macroscopic scars' appearance, and on old scars' thickness, in the studied sample. However, it cannot be said for sure that LLLT has influence on scar tissue.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher.
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