Effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy as an adjunct to surface spinal stimulation and activity-based therapy in compressive cervical myelopathy: a parallel group, non-blinded randomized controlled trial.

To reverse the progression of compressive cervical myelopathy (CCM) by repairing injured nerve tissue, improving sensory integration, balance, disability, and quality of life (QoL) with Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) as an adjunct to Surface Spinal Stimulation (SSS) and Activity-Based Therapy (ABT). Thirty-two individuals in the age group between, 20 and 65 years diagnosed with sub-acute CCM were recruited through purposive sampling method for the parallel non-blinded randomized controlled trial. Randomized using block randomization into experimental group and control group. As an adjunct to surface spinal stimulation and activity-based therapy and conventional physiotherapy in the control group, the experimental group received Photo-biomodulation therapy using Class IV LASER for 5 Sessions/week for 3 weeks. Assessed using, Hoffmann's-reflex, Modified-Clinical Testing for Sensory Integration and Balance (m-CTSIB), Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ), and Neck Disability Index (NDI) at baseline, 7th day and 15th day in both the groups. Within-group differences were evaluated by using the Friedman test and the between-group differences in the outcome variables were evaluated by the Mann-Whitney U test. H-Amplitude at 15th day and JOACMEQ-QoL at 7th day demonstrated significant difference (p < 0.05) between the groups. Significant changes (p < 0.05) were observed within experimental group while compared to the control group in H-amplitude, m-CTSIB, JOACMEQ and NDI. Individuals with compressive cervical myelopathy receiving PBMT as an adjunct to SSS and ABT experienced significantly better outcomes (e.g., improved function, reduced pain, improved QOL) compared to those receiving only SSS and ABT.