The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: randomized participant blind controlled trial.

ObjectivesTo evaluate and compare the efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for plantar fasciitis.DesignA participant blind randomized controlled trial with parallel group design and an active comparator with follow-up at four weeks.SettingsOutpatient, University hospital.SubjectsUnilateral plantar fasciitis participants (n = 102) were randomly assigned into two groups. Recruitment period was from January 2017 to April 2019.InterventionsInterventions included eight sessions of laser therapy over three weeks and single session of patient education. The HILT group (n = 51) received HILT and the LLLT group (n = 51) received LLLT.Main measuresPrimary outcomes: visual analogue scale; secondary outcomes: pressure algometry, sonography of plantar fascia thickness (time frame: baseline to three-week and four-week follow-up) and numeric rating scale (0%-100%) for opinion of participants on effect of treatment (time frame: three weeks). Data presented: mean (SD) or n (%).ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between the groups according to visual analogue scale (pain in general reduction in three weeks: 2.57(3.45) vs. 2.88(3.28) cm), pressure algometry (pain threshold difference between healthy and affected heel reduction in three weeks: 1.80(6.39) vs. 1.77(2.85) kg) and sonography measurements (plantar fascia thickness difference between healthy and affected heel reduction in three weeks: 0.19(0.56) vs. 0.30(0.57) mm). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in participants' opinion in favor to HILT group (efficacy of treatment better than 50%: 26(51%) vs. 37(73%)).ConclusionNo statistically significant difference between groups was observed.