Comparison of the efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy and low-level laser therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to compare the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on clinical presentation of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and electroneuromyography (EMG) and ultrasound findings in patients with CTS.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Between June 2020 and March 2021, a total of 114 hands of 63 patients (19 males, 44 females; mean age: 44.9±}9.3 years; range, 22 to 65 years) with electrophysiologically diagnosed mild-to-moderate CTS were included in this prospective, randomized-controlled study. The patients were categorized into three groups by an independent investigator using a stratified randomization/minimization method according to CTS grade and age as follows: control group (n=20), LLLT group (n=22), and HILT group (n=21). Patients in all three groups wore a neutral wrist splint of appropriate size. All groups underwent clinical, electrophysiologic, and ultrasonographic examinations at baseline, at one and three months after the treatment.

RESULTS

Following the treatment, statistically significant improvements were observed in electrophysiologic, sonographic, and clinical findings of both the laser groups and control groups (p<0.001). Comparing the treatment efficacy, the laser groups were found to be more effective in the treatment of CTS than the control group (p<0.0167). No statistically significant difference was observed between the LLLT and HILT (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The addition of laser treatment significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment. Based on these findings, LLLT and HILT yield comparable results.