Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2017 Jun 16. pii: S0003-9993(17)30391-X. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.06.002. [Epub ahead of print]
Franke TP, Koes BW, Geelen SJ, Huisstede BM.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
DATA SOURCES:
The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database were searched for relevant systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to April 8, 2016.
STUDY SELECTION:
Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria to select potential studies.
DATA EXTRACTION:
Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the methodologic quality.
DATA SYNTHESIS:
A best-evidence synthesis was performed to summarize the results of the 2 systematic reviews and 17 RCTs that were included. Strong evidence was found for the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy compared with placebo treatment in the very short term (0 to ≤5wk). After 5 weeks, the positive effects of low-level laser therapy on pain, function, or recovery diminished over time (moderate and conflicting evidence were found at 7- and 12-wk follow-up, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS:
In the very short term, low-level laser therapy is more effective as a single intervention than placebo low-level laser therapy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, after which the positive effects of low-level laser therapy tend to subside. Evidence in the midterm and long term is sparse.
Copyright © 2017 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.