Priyank Mohan 1, Surya Prakash Sharma2, Rishan3, Amresh Kumar4
| Corresponding Author: 1Priyank Mohan, Sr. Physiotherapist, Northern Railway Central Hospital, New Delhi, India, Mail id: priyankmohan1982@gmail.com Co Authors: 2Sr. DMO/Ortho/Northern Railway Central Hospital, New Delhi, India 3Rishan, BPT intern, Northern Railway Central Hospital, New Delhi, India 4Amresh Kumar, Sr. Physiotherapist/Northern Railway Central Hospital, New Delhi, India |
ABSTRACT
| Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease characterized by pain, stiffness, and functional decline, significantly impacts quality of life, particularly in aging populations. Non-pharmacological therapies like Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Microwave Therapy (MWT) are increasingly explored for their potential to alleviate symptoms without systemic side effects. While LLLT employs photo-biomodulation to reduce inflammation and enhance tissue repair, MWT relies on thermal mechanisms for pain. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of LLLT and MWT in reducing pain and improving functional activity in patients with knee OA grades 2 and 3, using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Methods: A randomized controlled trial included 30 participants (15 per group) diagnosed with knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 2-3). Group A received LLLT (830nm, 32 J/cm²/session) alongside a standardized exercise protocol, while Group B underwent MWT (2450 MHz, 20 minutes/session) with the same exercises. Interventions were administered every alternate day for three weeks. Pain (NPRS) and function (WOMAC) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Statistical analysis used paired and independent t-tests via SPSS. Result: LLLT demonstrated superior outcomes: NPRS scores decreased by 3.47 ± 0.74 (p < 0.001) vs. 1.27 ± 0.96 in MWT (p < 0.05). WOMAC improvements were 21.47 ± 9.04 (LLLT) vs. 10.40 ± 5.43 (MWT) (p < 0.001). These results align with LLLT’s anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial-modulating mechanisms, contrasting MWT’s transient thermal effects. Conclusion: LLLT outperforms MWT in managing pain and function in moderate knee OA, attributed to its bio-modulatory effects on inflammation and tissue repair. While MWT offers short-term relief, LLLT’s sustained benefits position it as a better non-pharmacological therapy. |
Keywords: Low-Level Laser Therapy, Microwave Therapy, Thermal mechanisms
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