Background During knee osteoarthritis (OA) therapy; medications, physical therapy modalities, exercises and surgical procedures are used. In previous studies, the benefits of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for pain in the low back, shoulder, elbow, and hand have reported.

Objectives In this study we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of LLLT on pain, functional status, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods Patients with Kellgren-Lawrence stage 2–3 knee osteoarthritis were enrolled. It was planned as a prospective, randomized and double-blind study. Group 1 received active laser therapy and group 2 placebo laser therapy. Patients have been provided active/placebo laser therapy for two weeks (5 days a week, a total of 10 sessions). Patients were evaluated before, immediately after and 1 or 3 months after treatment. Outcome measurements included pain intensity at rest and at movement on visual analog scale, knee function using Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale, active/passive joint range of movement, quality of life using Short form 36 (SF-36), and 15-meter walking distance, painless walking distance.

Results In this study, we observed improvements in knee pain, 15-meter walking distance, WOMAC pain, stiffness and function scores, Lequesne index, and SF-36 physical function and social function (p<0.05) in active LLLT group. Also, significant improvements were detected in SF-36 physical role, mental health, vitality and emotional role parameters compared with placebo laser group (p>0.05).

Conclusions The present study demonstrated that LLLT is safe and effective upon pain and functional parameters on knee osteoarthritis. However, we think further long-term studies which will include more patients in order to determine the priority and effectiviness are required.

Disclosure of Interest None declared