Low-Level Laser Therapy Versus Mirror Therapy for Post-Stroke Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Physiother Res IntSep 18, 2026
Clinical ResearchPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Saumen Kumar De, Ushnish Mukherjee, Saswato Majumdar
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Mirror Therapy (MT) in 44 patients with post-stroke Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I (CRPS-I). Results indicated that LLLT provided significant improvements in pain intensity and sensorimotor recovery at 4 weeks (P adj = 0.039 and P adj = 0.022, respectively), but no significant differences were observed at later follow-ups.
Key findings
- LLLT showed significant pain reduction at 4 weeks compared to MT (P adj = 0.039).
- Sensorimotor recovery was significantly better in the LLLT group at 4 weeks (P adj = 0.022).
- Both treatment groups achieved comparable outcomes by the end of the study.
- Intra-group analysis showed significant improvement in both groups throughout the follow-ups (p < 0.001).
Why it matters
Understanding the comparative effectiveness of LLLT and MT for managing CRPS-I can guide clinicians in selecting appropriate therapeutic interventions for post-stroke patients, particularly in the early stages of treatment.