Clinical outcomes of low versus high intensity laser therapy in patients with subacute carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial.
Arif Ali Rana, Ashfaq Ahmad, Siamak Bashardoust Tajali et al.
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In 30 seconds
This single-blinded randomized controlled trial compared high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and sham laser, each alongside physiotherapy, in 69 people with electromyography- and nerve-conduction-confirmed subacute carpal tunnel syndrome. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and week 6. Both active laser groups improved across measured outcomes; HILT showed greater improvement than LLLT on the reported measures. For pain, the reduction was - 4.9 with HILT, - 4.1 with LLLT, and - 2.2 with control (p < 0.001).
Key findings
- At week 6, pain reduction was - 4.9 with HILT, - 4.1 with LLLT, and - 2.2 with control (p < 0.001).
- HILT showed greater improvement than LLLT in BCTQ symptom severity (- 2.2 points) and functional status (- 1.9 points).
- Reported HILT improvements included grip strength (+ 9.9 kg), distal motor latency (- 1.2 ms), sensory nerve conduction velocity (+ 12.3 m/s), and median nerve cross-sectional area (- 3.7 mm²).
- Both HILT and LLLT groups had significant improvements at week 6 (p < 0.001).
Why it matters
The trial provides comparative evidence on two laser approaches used as adjuncts to physiotherapy for subacute carpal tunnel syndrome. Its findings suggest that treatment effects may differ by laser intensity across pain, function, strength, electrophysiological measures, and nerve size. These outcomes may inform evaluation of adjunctive options, while the results apply to the studied population and six-week assessment.
What to keep in mind
The trial was conducted at a single university physiotherapy department, included 69 participants, and assessed outcomes only through week 6.