Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Cyprus Journal of Medical Sciences, cilt.9, sa.2, ss.93-100, 2024 (ESCI)
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this research was to examine the effects of the low-level laser therapy (LLLT) application on pain, emotional state, disability, and range of motion (ROM) in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients diagnosed with MPS and randomly divided into treatment and control groups were included in this study. The study group was given LLLT applications at four points on the upper trapezius, while the control group received placebo LLLT. Pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale, neck ROM using an inclinometer, pain pressure thresholds using an algometer, emotional state using the Beck Depression Inventory, and disability using the Neck Pain and Disability Scale. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by comparing the pre-treatment, post-treatment and first-month results in each group. RESULTS: The mean ages were 40.4±8.58 years in the treatment group and 37.6±8.88 years in the control group. A significant decrease was observed in the treatment group in terms of pain at the end of treatment and at the first month (p=0.040). Similarly, improvement was observed in both groups in terms of emotional state and disability at the conclusion of treatment and at the first month (p=0.492, p=0.497). In terms of neck ROM, marked improvement compared to the control group was only observed in left lateral flexion measurements at the conclusion of treatment and at the first month (p=0.010). Improvements in pain pressure thresholds were significant in both groups (p<0.05).