To Study the Efficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy as Compared to Patellofemoral Mobilization along with Knee Strengthening Exercises (Conventional treatment) in Patients with Bilateral Patellofemoral Knee Osteoarthritis- A Randomised Split- Body Design.

Abstract

Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to find out the effects of Low Level Laser Therapy in patients presenting with diagnosis of bilateral patellofemoral knee osteoarthritis. The objective of our research is: To improve functional outcome.

Methodology: A split-body-experimental design was done by random sampling for 4 weeks. A minimum of 20 subjects (i.e., 40 knees) were assigned for the study and low level laser therapy was applied to the right 20 knee (experimental group) and left 20 knee (control group) received conventional treatment in bilateral osteoarthritis, therefore number of knees tested were 20 for low level laser therapy and other 20 will receive conventional treatment

Result: Statistically significant improvement was indicated in respect to all parameters taken in WOMAC scale such as pain, stiffness and physical function. There was also significant decrease in swelling by both conventional and additional low level laser therapy. Improvements in all parameters of the experimental group were more statistically significant when compared to parameters of control group (p <0.05).

Conclusion: This study suggests that there is significant improvement with additional Low Level Laser therapy as well as with conventional treatment in patients with patellofemoral knee osteoarthritis but there is more significant improvement in experimental group in which Low level laser therapy was given along with exercise program. There is decrease in pain, swelling and stiffness. Hence, addition of Low Level laser therapy in patella-femoral knee osteoarthritis is more effective than conventional treatment.

Keywords: Patellofemoral osteoarthritis, Low Level laser therapy, knee joint, isometric strengthening.