Low Power Laser and Exercise in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Indroduction: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a painful condition causing disability, weakness and poor quality of live. The results are very consistent about the benefits of laser and exercises to improve pain and function in subjects with knee osteoarthritis Objectives: To investigate the effects of Low Power Laser (LBP) associated with exercise in pain, function, range of motion, muscle strength and quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Forty patients of both sexes aged between 50 and 75 years with knee osteoarthritis (grade 2-4) were randomized into two groups: Laser-LBP-active dose of 3J more exercises and Group Placebo-LBP- placebo and exercise. Were evaluated for pain, function, range of motion, muscle strength and quality of life on three occasions: before starting treatment (evaluation 1), 3 weeks after laser application (evaluation 2) and 8 weeks after completion of exercise (evaluation 3). There were 33 physical therapy sessions three times a week, on March 1 and the laser was applied in the other, only the exercises.