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Low-level laser therapy combined to functional exercise on treatment of fibromyalgia: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

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Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined to a functional exercise program on treatment of FM. A double-blind and placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial composed of 22 women divided into two groups: placebo group (functional exercise program associated with placebo phototherapy n = 11) and laser group (same exercise program associated with active phototherapy; n = 11). Each session lasted from 40 to 60 min and was performed three times a week for 8 weeks. Phototherapy (808 nm, 100 mW, 4 J, and 142.85 J/cm2 per point) was bilaterally applied to different points of the quadriceps (8), hamstrings (6), and triceps sural muscles (3) immediately after each exercise session. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations regarding pain (sites, intensity, and threshold), functional performance (balance, functional tests), muscle performance (flexibility and isokinetic variables), depression, and quality of life were conducted. A reduction in pain and improvement in functional and muscular performance, depression, and quality of life were observed in both groups (p < 0.05); however, with no significant differences between them (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the benefic effects of functional exercise were not improved by combination with LLLT.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Av. Senador Salgado Filho, 3000 - Campus Universitário - Lagoa Nova, Natal, RN, 59072-970, Brazil

    Daniel Germano Maciel, Marianne Trajano da Silva, José Antônio Rodrigues, João Batista Viana Neto, Ingrid Martins de França, Ana Beatriz Medeiros Melo, Therence Yves Pereira Barros da Silva & Wouber Hérickson de Brito Vieira

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  1. Daniel Germano Maciel
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  2. Marianne Trajano da Silva
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  3. José Antônio Rodrigues
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  4. João Batista Viana Neto
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  5. Ingrid Martins de França
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  6. Ana Beatriz Medeiros Melo
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  7. Therence Yves Pereira Barros da Silva
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  8. Wouber Hérickson de Brito Vieira
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Correspondence to Daniel Germano Maciel.

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The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the UFRN (1.442.759), and all subjects signed a clear and informed consent form at the time of admission to the experiment, according to the resolution of the National Health Council 466/12.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Germano Maciel, D., Trajano da Silva, M., Rodrigues, J.A. et al. Low-level laser therapy combined to functional exercise on treatment of fibromyalgia: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci 33, 1949–1959 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2561-2

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