The effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy in individuals with neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to determine whether high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) was effective in improving pain intensity, cervical range of motion (ROM), functional activity, and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with neck pain.

Data sources: PubMed, PEDro, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to March 26, 2022.

Study selection: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving HILT for neck pain were selected.

Data extraction and data synthesis: Two raters were independent in data extraction. The methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale, and the level of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. RevMan5.4 was used for meta-analysis.

Results: Eight RCTs were included and their PEDro scores were moderate to high. Compared with placebo, HILT was effective in improving pain intensity (SMD 2.12, 95%CI 1.24 to 3.00; moderate quality evidence), cervical flexion (SMD 1.31, 95%CI 0.27 to 2.35; moderate quality evidence), extension (SMD 1.43, 95%CI 0.24 to 2.63; moderate quality evidence), right lateral flexion (SMD 1.36, 95%CI 0.15 to 2.56; low-quality evidence). There was a trend of better outcome in functional activity after HILT (SMD 1.73, 95%CI -0.05 to 3.54; low quality evidence).

Limitations: There was limited information available on QOL.

Conclusion: HILT may be considered as an adjunctive treatment modality for neck pain. There was moderate quality evidence that HILT may improve pain intensity and cervical ROM in individuals with neck pain, but there was low quality evidence that HILT was not effective in improving functional activity.

Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42021254078 CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

Keywords: Laser therapy; Meta-analysis; Neck pain; Rehabilitation; Systematic review.