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Effects of helium-neon laser irradiation on skin resistance and pain in patients with trigger points in the neck or back
Snyder-Mackler L, Barry AJ, Perkins AI, Soucek MD
Physical Therapy 1989 May;69(5):336-341
clinical trial
7/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: No; Blind subjects: Yes; Blind therapists: Yes; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

The purpose of this double-blind study was to ascertain the effects of helium-neon (He-Ne) laser irradiation on skin resistance and pain in patients with trigger points in the neck or low back. This study entailed a partial replication of a previous study by Snyder-Mackler and associates that determined the use of the He-Ne laser increased skin resistance overlying a trigger point. Twenty-four patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment or a control group and received three 20-second applications of laser irradiation or placebo 'stimulation', respectively. Pretreatment and posttreatment skin resistance and pain measurements (via visual analog scale) were taken during each session. Results indicated a statistically significant increase in skin resistance (p < 0.001) and a decrease in pain (p < 0.005) following laser treatment. There was not a significant correlation between skin resistance and pain across subjects. These data substantiate the previous findings of Snyder-Mackler and associates and demonstrate a reduction in pain. Helium-neon laser treatment, therefore, may be an effective adjunct to conventional physical therapy of these patients.

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