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Long-term efficacy of low level laser therapy in women with figromyalgia: a placebo-controlled study
Armagan O, Tascioglu F, Ekim A, Oner C
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation 2006;19(4):135-140
clinical trial
7/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: Yes; Blind therapists: No; 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*

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in fibromyalgia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four fibromyalgia patients were randomly assigned to LLLT (n = 16) and placebo laser groups (n = 16). Outcome measures included number of tender points (NTP), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), morning stiffness, global improvement as reported on a verbal scale (VSGI), and total myalgia score. Clinical evaluations were performed before, immediately after, and six months after the treatment. RESULTS: In the LLLT group, significant improvement was observed in clinical parameters at the end of the treatment (p < 0.01). On the other hand, significant improvements were observed only in the number of tender points and morning stiffness in the placebo group (p < 0.05). In comparing the groups, significant improvements were detected in scores of FIQ, VSGI, and total myalgia in the active laser group (p < 0.05). The clinical evaluations performed after six months demonstrated improvements in the clinical parameters only in the LLLT group (p < 0.05). When the groups were compared with each other, significant improvements were found in the LLLT group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that LLLT has both short- and long-term effectiveness in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

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