Photobiomodulation therapy combined with static magnetic field is better than placebo in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Ribeiro, Neide F.; Leal, Ernesto Cesar Pinto Jr; Johnson, Douglas S.; Demchak, Timothy; Machado, Caroline M.; Dias, Luana B.; DE Oliveira, Marcelo F.; Lino, Matheus M.; Rodrigues, Wesley D.; Santo, Jonathan; DE Barros, Carolina N.; Casalechi, Heliodora L.; Da Silva Tomazoni, Shaiane
Journal article, Peer reviewed
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https://hdl.handle.net/11250/3124697Utgivelsesdato
2023Metadata
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Originalversjon
European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. 2023, 59 (6), 754-762. 10.23736/S1973-9087.23.07928-5Sammendrag
BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by generalized chronic pain and tenderness in specific areas. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) using low-level laser therapy and/or light emitting diode therapy is an electrophysical agent that can be used alone or together with a static magnetic field (PBMT-sMF) to promote analgesia in several health conditions. Little evidence exists regarding the effects of using PBMT and PBMT-sMF in patients with fibromyalgia; this evidence is conflicting.
AIM: We aimed to investigate the effects of using PBMT-sMF versus a placebo on reduction of the degree-of-pain rating, impact of fibromyalgia, pain intensity, and satisfaction with treatment in patients with fibromyalgia.
DESIGN: A prospectively registered, monocentric, randomized placebo-controlled trial, with blinding of patients, therapists, and assessors, was performed.
SETTING: The study was conducted at the Laboratory of Phototherapy and Innovative Technologies in Health (LaPIT) in Brazil, between March and October 2020.
POPULATION: Ninety female patients with fibromyalgia were randomized to undergo either PBMT-sMF (N.=45) or placebo (N.=45) treatment.
METHODS: Patients from both groups received nine treatment sessions, three times a week, for 3 weeks. Clinical outcomes were collected at baseline, the end of treatment, and at the follow-up appointment 4 weeks post-treatment. The primary outcome was the degree-of-pain rating, measured by the reduction of the tender point count.
RESULTS: A decrease in the degree-of-pain rating was observed in patients allocated to the PBMT-sMF group, decreasing the number of tender points when compared to placebo group at the end of treatment (P<0.0001) and at the follow-up assessment (P<0.0001). Patients did not report any adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS: PBMT-sMF is superior to placebo, supporting its use in patients with fibromyalgia.
CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: PBMT-sMF might be considered an important adjuvant to the treatment regimens of patients with fibromyalgia.