International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access

The use of low intensity laser therapy in peripheral nerve regeneration: An updated critical review

3^rd International Conference and Exhibition on Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

May 18-20, 2015 San Antonio, USA

Abdullah M Al-Shenqiti1 and Jacqueline A Oldham2

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Int J Phys Med Rehabil

Abstract :

Objectives: This review describes the possible factors that may have contributed to the variability of the results between studies that have assessed the effects of Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) on peripheral nerve regeneration. Furthermore, it aims to make recommendations to overcome the methodological shortcomings identified. Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature using �??peripheral nerve injury�??, �??laser therapy�??, �??phototherapy�??, �??nerve repair�?? and �??nerve regeneration�?? was conducted via Medline, Embase, Cinahl and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register followed by a hand search. In vitro, in vivo experimental studies and clinical trials were included. Results: 25 studies were critically reviewed and showed considerable variability in irradiation parameters, techniques, approaches, length of irradiation courses, experimental injury tools and procedures. Discussion: Many studies that have investigated the use of LILT in nerve regeneration produce positive results. However, the majority of these studies suffered from a number of shortcomings: No evidence of blinding and/or randomizing procedures, lack of specification of irradiation parameters, unspecified and/or inadequate tests in their experimental injury procedures, inappropriate irradiation parameters and/or poor experimental conditions. Conclusions: The results of the studies that investigated the use of LILT in nerve regeneration were variable. This was probably due to different irradiation parameters, techniques, approaches, length of irradiation courses and experimental injury procedures.

Biography :

Abdullah Al-Shenqiti received his PhD from University of Manchester 2002, and his research had got FDA approval (2005) for the use of Low intensity laser therapy in the treatment of trigger points that are associated rotator cuff tendoinitis. He was also the director of Medical Rehabilitation Hospital in Madinah city, Saudi Arabia (2005-2012). Dr. Al-Shenqiti is currently a dean for the faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Science, and assistant professor in the School of Physical Therapy in University of Taibah, Madinah city in Saudi Arabia. He is also president of Saudi Physical Therapy Association (Western region branch).