Low level laser therapy in wound healing

This study was devoted to superficial wound healing optimization where researchers observed that the LLLT

Introduction

The entire wound healing process is dependent on the type of the wound, among which, we can differentiate abrasions, burns, incisions and probably the most problematic, ulcers. This study was devoted to superficial wound healing optimization where researchers observed that the LLLT influences collagen synthesis and alters fibroblasts into myofibroblasts which contributes to increased wound contraction.

Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of LLLT in superficial wound healing.

Study description

Research was published in Journal of Athletic Training in 2004. The original title is : Low-Level Laser Therapy Facilitates Superficial Wound Healing in Humans: A Triple-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study.

The study covered 22 volunteers, 13 men and 9 women. All participants were physically active and free from any dysfunctions and medications that may have impact on healing process and immune functions. Volunteers were randomly assigned into two groups – the laser group which was treated with LLLT and the sham group which was undergoing placebo treatments. Also into observation were taken treatment wounds which were divided into treated and untreated. A human experimental wound model consists of two 1,27cm2 circular abrasions which were performed in the central part of the anterior forearm with the use of sandpaper. This model of wound allows for the assessment of partial-thickness abrasions on the same size and depth controlled area. The laser group received 20 treatments (one treatment per day) of 2 minutes duration period with the parameters as follows: laser diode with the wavelength of 820nm surrounded by the superluminous diodes, dose – 8 J/cm2, pulse frequency – 700Hz. The sham group was treated in the same manner with sham unit and identical treatment time. In the period of first 10 days, all participants returned every day for a control and treatment, then they returned on day 20 for a final assessment. Each wound was studied in terms of area, chromatic red and luminance. Researchers observed greater wound contraction in the case of both treated and untreated area in the laser group . Nonetheless there was no difference in chromatic red and luminance factors between groups.

Conclusions

The study confirmed the effectiveness of the LLLT in wound care treatments. It enhances wound healing as well as affects surrounding tissues facilitating their regeneration and remodeling. Increase in fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblasts (directly responsible for granulation tissue contraction) after irradiation was observed, which may prove that it facilitates repair phase of tissue healing and facilitate wound contraction. Indirect healing effect on surrounding tissues may suggest an influence on tissue growth factors released into circulation which may have impact on surrounding tissues or the entire system.

References

J. Ty Hopkins; Todd A. McLodat, Jeff G. Seegmillert, G. David Baxters. Low-Level Laser Therapy Facilitates Superficial Wound Healing in Humans: A Triple-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study. Journal of Athletic Training 2004;39(3):223-229

Abergel RP. Meeker CA, Lam TS, Dwyer RM, Leasovoy MA, Uitto J. Control of connective tissue metabolism by lasers: recent developments and future prospects. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1984;11:1142-1150

Pourreau-Schneider N, Ahmed A, Soudry M, et al. Helium-neon laser treatment transforms fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Am J Pathol. 1990;137:171-178