An experimental study of low-level laser therapy in rat Achilles tendon injury

The aim of this controlled animal study was to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) administered 30 min after injury to the Achilles tendon. The study animals comprised 16 Sprague Dawley male rats divided in two groups. The right Achilles tendons were injured by blunt trauma using a mini guillotine, and were treated with LLLT or placebo LLLT 30 min later. The injury and LLLT procedures were then repeated 15 hours later on the same tendon. One group received active LLLT (λ = 904 nm, 60 mW mean output power, 0.158 W/cm2 for 50 s, energy 3 J) and the other group received placebo LLLT 23 hours after LLLT. Ultrasonographic images were taken to measure the thickness of the right and left Achilles tendons. Animals were then killed, and all Achilles tendons were tested for ultimate tensile strength (UTS). All analyses were performed by blinded observers. There was a significant increase in tendon thickness in the active LLLT group when compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05) and there were no significant differences between the placebo and uninjured left tendons. There were no significant differences in UTS between laser-treated, placebo-treated and uninjured tendons. Laser irradiation of the Achilles tendon at 0.158 W/cm2 for 50 s (3 J) administered within the first 30 min after blunt trauma, and repeated after 15 h, appears to lead to edema of the tendon measured 23 hours after LLLT. The guillotine blunt trauma model seems suitable for inflicting tendon injury and measuring the effects of treatment on edema by ultrasonography and UTS. More studies are needed to further refine this model

Comparative study using 685-nm and 830-nm lasers in the tissue repair of tenotomized tendons in the mouse

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 685- and 830-nm laser irradiations, at different fluences on the healing process of Achilles tendon (Tendon calcaneo) of mice after tenotomy. Background Data: Some authors have shown that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is able to accelerate the healing process of tendinuos tissue after an injury, increasing fibroblast cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. However, the mechanism by which LLLT acts on healing process is not fully understood. Methods: Forty-eight male mice were divided into six experimental groups: group A, tenomized animals, treated with 685 nm laser, at the dosage of 3 J/cm(2); group B, tenomized animals, treated with 685-nm laser, at the dosage of 10 J/cm(2); group C, tenomized animals, treated with 830-nm laser, at dosage of 3 J/cm(2); group D, tenomized animals, treated with 830-nm laser, at the dosage of 10 J/cm(2); group E, injured control (placebo treatment); and group F, non-injured standard control. Animals were killed on day 13 post-tenotomy, and their tendons were surgically removed for a quantitative analysis using polarization microscopy, with the purpose of measuring collagen fibers organization trough the birefringence (optical retardation [OR]). Results: All treated groups showed higher values of OR when compared to injured control group. The best organization and aggregation of the collagen bundles were shown by the animals of group A (685 run, 3 J/cm(2)), followed by the animals of group C and B, and finally, the animals of group D. Conclusion: All wavelengths and fluences used in this study were efficient at accelerating the healing process of Achilles tendon post-tenotomy, particularly after the 685-nm laser irradiation, at 3 J/cm(2). It suggests the existence of wavelength tissue specificity and dose dependency. Further studies are required to investigate the physiological mechanisms responsible for the effects of laser on tendinuos repair.o TEXTO COMPLETO DESTE ARTIGO, ESTARÁ DISPONÍVEL À PARTIR DE AGOSTO DE 2015.24675475

Análise da eficácia do laser de baixa potência no tratamento da dor tendínea em ratos imunossuprimidos Analysis of low-level laser therapy efficacy on tendon pain treatment in immunosuppressed rats

O comprometimento do sistema imune, que pode ser apresentado por indivíduos com doenças crônicas, leva à baixa resposta imunológica. Um dos tratamentos utilizados para lesões agudas em tendões é o laser de baixa potência, contudo há uma lacuna em relação ao seu uso em imunodepressão. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar se o laser de baixa potência é eficaz para o tratamento da dor em ratos imunodeprimidos submetidos a trauma tendíneo. Foram utilizados 23 ratos, machos, da linhagem Wistar, divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos: grupo controle, placebo e laser. Os animais foram imunodeprimidos (por administração de Ciclosporina A) e submetidos à lesão no tendão calcâneo direito, com impacto de cerca de 0,40 J. Para o tratamento, utilizou-se laser de baixa potência, 670 nm, 30 mW e dose de 2 J/cm², durante 3 dias. A avaliação da dor foi realizada pelo teste de incapacidade funcional e por filamento de Von Frey digital. Os resultados apresentaram valores significativos para o grupo laser, com diminuição de dor funcional e da dor à pressão na superfície plantar e no local lesionado (tendão calcâneo direito). Portanto, concluiu-se que o laser de baixa potência é eficaz para reduzir a dor em ratos imunodeprimidos submetidos a trauma tendíneo.<br>The commitment of immune system, which may be presented by individuals with chronic diseases, leading to a low immune response. One of the treatments used for acute injuries in tendons is the low-power laser, however there is a gap in relation to its use in immunosuppression. The objective of this study was to analyze if low-level laser therapy is effective for the treatment of pain in immunosuppressed rats subjected to trauma tendon. We used 23 male rats of Wistar strain, divided randomly in three groups: control group, placebo and laser. The animals were immunosuppressed (by administration of Cyclosporin A) and underwent right Achilles tendon injury, with impact of about 0.40 J. For treatment, we used low-level laser, 670 nm, 30 mW and 2 J/cm², during 3 days. Pain assessment was performed by the functional incapacitation test and von Frey filament digital. The results showed a reduction of functional pain and pressure pain on the plantar surface and the injured site (right Achilles tendon) for the laser group. Therefore, we concluded that the low-power laser is effective for reducing pain in immunosuppressed rats subjected to trauma tendon