Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The use of LED therapy to treat synovial joints disorders: scoping review

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Lasers in Medical Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The aim of this scoping review was to assess the extent of the literature on the use of LED therapy to treat synovial joint disorders. The JBI methodology for scoping reviews was followed. The databases used were PUBMED, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, PEDro, Cochrane Database, Google Scholar and ProQuest. To be included, studies should have used LED as therapy, and include at least one measure related to the structures of any synovial joint. The search strategy included all keywords and indexed terms identified in the articles. Studies in any language and in any year, whether published or not, were included. The analysis of the studies was carried out by two independent reviewers. Data were extracted from articles using a data extraction tool developed by the reviewers. After carrying out the definitive search and selection, 47 publications were included: 15 clinical trials, 8 clinical protocols, 12 animal studies, 4 in vitro studies and 8 reviews on the topic. Studies have shown great variability from the device and number of diodes used, to the parameters and dosimetry chosen. Some positive effects were observed: on cell proliferation (in vitro); on anti-inflammatory biomarkers (murine models) and on pain scale (clinical trials — TMD). Although, the cause of non-significant results in clinical trials was rarely discussed: depth of penetration, dosimetry, follow-up time? Thus, future studies should focus on answering more elementary aspects about the LED effect when used alone in different synovial joints.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Wong R, Davis A, Badley E et al (2010) Prevalence of arthritis and rheumatic diseases around the world: a growing burden and implications for health care needs. Model Care Arthritis, Bone Jt Dis (MOCA) 2010-07/002

  2. Franco-Micheloni A, Fernandes G, Gonçalves D, Camparis C (2015) Temporomandibular disorders in a young adolescent brazilian population: epidemiologic characterization and associated factors. J Oral Facial Pain Headache 29:242–249. https://doi.org/10.11607/ofph.1262

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Pacifici M, Koyama E, Shibukawa Y et al (2006) Cellular and molecular mechanisms of synovial joint and articular cartilage formation. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1068:74–86. https://doi.org/10.1196/annals.1346.010

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  4. Lee SJ, Atala A, Yoo JJ (2016) In situ tissue regeneration: host cell recruitment and biomaterial design. Elsevier, Amsterdan

  5. Khan IM, Redman SN, Williams R et al (2007) The development of synovial joints. Curr Top Dev Biol 79:1–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0070-2153(06)79001-9

  6. Tanaka Y (2020) Rheumatoid arthritis Inflamm Regen 40:20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41232-020-00133-8

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Akram M, Daniyal M, Sultana S et al (2021) Traditional and modern management strategies for rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Chim Acta 512:142–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cca.2020.11.003

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Herrera-Valencia A, Ruiz-Muñoz M, Martin-Martin J et al (2020) Efficacy of manual therapy in temporomandibular joint disorders and its medium-and long-term effects on pain and maximum mouth opening: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Med 9:3404. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9113404

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. Lindler BN, Long KE, Taylor NA, Lei W (2020) Use of herbal medications for treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Medicines 7:67. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7110067

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. Chou P-C, Chu H-Y (2018) Clinical efficacy of acupuncture on rheumatoid arthritis and associated mechanisms: a systemic review. Evidence-Based Complement Altern Med 2018:1–21. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/8596918

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Shen B, Sun Q, Chen H et al (2019) Effects of moxibustion on pain behaviors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Medicine (Baltimore) 98:e16413. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000016413

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. de Faria Coelho C, Leal-Junior ECP, Biasotto-Gonzalez DA et al (2014) Effectiveness of phototherapy incorporated into an exercise program for osteoarthritis of the knee: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 15:221. https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-15-221

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Tunér J, Hosseinpour S, Fekrazad R (2019) Photobiomodulation in temporomandibular disorders. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, Laser Surg 37:826–836. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2019.4705

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Hamblin MR (2017) Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys 4:337–361. https://doi.org/10.3934/biophy.2017.3.337

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Jang H, Lee H (2012) Meta-analysis of pain relief effects by laser irradiation on joint areas. Photomed Laser Surg 30:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2012.3240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Welch AJ, Torres JH, Cheong WF (1989) Laser physics and laser-tissue interaction. Texas Hear Inst J 16:141–149

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Chung H, Dai T, Sharma SK et al (2012) The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Ann Biomed Eng 40:516–533. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10439-011-0454-7

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Heiskanen V, Hamblin MR (2018) Photobiomodulation: lasers vs. light emitting diodes? Photochem Photobiol Sci 17:1003–1017. https://doi.org/10.1039/C8PP00176F

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. Nambi G (2020) Does low level laser therapy has effects on inflammatory biomarkers IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-13 in osteoarthritis of rat models—a systemic review and meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-020-03124-w

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Oshima Y, Coutts RD, Badlani NM et al (2011) Effect of light-emitting diode (LED) therapy on the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in a rabbit model. Biomed Pharmacother 65:224–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2011.02.011

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Fekrazad R, Asefi S, Allahdadi M, Kalhori KAM (2016) Effect of photobiomodulation on mesenchymal stem cells. Photomed Laser Surg 34:533–542. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2015.4029

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Balbinot G, Schuch CP, do Nascimento PS et al (2019) Photobiomodulation therapy partially restores cartilage integrity and reduces chronic pain behavior in a rat model of osteoarthritis: involvement of spinal glial modulation. Cartilage 1947603519876338. https://doi.org/10.1177/1947603519876338

  23. Hamblin MR (2013) Can osteoarthritis be treated with light? Arthritis Res Ther 15:120. https://doi.org/10.1186/ar4354

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  24. Kuboyama N, Ohta M, Sato Y, Abiko Y (2014) Anti-inflammatory activities of light emitting diode irradiation on collagen-induced arthritis in mice (a secondary publication). Laser Ther 23:191–199. https://doi.org/10.5978/islsm.14-OR-15

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  25. Herpich CM, Leal-Junior ECP, Politti F et al (2020) Intraoral photobiomodulation diminishes pain and improves functioning in women with temporomandibular disorder: a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci 35:439–445. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-019-02841-1

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. de Freitas LF, Hamblin MR (2016) Proposed mechanisms of photobiomodulation or low-level light therapy. IEEE J Sel Top Quantum Electron 22:348–364. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSTQE.2016.2561201

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Xavier M, David DR, de Souza RA et al (2010) Anti-inflammatory effects of low-level light emitting diode therapy on achilles tendinitis in rats. Lasers Surg Med 42:553–558. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.20896

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Peters MDJ, Godfrey C, McInerney P, Munn Z, Tricco AC, Khalil H (2020) Chapter 11: scoping reviews (2020 version). In: Aromataris E, Munn Z (eds) JBI manual for evidence synthesis, JBI. Available from https://synthesismanual.jbi.global. https://doi.org/10.46658/JBIMES-20-12

  29. Page M, Moher D, Bossuyt P et al (2021) PRISMA 2020 explanation and elaboration: updated guidance and exemplars for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 372:n160. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n160

  30. Jadad AR, Moore RA, Carroll D et al (1996) Assessing the quality of reports of randomized clinical trials: is blinding necessary? Control Clin Trials 17:1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/0197-2456(95)00134-4

  31. Meng C, Xia Q, Wu H et al (2020) Photobiomodulation with 630-nm LED radiation inhibits the proliferation of human synoviocyte MH7A cells possibly via TRPV4/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Lasers Med Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-020-02977-5

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Neupane J, Ghimire S, Shakya S et al (2010) Effect of light emitting diodes in the photodynamic therapy of rheumatoid arthritis. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 7:44–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2009.12.006

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Seo Y-K, Park J-K, Song C, Kwon S-Y (2014) Comparison of light-emitting diode wavelength on activity and migration of rabbit ACL cells. Lasers Med Sci 29:245–255. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-013-1322-5

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Zeng C, Guo Z, Zhang F et al (2007) Effect of LED irradiation on the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 in SW1353 cells in vitro. In: Proceedings volume 6534, Fifth International Conference on Photonics and Imaging in Biology and Medicine; 653423. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.741625

  35. Carlos FP (2011) Estudo da fototerapia de baixa potência no modelo de inflamação aguda induzida no joelho de ratos. Dissertation, Universidade Nove de Julho

  36. Castro ICV de (2014) Avaliação da utilização das fototerapias Laser (λ 780 nm) e LED (λ 850 ± 10 nm) no processo inflamatório induzido por carragenina na articulação temporomandibular de rato. Thesis, Universidade Federal da Bahia

  37. Kuboyama N, Abiko Y (2012) Reduction of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in rheumatoid arthritis rat joints with light-emitting diode phototherapy. Laser Ther 21:177–181. https://doi.org/10.5978/islsm.12-OR08

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  38. Martins DF, Turnes BL, Cidral-Filho FJ et al (2016) Light-emitting diode therapy reduces persistent inflammatory pain: role of interleucin 10 and antioxidant enzymes. Neuroscience 324:485–495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.035

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Trevisan ES, Martignago CCS, Assis L et al (2020) Effectiveness of LED photobiomodulation therapy on treatment with knee osteoarthritis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 99:725–732. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000001408

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Chen F (2015) Effects of 670 nm and 830 nm light on the immune response to Borrelia burgdorferi. The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

    Google Scholar 

  41. de Castro IC V, Rosa CB, Carvalho CM et al (2015) Assessment of LED (λ 850 ± 10 nm) phototherapy in the inflammatory process of rat’s TMJ induced by carrageenan. In: Proceedings volume 9309, mechanisms for low-light therapy X; 93090J. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2079089

  42. de Castro ICV, Rosa CB, Carvalho CM et al (2015) Assessment of different energy delivery settings in laser and LED phototherapies in the inflammatory process of rat’s TMJ induced by carrageenan. Lasers Med Sci 30:2105–2113. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-015-1748-z

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. El-Bialy T, Alhadlaq A, Felemban N et al (2015) The effect of light-emitting diode and laser on mandibular growth in rats. Angle Orthod 85:233–238. https://doi.org/10.2319/030914-170.1

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Morais NCR, Barbosa AM, Vale ML et al (2010) Anti-inflammatory effect of low-level laser and light-emitting diode in zymosan-induced arthritis. Photomed Laser Surg 28:227–232. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2008.2422

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Biasotto-Gonzalez DA (2016) Photobiomodulation in the masseter and temporal in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03005730

  46. Bussadori SK (2018) Photobiomodulation with red and infrared LED device for temporomandibular dysfunction. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03696706

  47. Gomes CAF de P (2020) Incorporation of photobiomodulation therapy in an exercise program with blood flow restriction for knee osteoarthritis. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04247893

  48. Langella LG, Silva PFC, Costa-Santos L et al (2018) Photobiomodulation versus light-emitting diode (LED) therapy in the treatment of temporomandibular disorder: study protocol for a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Trials 19:71. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-018-2444-7

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  49. Paolillo FR (2013) Analgesic effects of LED light on temporomandibular disorders. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01873937

  50. de Sousa DFM, Gonçalves MLL, Politti F et al (2019) Photobiomodulation with simultaneous use of red and infrared light emitting diodes in the treatment of temporomandibular disorder. Medicine (Baltimore) 98:e14391. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000014391

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Weber E, Aguirre M, Ribeiro-Dasilva M (2020) Photobiomodulation for the management of temporomandibular disorder pain. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04415281

  52. Costa DR, Costa DR, Pessoa DR et al (2017) Efeito da terapia LED na disfunção temporomandibular: estudo de caso / Effect of LED therapy on temporomandibular disorder: a case study. Sci Med (Porto Alegre) 27:ID25872. https://doi.org/10.15448/1980-6108.2017.2.25872

  53. Dincher ME, Carroll JD (2012) LLLT four step treatment method for pain reduction in temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 9:S16

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Foley J, Vasily DB, Bradle J et al (2016) 830 nm light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy significantly reduced return-to-play in injured university athletes: a pilot study. Laser Ther 25:35–42. https://doi.org/10.5978/islsm.16-OR-03

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  55. Gavish L, Spizer E, Friedman I et al (2020) Photobiomodulation in addition to physiotherapy for overuse anterior knee pain in combat soldiers: a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci 35:284

    Google Scholar 

  56. Goats GC, Hunter JA, Flett E, Stirling A (1996) Low intensity laser and phototherapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Physiotherapy 82:311–320

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. de Paula Gomes CAF, Leal-Junior ECP, Dibai-Filho AV et al (2018) Incorporation of photobiomodulation therapy into a therapeutic exercise program for knee osteoarthritis: a placebo-controlled, randomized, clinical trial. Lasers Surg Med 50:819–828. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22939

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Herpich CM (2018) Aplicação da fotobiomodulação no controle da dor em mulheres com disfunção temporomandibular: ensaio clínico randomizado e duplo-cego. Thesis, Universidade Nove de Julho

  59. Herpich CM, Leal-Junior ECP, de Paula Gomes CAF et al (2018) Immediate and short-term effects of phototherapy on pain, muscle activity, and joint mobility in women with temporomandibular disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Disabil Rehabil 40:2318–2324. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2017.1336648

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Johnson S, Bulkow B (2005) Treatment of arthritic knee pain using photo-therapy: a case study. J Geriatr Phys Ther 28:118–119. https://doi.org/10.1519/00139143-200512000-00035

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Kelemetova AH, Savin AA, Pshenichnikova VV et al (2016) Photomatrix LED therapy in patients with post-stroke arthropathy of the shoulder joint. Zhurnal Nevrol i psikhiatrii Im SS Korsakova 116:20. https://doi.org/10.17116/jnevro20161166120-24

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Leal-Junior ECP, Johnson DS, Saltmarche A, Demchak T (2014) Adjunctive use of combination of super-pulsed laser and light-emitting diodes phototherapy on nonspecific knee pain: double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci 29:1839–1847. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-014-1592-6

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Panhoca VH, de Fatima Zanirato Lizarelli R, Nunez SC et al (2015) Comparative clinical study of light analgesic effect on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) using red and infrared led therapy. Lasers Med Sci 30:815–822. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-013-1444-9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Pinheiro ALB, Marques AMC, Carvalho CM et al (2013) Influence of wavelength on the outcome of the treatment of TMJ disorders: TMDS. In: Proceedings volume 8569. Mechanisms for low-light therapy VIII: 85690J. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2002576

  65. de Moraes Priante B, Novello GF, de Souza Moreira Prianti T et al (2018) Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of led (λ627 ± 10 nm) on the initial phase of ankle sprain treatment: a randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci 33:1031–1038. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2460-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  66. Ailioaie LM, Litscher G (2020) Molecular and cellular mechanisms of arthritis in children and adults: new perspectives on applied photobiomodulation. Int J Mol Sci 21:6565. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21186565

    Article  CAS  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  67. Liu TC, Liu R, Zhu L et al (2009) Homeostatic photobiomodulation. Front Optoelectron China 2:1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12200-009-0010-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  68. Bridges M, Hilliard J, Chui K (2020) Effects of light therapy on osteoarthritis and its sequelae in aging and older adults. Top Geriatr Rehabil 36:11–37. https://doi.org/10.1097/TGR.0000000000000251

    Article  Google Scholar 

  69. Gavish L, Houreld NN (2018) Therapeutic efficacy of home-use photobiomodulation devices: a systematic literature review. Photomed Laser Surg 37:4–16. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2018.4512

    Article  Google Scholar 

  70. Khorsandi K, Hosseinzadeh R, Abrahamse H, Fekrazad R (2020) Biological responses of stem cells to photobiomodulation therapy. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 15:400–413. https://doi.org/10.2174/1574888X15666200204123722

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Martins DF, Turnes BL, Cidral-Filho FJ et al (2016) Light-emitting diode therapy reduces persistent inflammatory pain: role of interleukin 10 and antioxidant enzymes. Neuroscience 324:485–495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.035

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Western Parana State University, Universidade Estadual Do Oeste Do Paraná - UNIOESTE), University Street, 1619, Cascavel, PR, CEP: 85819-110, Brazil

    Camila Amaral Coracini, Francyelle dos Santos Soares & Gladson Ricardo Flor Bertolini

Authors
  1. Camila Amaral Coracini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Francyelle dos Santos Soares
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Gladson Ricardo Flor Bertolini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gladson Ricardo Flor Bertolini.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary file1 (DOCX 24 KB)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Coracini, C.A., dos Santos Soares, F. & Bertolini, G.R.F. The use of LED therapy to treat synovial joints disorders: scoping review. Lasers Med Sci 37, 701–721 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-021-03372-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-021-03372-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation