PAIN RESPONSE AND FUNCTIONAL IMPROVEMENT UNDER LASER THERAPY IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
D. Munteanu-Covila, E. Russu, L. Groppa | Nicolae Testemitanu State Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
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Background and Aims. Persistent pain in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) contributes to functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Non-pharmacologic interventions such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may offer additional benefits. This study aimed to assess the relationship between pain reduction and functional improvement under LLLT.
Methods. A randomized controlled study included 117 PsA patients receiving LLLT (n=59) or placebo (n=58) for 8 weeks. Pain was assessed using the VAS, and function using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Statistical analysis included correlation, subgroup analysis, and multivariate regression.
Results. LLLT resulted in significant pain reduction compared to placebo (-42 mm vs -15 mm; p<0.0001), accompanied by greater functional improvement (HAQ -0.30 vs. -0.12; p = 0.03). Patients achieving ≥30 mm pain reduction demonstrated significantly greater functional gains (HAQ -0.42 vs -0.18; p=0.01), indicating a dose-response relationship. Pain reduction correlated with functional improvement (ρ=0.52; p=0.001), suggesting a strong mechanistic link. Multivariate analysis identified pain reduction (β=0.44; p=0.001) as the strongest predictor of functional improvement (R²=0.47), independent of baseline disease activity.
Conclusions. Low-level laser therapy-induced pain reduction is strongly associated with functional improvement in PsA. These findings support its integration into multimodal pain management strategies.
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