Effect of low-level laser therapy on blood flow and oxygen- hemoglobin saturation of the foot skin in healthy subjects: A pilot study

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Franziska Heu - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Clemens Forster - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Barbara Namer - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Adrian Dragu - , University Center for Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Werner Lang - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)

Abstract

Background and aims: This study on healthy test subjects intends to show whether one-off Low- Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has an instant effect on the perfusion or the oxygenation of the skin tissue. These possible instant effects may have an influence on the accelerated wound healing which is often observed after application of LLLT, in addition to the usual postulated effects of LLLT which occur with a time delay normally. Study design/materials and methods: The study was carried out double-blind and placebo-controlled in two batches of testing. The test subjects received one-off LLLT on a defined area of the arch of the foot. Simultaneously a placebo treatment was carried out on the corresponding contralateral area. In the first batch of tests, the blood flow was measured immediately before and after treatment using thermography and LDI. In the second batch of tests, the blood flow and the oxygen saturation were determined immediately before and after the treatment using an O2C device. Results: No evidence that the LLLT has a significant instant effect on the circulation or the oxygen saturation could be found. Conclusion: No immediate effect of an LLLT on the perfusion or oxygenation situation is to be expected with physiologically normal starting conditions. An additional investigation should be carried out in which either the radiation dose is varied or the starting conditions are pathological (e.g. chronic wounds) in order to rule out immediate effects on circulation or oxygen saturation as the cause of the improved wound healing which is often observed.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21-30
Number of pages10
JournalLaser therapy : an international journal of low level laser therapy and photobioactivation
Volume22
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0003-4633-2695/work/145698704

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Laser-doppler flowmetry, Low-power laser therapy, Oximetry, Oxygen to see, Perfusion