Wound Healing

Methods in Evaluating the Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) In Wound Healing African Journal of Biomedical Research, Vol. 8 (2005); 1 - 14 ISSN 1119 – 5096 © Ibadan Biomedical Communications Group Available online at http://www.bioline.org.br/md Review Article

Laboratory Methods for Evaluating the Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) In Wound Healing

1HAWKINS, D. AND 1ABRAHAMSE, H.

1Faculty of Health, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2028. Received: December, 2004 Accepted: January, 2005 Abstract The basic tenet of laser therapy is that laser radiation has a wavelength dependent capability to alter cellular behaviour in the absence of significant heating. Low intensity radiation can inhibit as well as stimulate cellular activity. Laser therapy typically involves the delivery of 1-4J/cm 2 to treatments sites with lasers having output powers between 10mW and 90mW. There are two major areas of laser therapy research: the laboratory and the clinic. The laboratory presents the least ambiguous results. Here, although unsupported results do appear, the vast majority of published work finds clear evidence that laser irradiation alters cellular processes in a nonthermal, wavelength-dependent manner. Low energy laser irradiation alters the cellular function by effecting protein synthesis, cell growth and differentiation, cell motility, membrane potential and binding affinities, neurotransmitter release, ATP synthesis and prostaglandin synthesis. Laboratory findings provide scientific rati onale of laser therapy and the effect of laser therapy on cellular processes. This review outlines some of the current methods employed in the laboratory to measure the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on cellular and molecular processes in the cell. This review briefly explains the different structural, cellular and molecular parameters and highlights some of the basic principles and protocols including specialized equipment requirements.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) efficacy in post-operative wounds. Herascu N, Velciu B, Calin M, Savastru D, Talianu C. National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics INOE 2000, 1 Atomistilor St.PO Box MG5, 077125, Magurele-Bucharest, Romania. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to investigate the efficacy of low-level laser radiation (LLLR) with wavelength of 904 nm on the stimulation of the healing process of postoperative aseptic wounds (early scar).

BACKGROUND DATA:

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been increasingly used to treat many disorders, including wounds. However, despite such increased clinical usage, there is still controversy regarding the efficacy of this wound treatment in curent clinical practice.

METHODS:

LLLT has been used to treat cutting plague in the right instep and on the left foot. Both resulted from sutured wounds. The clinical evaluation by semiquantitative methods is presented. RESULTS: Clinical evaluation showed that the healing process of these postoperatively treated wounds has occurred and that the functional recovery of the patients (i.e., return to their ordinary life) was faster than without treatment.

CONCLUSION:

LLLR with wavelength of 904 nm to stimulate postoperative aseptic wounds (early scar) is efficient in both cases of cutting plague. J Clin Laser Med Surg. 2004 Feb;22(1):19-25.