Low Level Laser Therapy On Motor Recovery Among Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Given the extensive literature on low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on motor recovery among patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) of any gender and any species, a systematic review was undertaken to summarize the effectiveness of LLLT on motor functions after incomplete SCI. 
Materials and Methods: A search of Google Scholar, PubMed, and Elsevier was conducted to identify any scholarly papers mentioning the keywords “spinal cord damage,” “motor function testing,” and “low level laser treatment” published between January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2022. Of the 2,300 unique articles identified, only 19 met all inclusion criteria. Articles most relevant to the purposes of the study then were selected and studied. 
Result: Evidence supports the effectiveness of LLLT in improving the quality of life and self-reliance in everyday activities of patients with SCI. 
Conclusion: Rehabilitation after SCI is complex. Current therapeutic approaches may not promote functional recovery. To provide a favorable environment for the activation of neuroplastic processes, it is essential to control the initial inflammatory process and to restrict tissue loss. LLLT, which has stimulatory effects on biological tissues, may be useful in this setting. Yet, despite numerous studies investigating LLLT in patients with SCI, their long-term motor impairment remains largely unknown, and little is known about LLLT’s effects on SCI. Further investigations are needed to investigate these longer-term effects of LLLT in SCI.