Efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy versus ultrasound therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.
Lasers Med SciSep 8, 2026 (epub)
Chantanee Ninlerd, Nithithorn Benjakulsap, Chutikarn Amornsupak et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) versus ultrasound therapy (US) as adjuncts to exercise in 66 adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The study found that HILT resulted in a mean WOMAC score reduction of 40.0 points compared to 8.2 points for US, with a significant adjusted between-group difference of -27.7 points (p < 0.001).
Key findings
- HILT group achieved a mean WOMAC reduction of 40.0 points compared to 8.2 points in the US group.
- The adjusted between-group difference in WOMAC scores was -27.7 points (95% CI: -39.0 to -16.5).
- Greater improvements in secondary outcomes were observed in the HILT group (p ≤ 0.012).
- HILT maintained therapeutic effects up to 12 weeks post-treatment, unlike US.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that HILT may provide superior short-term benefits for patients with knee osteoarthritis compared to ultrasound therapy, potentially influencing treatment choices in rehabilitation settings.