J Rheumatol
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Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affect a large proportion of the population. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) was introduced as an alternative noninvasive treatment for RA and OA about 10 years ago, but its effectiveness is still controversial. We assessed the effectiveness of LLLT in the treatment of RA and OA. ⋯ LLLT should be considered for short term relief of pain and morning stiffness in RA, particularly since it has few side effects. For OA, the results are conflicting in different studies and may depend on the method of application and other features of the LLLT. Clinicians and researchers should consistently report the characteristics of the LLLT device and the application techniques. New trials on LLLT should make use of standardized, validated outcomes. Despite some positive findings, this metaanalysis lacked data on how effectiveness of LLLT is affected by 4 factors: wavelength, treatment duration of LLLT, dosage, and site of application over nerves instead of joints. There is a need to investigate the effects of these factors on effectiveness of LLLT for RA and OA in randomized controlled clinical trials.
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of pharmacological therapy in osteoarthritis of the hip.
To systematically review all randomized controlled trials (RCT) of pharmacological therapy in osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. To determine which nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) is the most effective, and which NSAID is the most toxic. ⋯ NSAID trials in patients with OA of the hip appear to be weakened by the lack of standardization of case definition of OA, and also by the lack of standardization of outcome assessments. No recommendations for the choice of specific NSAID therapy in hip OA can be offered based on this analysis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Meta Analysis Clinical Trial
The effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and cervical spine. Report of randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trials.
We conducted a randomized, double blind clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and cervical spine. ⋯ PEMF has therapeutic benefit in painful OA of the knee or cervical spine.