Low-level Laser Therapy in Patients With Chronic Fibromyalgia

NCT ID: NCT02948634

Last Updated: 2020-03-03

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: TERMINATED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 28 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2016-10-31
• Study Completion Date: 2019-06-30

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine the use of low level therapeutic laser (LLLT) for its effects on pain, fatigue, and physical function in individuals with fibromyalgia.

Detailed Description

Fifty consenting participants with long-standing fibromyalgia (> 3 mo duration) will be randomized to one of two treatment groups (n=25 per group) according to a computer generated randomization table. Group 1 will be the 'sham' control group and Group 2 will be the 'active' laser treatment group. The study will be conducted in a double-blind fashion using a standard 42 watt Class IV laser which has a switch at the back of the device which allows the laser to operate in the 'inactive' mode despite giving the operator and patients the appearance of being active (e.g., generates skin warmth and a red beam of light). Treatment will be administered three times/week for three weeks. Data will be collected across the 3-week intervention and one week after completion of the intervention. Data will be analyzed with appropriate statistical methods.

The following outcome measures will be collected at baseline: (1)Standardized SF-36 questionnaire; (2) Symptom Impact Questionnaire; (3) current analgesic medication usage; (4) pressure-pain threshold testing over tender points; and (5) spinal range of motion with an inclinometer and accelerometer. Outcome measures (2) and (3) will be re-assessed during the treatment phase at the end of weeks 1, 2 and 3. At 1 week and 1 month after the last laser/sham treatment session, all baseline assessments will be repeated, in addition to a global rating of change scale. Any patient who reports any harm from the laser/sham treatments on the helpfulness scale will be queried for specific harm details.

Conditions

Chronic Pain

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: DOUBLE

Study Groups

Sham Phoenix Laser Treatment

Each participant will receive a series of nine active laser or sham treatments on a M-W-F schedule over the three week treatment period. Sham treatment will be delivered via the same protocol in terms of time, application, and areas of treatment as stated above, except the laser unit will not discharge any photonic energy.

Group Type: SHAM_COMPARATOR

Sham Phoenix Laser Treatment

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Sham treatment will be delivered via the same protocol in terms of time, application, and areas of treatment as stated above, except the laser unit will not discharge any photonic energy. Intervention will take place in the therapy room at the McDermott Center for Pain Management, which is appropriately equipped for laser administration. Application of therapeutic laser will be completed by licensed physical therapists who have completed safety training for therapeutic laser application including appropriate use of safety eyewear, room access, laser signage for laser use, and patient monitoring.

Active Phoenix Laser Treatment

Each participant will receive a series of nine active laser or sham treatments on a M-W-F schedule over the three week treatment period. Participants in the laser treatment group will be treated at 42 watts for up to 60 seconds at tender spots in the spine or extremities. Total treatment time is not to exceed 30 minutes.

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Active Phoenix Laser Treatment

Intervention Type: DEVICE

The 30 min treatments will include multiple 60 sec applications to all tender points on the spine or extremities and a 10 minute application along the bilateral sympathetic ganglion in the paraspinous region. The treatment will be applied via a non-contact method, with the laser applicator held 12-18 inches above the participant's skin.

Interventions

Sham Phoenix Laser Treatment

Sham treatment will be delivered via the same protocol in terms of time, application, and areas of treatment as stated above, except the laser unit will not discharge any photonic energy. Intervention will take place in the therapy room at the McDermott Center for Pain Management, which is appropriately equipped for laser administration. Application of therapeutic laser will be completed by licensed physical therapists who have completed safety training for therapeutic laser application including appropriate use of safety eyewear, room access, laser signage for laser use, and patient monitoring.

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Active Phoenix Laser Treatment

The 30 min treatments will include multiple 60 sec applications to all tender points on the spine or extremities and a 10 minute application along the bilateral sympathetic ganglion in the paraspinous region. The treatment will be applied via a non-contact method, with the laser applicator held 12-18 inches above the participant's skin.

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. 18-80 years old

2. Pre-existing medical conditions are under stable control

3. Diagnosis of fibromyalgia by Widespread Pain Index and Symptom Severity Score

4. Able to wear laser protective eyewear during the treatment session

5. Ability to speak English and complete testing

Exclusion Criteria

1. Presence of another pain syndrome that has anatomical overlapping with fibromyalgia pain

2. Unstable psychiatric disorders or cognitive dysfunction or serious memory impairment

3. Previous treatment with low level laser therapy

4. Contraindication to receiving laser treatments

5. Current use of photosensitive medication (has been instructed to minimize sun exposure)

6. Active metastasis

7. Active infection

8. Impaired sensation

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 80 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Jason Zafereo, PT, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

UT Southwestern

Locations

McDermott Pain Management Clinic

Dallas, Texas, United States

Countries

United States

Provided Documents

Document Type: Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan

View Document

Other Identifiers

STU 072016-079

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id