Comparison of the efficacy of high-intensity laser therapy and low-level laser therapy in carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized-controlled study.

Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on clinical presentation of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and electroneuromyography (EMG) and ultrasound findings in patients with CTS. Patients and methods: Between June 2020 and March 2021, a total of 114 hands of 63 patients (19 males, 44 females; mean age: 44.9±}9.3 years; range, 22 to 65 years) with electrophysiologically diagnosed mild-to-moderate CTS were included in this prospective, randomized-controlled study. The patients were categorized into three groups by an independent investigator using a stratified randomization/minimization method according to CTS grade and age as follows: control group (n=20), LLLT group (n=22), and HILT group (n=21). Patients in all three groups wore a neutral wrist splint of appropriate size. All groups underwent clinical, electrophysiologic, and ultrasonographic examinations at baseline, at one and three months after the treatment. Results: Following the treatment, statistically significant improvements were observed in electrophysiologic, sonographic, and clinical findings of both the laser groups and control groups (p<0.001). Comparing the treatment efficacy, the laser groups were found to be more effective in the treatment of CTS than the control group (p<0.0167). No statistically significant difference was observed between the LLLT and HILT (p>0.05). Conclusion: The addition of laser treatment significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment. Based on these findings, LLLT and HILT yield comparable results.