"The effect of a low-level laser therapy program and therapeutic exercises on patellar tendinitis in men aged 20-30 years"

Abstract

This study aimed to design a rehabilitation program using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with therapeutic exercises for patellar tendonitis in men, and to investigate its effect on pain reduction and restoration of muscle strength in the muscles acting on the knee joint. An experimental approach with a pre–post design for two groups (control and experimental) was used. The study sample consisted of 12 male participants diagnosed with patellar tendonitis, aged 20–30 years, divided equally into control and experimental groups (6 participants each), selected purposively.

The proposed rehabilitation program was applied to the experimental group using low-level laser therapy alongside therapeutic exercises, at a frequency of three sessions per week, with each session lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, for a total of 18 sessions.

Following the study, the results indicated that the proposed therapeutic program— low-level laser therapy and therapeutic exercises-led to a reduction in pain perception: specifically, (from 6.9 to 3.9) during knee flexion, and (from 6.9 to 5.0) during knee extension. Furthermore, the range of motion increased (from 7.08 to 9.42) during knee flexion, and (from 5.92 to 8.5) during knee extension; additionally, knee extensor muscle strength increased (from 3 to 4.2) within the experimental group.