REVOLUTIONIZING FIBROMYALGIA TREATMENT: EXPLORING THE EFFICACY OF A NEW FDA CLEARED PHOTOCEUTICAL DEVICE
Abstract: 1827
Authors: Demchak T et al.
Key content:
Fibromyalgia syndrome affects 2-8% of the general population. Current treatments are only effective in a minority of patients. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a low-level laser therapy that utilizes non-ionizing forms of light that can be used alone or associated to static magnetic field (PBMT-sMF) to promote analgesia in several health conditions.
A randomized placebo-controlled trial, with blinded patients, therapists, and assessors was performed. 90 female (age= 46 years) patients that met ACR FM diagnostic criteria were randomized into either PBMT-sMF (n=45) or placebo (n=45) groups. Patients from both groups received 9 treatment sessions, 3 times a week, for 3 weeks. PBMT-sMF treatment consisted of 60 J per active tender point during each session, Placebo treatment was 0 J per active tender point. Outcome measures included Tender Point Count (TCP); Impact of FM on their life using Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ); and Pain Intensity (PI) measured with a 0-100 Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
PBMT-sMF group reported lower TCP ((p< 0.0001), FIQ score (p< 0.01), and Pain intensity (p< 0.0001) than placebo post treatment. The lower outcomes remained at the 4-week follow-up. TCP decreased 52% in the PBMT-sMF group versus 18% in Placebo. Additionally, PBMT-sMF group FIQ and Pain intensity decreased 45% and 53%, respectively. Placebo FIQ and Pain intensity on decreased 27% and 18%, respectively.
Relevance:
PBMT-sMF is significant superior to placebo in decreasing TPC, improving function (decreased FIQ) and overall pain intensity. This study supports using PBMT-sMF to treat patients with fibromyalgia. PBMT-sMF might be considered an important adjuvant to the treatment of patients with Fibromyalgia. But studies with examining the long-term effect and the ideal dose and dosing interval need to be done.
