The effect of Laser and taping on pain, functional status and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: A placebo- randomized controlled clinical trial
Affiliations: [a] Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey | [b] Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Volga Bayrakci Tunay, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, 06100, Sıhhiye, Ankara, Turkey. Tel.: +90 312 305 1576; Fax: +90 312 305 2012; E-mail:volgatunay@hacettepe.edu.tr
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Conservative treatments have been proved to be effective to
control pain and optimize function in fibromyalgia, however there is need
for scientific evidence to make better clinical application across various
physiotherapy applications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Laser and
taping applications on pain, flexibility, anxiety, depression, functional
status and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. METHODS: Forty-five female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome were included
to the study and randomly allocated into three treatment groups; Laser
(n= 15), placebo Laser (n= 15), and taping applications (n= 15). Visual
analogue scale for pain intensity, trunk flexibility, Fibromyalgia Impact
Questionnaire for functional status, Short Form 36 Questionnaire for quality
of life and health status, and Beck Depression Inventory for anxiety level
were evaluated before and after three weeks interventions. RESULTS: There were decreased pain severity in activity (p= 0.028), anxiety
level (p= 0.01) and improved general health status, quality of life (p= 0.01)
found at Laser group, whereas there were increased trunk flexibility,
flexion (p= 0.03), extension (p= 0.02) found at taping group. After
interventions, there were decreased pain severity for whole groups at night
for Laser group (p= 0.04), placebo Laser group (p= 0.001), taping group (p= 0.01)
and improved functional status found for Laser group (p= 0.001), placebo Laser
group (p= 0.001), taping group (p= 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Kinesiotape application had a similar effect on parameters in
FMS patient, so this method could be preferred instead of Laser application
for rehabilitation program.
Keywords: Fibromyalgia, Laser therapy, quality of life
