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Effects of photobiomodulation on experimental models of peripheral nerve injury

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Abstract

Phototherapy has demonstrated positive effects in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury, but there is a need to investigate the dosimetric parameters. Thus, the aim of the present study was to conduct a literature review on the effects of photobiomodulation with the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the treatment of peripheral nerve injury in experimental models. The databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and SPIE Digital Library were searched for articles on the use of LLLT in experimental models of peripheral nerve injury published in English between January 2007 and March 2016. The laser parameter variability was wavelength (632.8 to 980 nm), power (10 to 190 mW), and total energy (0.15 to 90 J) in pulsed or continuous wave and single or multiple points. Eighteen original articles demonstrating the effects of LLLT on the acceleration of functional recovery, morphological aspects as well as the modulation of the expression inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors were selected. LLLT is a viable phototherapeutic modality for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury, demonstrating positive effects on the neuromuscular repair process using either red or infrared light. The majority of studies used a power of up to 50 mW and total energy of up to 15 J administered to multiple points. The determination of these parameters is important to the standardization of a LLLT protocol to enhance the regeneration process following a peripheral nerve injury.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, University Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 349, São Paulo, SP, CEP 01504001, Brazil

    L. Andreo, S. K. Bussadori, K. P. S. Fernandes & R. A. Mesquita-Ferrari

  2. Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Science, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    C. B. Soldera, B. G. Ribeiro, S. K. Bussadori & R. A. Mesquita-Ferrari

  3. Undergraduate Program in Physical Therapy, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    P. R. V. de Matos

Authors
  1. L. Andreo
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  2. C. B. Soldera
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  3. B. G. Ribeiro
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  4. P. R. V. de Matos
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  5. S. K. Bussadori
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  6. K. P. S. Fernandes
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  7. R. A. Mesquita-Ferrari
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Correspondence to R. A. Mesquita-Ferrari.

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This study received approval from the Ethics Committee on Animal Experimentation of Universidade Nove de Julho under process 2/2016.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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The informed consent was not necessary for this study.

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Andreo, L., Soldera, C.B., Ribeiro, B.G. et al. Effects of photobiomodulation on experimental models of peripheral nerve injury. Lasers Med Sci 32, 2155–2165 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-017-2359-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-017-2359-7

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