Effect of low-level laser therapy on fracture healing in rabbits.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on radial bone fracture gap healing in a rabbit model. MATERIALS SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty male white New Zealand rabbits under general anesthesia had a 3mm slice of radial bone surgically removed. Fifteen rabbits were treated by 830 nm laser at 4 J/cm2 and 15 were used as non-treated controls. Callus development was assessed by X-ray and radiographs every 7 days for 3 weeks. RESULTS: Significant radiologic changes were observed in both groups against time (P > 0.001) or from week to week (P > 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference in radiologic scores after week 2 (P = 0.087) or week 3 (P = 0.077) between control and laser treated bone. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that in this study, laser treatment did not enhance callus formation nor reduce repair time of complete fracture of the radius in rabbits.

Association between spasticity and the level of motor function with quality of life in community dwelling Iranian young adults with spastic cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Consequences of cerebral palsy in adulthood can affect physical, psychological capabilities and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between quality of life with spasticity and level of motor function in Iranian young adults with spastic cerebral palsy who were community dweller. METHODS: In an analytical cross sectional study, 77 participants with spastic cerebral palsy (44 women, 33 men) with age range of 20 to 40 years; (mean age 26.19±5 yr) took part in this study. They were enrolled from three Raad Rehabilitation Goodwill complexes in Tehran and Karaj cities. All subjects were recruited through convenient sampling. Severity of Spasticity for knee flexors was measured with Modified Tardieu Scale. In addition, the level of motor function, and quality of life were assessed respectively through Gross Motor Function Classification System and World Health Organization Quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL- BREF). To analyze data, Pearson and spearman correlation coefficient was used. RESULTS: No correlation found between quality of life with knee flexor muscles spasticity and level of motor function (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: Quality of life as a multi dimensional concept has been impacted by many factors such as physical status, environmental issues and culture. Possibly, severity of spasticity and level of function have a less pronounced effect on quality of life in community dwelling adults with cerebral palsy.