The effects of transcranial laser photobiomodulation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the treatment of post-stroke dysfunctions.

Post-stroke sequelae includes loss functions, such as cognitive and sensory-motor which lead to emotional and social problems, reducing quality of life and well-being. The main aim of our study was to investigate the effects of transcranial laser photobiomodulation together with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in post-stroke patients. We performed a clinical trial and an ex vivo study. For the clinical trial, hemiplegic patients were separated into two groups: Treated Group (TG): Hemiplegics treated with transcranial laser (on) associated with NMES (on) and; Placebo Group (PG): Hemiplegics treated with placebo transcranial laser (off) associated with NMES (on). The cluster prototype includes 12 diode laser beams (4 × 660 nm, 4 × 808 nm and 4 × 980 nm) with average power of 720 mW per cluster applied during one minute, leading to 43.2 J energy per cluster. Fifteen regions for all head were irradiated by cluster, leading to 648 J energy per session. The parameters of NMES of the paretic limbs to generate extension wrist and ankle dorsiflexion were symmetrical biphasic rectangular waveforms, 50 Hz frequency, 250 µs pulse duration, and adjustable intensity to maintain the maximum range of motion (amplitude between 0 and 150 mA). Our clinical trial showed improvement of cognitive function, pain relief, greater manual dexterity, enhancement of physical and social-emotional health which lead to better quality of life and well-being. There was also increased temperature in the treated regions with laser and NMES. For the ex vivo study, the distribution of infrared and red radiation after penetration through the cranium and hemihead of cadavers were showed. Therefore, transcranial laser photobiomodulation associated with NMES can be an important therapeutic resource for rehabilitation after stroke.

Photobiomodulation and photodynamic therapy applied after electrocauterization for skin healing optimization in rats.

Photobiomodulation-PBM and Photodynamic Therapy-PDT have been used to induce healing. However, the effects of these therapies on skin-lesions induced by electrocautery are unknown, aiming at more favorable clinical and esthetic results. Electrocauterization was done in 78-female Wistar-rats using a system that includes an electrocautery and red-LED. The groups were: No injury, Injury, Injury + ALA (topical 5-aminolevulinic acid application), Injury + LED and Injury + ALA + LED (topical ALA application followed by photoactivation with LED). After 2nd, 7th and 14th days post-injury, immuno-histomorphometric analyses (inflammatory infiltrate, blood vessels, fibroblasts, eschar/epidermal thickness, IL-10 and VEGF) and biochemical assays of MPO (neutrophil), NAG (macrophage), nitrite, DCF (H2 O2 ), carbonyl (membrane's damage), sulfhydryl (membrane's integrity), SOD, GSH, hydroxyproline and re-epithelialization area were performed. The Injury + LED and Injury + ALA + LED groups controlled inflammation and oxidative stress, favoring angiogenesis, fibroblasts proliferation and collagen formation. Therefore, the PBM or PDT was effective in tissue formation with thinner eschar and epidermis, resulting in less scarring after electrocauterization.

Synergic effects of ultrasound and laser therapies on mesentery for management of obesity and diabetes in rats.

Nowadays, the mesentery as a new organ was discovered. Mesenteric events may play an important role in the pathophysiology of several diseases. The aim of our study was investigate the synergic effects of ultrasound (US) and laser therapies on mesentery in obese-hyperglycemic rats. The 25 male Wistar rats were randomized into five groups. Obese nondiabetic (OND) group: obese rats without diabetes and no treatment conditions; SHAM group: obese-hyperglycemic rats treated with placebo; US group: obese-hyperglycemic rats treated with US; LASER group: obese-hyperglycemic rats treated with laser and; US+LASER group: obese-hyperglycemic rats treated with US plus laser. An animal model of type 2 diabetes based on a hyperlipidemic diet combined with a low dose of streptozotocin was used in this study. Body mass and biochemical measurements were performed. GOT and GPT level showed a significant reduction in the treated groups than SHAM. The total cholesterol, triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels showed significantly lower values for the US+LASER group. There was also reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases evidenced by Castelli index in the treated groups than SHAM. This study showed that the US and laser treatment on mesentery resulted to an improvement in biochemical measurements of the obese-hyperglycemic rats, especially the total cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL levels.

Effects of the infrared laser on classical ballerinas' feet: Analysis of plantar foot and static balance.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Overuse injuries and painful symptoms in athletes and dancers (especially classical ballerinas) may lead to reduced functional performance. However, laser application may reduce pain and increase physical conditioning. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term effects of infrared laser on classical ballerinas' feet. METHODS: Eight female adults who perform classical ballet training and feel pain in their foot, but report no injuries in the last 6 months participated in the study. Infrared laser (808 nm) was applied on ballerina's feet twice a week during three months. The laser parameters utilized were 100 mW average optical power and spot size of 0.04 cm2 applied during 1 min, leading to 6 J and 125 J/cm2 per point. Thermography, algometry and unipodal static standing balance test were performed. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in plantar arch temperature (1.6 °C for center and 2.3 °C for border, p < 0.05) immediately after laser treatment for all ballerinas. The pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were significantly increased for 5 of 7 analyzed sites (p < 0.05). Regarding to the static standing balance, the time on one-foot showed a significant increases (from 23 ± 12 s to 34 ± 13 s, p < 0.05) only when the test was performed on the left foot (support foot). CONCLUSION: Then, there were pain relief and improvement of functional performance in ballerinas. The possible mechanism of laser action in reducing pain and thus enhancing performance, like higher blood flow of foot due to an increase of cutaneous temperature, will be discussed.

The effect of combined curcumin-mediated photodynamic therapy and artificial skin on Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds in rats.

Healing wounds represent a major public health problem, mainly when it is infected. Besides that, the antibiotics misuse and overuse favor the development of bacterial resistance. This study evaluated the effects of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) combined with artificial skin on disinfection of infected skin wound in rats. Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly distributed into 4 groups (n = 6): (i) control-untreated; (ii) aPDT-treated with curcumin-mediated aPDT (blue light); (iii) artificial skin-treated with artificial skin alcohol-based; and (iv) aPDT plus artificial skin-treated with aPDT associated with artificial skin alcohol-based. For the in vivo model, a full-thickness biopsy with 0.80 cm was performed in order to inoculate the microorganism Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). The aPDT was performed with a curcumin gel and a blue LED light (450 nm, 80 mW/cm2) at the dose of 60 J/cm2 and the treatment with alcohol-based artificial skin was done with the topical application of 250 µL. Additional animals were submitted to aPDT combined with the artificial skin. After treatments, the number of colony-forming units (CFU) and the damage area were determined. Data were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey tests. The highest reduction of the bacterial viability was observed in the PDT plus artificial skin group (4.14 log10), followed by artificial skin (2.38 log10) and PDT (2.22 log10) groups. In addition, all treated groups showed higher relative area of wound contraction (36.21% for the PDT, 38.41% for artificial skin, and 35.02% for PDT plus artificial) in comparison with the control group. These findings provide evidence for the positive benefits of aPDT with blue light and curcumin associated with artificial skin to decontaminate and accelerate the wound contraction.

Increased Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Postsynergistic Treatment with Ultrasound and Photobiomodulation Therapy in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders.

Background and objective: The object of this study was to analyze the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) who were treated simultaneously with ultrasound (US) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). Materials and methods: This study included 13 patients of both genders, with diagnosis of TMD according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. The patients were treated with equipment consisting of US and PBMT in the same system. The treatment was applied to the left and right sides of the face in the masseter muscle, anterior temporalis muscle, and temporomandibular joint, two sessions per week for a total of eight sessions. The OHRQoL was assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) at three moments: pretreatment (T0), after the eight treatment sessions (T1), and 30 days after termination of treatment (T2). The Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskall-Wallis, and Spearman's correlation coefficient tests were applied, with a significance threshold of 5%. Results: Psychological discomfort, physical pain, and psychological limitation were the domains where the highest scores were obtained at T0. The total OHIP-14 scores at T1 and T2 were significantly lower than at T0. No statistical differences were observed between T1 and T2. Conclusions: We conclude that synergistic treatment was effective in improving the OHRQoL of patients with TMDs, and that its beneficial effects persisted at 1 month after termination of treatment.

Synergistic effects of vacuum therapy and laser therapy on physical rehabilitation.

[Purpose] This study aims to evaluate the synergistic effects of laser therapy and vacuum therapy in the rehabilitation of some disorders of the osteomuscular articular system (shoulder bursitis, low back pain, hip dysfunction after long-term impact of femoral endoprosthesis). [Participants and Methods] Three case reports were described. A vacuum laser system was used, which is a device that contains 1 handpiece with 3 red lasers (660 nm) and 3 infrared lasers (808 nm). This device contains 6 laser beams that are arranged around the vacuum chamber bore which generate negative pressure. Two weekly sessions were held, totalling 10 treatment sessions. Active goniometry was performed to assess range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder, lumbar spine and hip, and visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain in the pre and posttreatment period. [Results] There was a pain reduction and an increase in ROM in the different clinical cases. [Conclusion] Potentiating laser therapy through suctioning during the rehabilitation process leads to pain relief and increased functionality.

Advanced Glycation Endproducts as Biomarkers for Risk of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases by Skin Autofluorescence: A Noninvasive Optical Screening.

Objective: The aim of this research is to study skin autofluorescence and the associations between skin glycated proteins and clinical characteristics of healthy and unhealthy subjects for noninvasive screening of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. Background data: Accumulated advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) promote increased oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as cross-linking of proteins leading to tissue damage and several diseases, including diabetes. Materials and methods: One hundred and four subjects with or without diabetes and stroke aged 20-80 years and with Fitzpatrick skin type (I to IV) participated in this study. The fluorescence spectrometer was used to illuminate a skin surface of 1 cm2. The skin of forearm was positioned on the spectrometer to assess skin AGEs. Anthropometric data and body composition also were evaluated. Results: Elevated skin autofluorescence was found in subjects >50 years old, as well as in patients with insulin resistance (IR), diabetes, and stroke. There was a positive correlation between the skin autofluorescence and age (r = 0.7, p = 0.0001), body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.5, p = 0.001), body fat (r = 0.5, p = 0.0001), waist circumference (r = 0.45, p = 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (BP) (r = 0.45, p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Elevated skin autofluorescence can provide a noninvasive screening of diabetes and CVD risks.

Short-term and long-term effects of osteoporosis on incisor teeth and femoral bones evaluated by Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis in ovariectomized rats.

There are few published data on the relationship between loss of bone mass due to osteoporosis and poor tooth quality. This study analyzed the effects of osteoporosis on incisor teeth and femoral bones using optical techniques in rats. Twenty female Wistar rats aged 6 months (n = 20) were randomized into two groups: control group, non-ovariectomized rats (n = 10); ovariectomy group, ovariectomized rats to induce osteoporosis (n = 10). Each group was subdivided randomly into two groups containing five rats each as follows. Control group 1: non-ovariectomized rats euthanized at the age of 9 or 3 months post-ovariectomy (n = 5); Control group 2: non-ovariectomized rats euthanized at the age of 1 year or 6 months post-ovariectomy (n = 5); ovariectomy group 1: ovariectomized rats euthanized at the age of 9 months or 3 months post-ovariectomy (n = 5); ovariectomy group 2: ovariectomized rats euthanized at the age of 1 year or 6 months post-ovariectomy (n = 5). The incisor teeth and femoral bones of Wistar rats were removed to perform Raman spectroscopy using an excitation laser at 785 nm. In addition, an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer system was used to evaluate calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). The main findings included significant changes (p < 0.05) for phosphate and carbonate band areas for both incisor teeth and femur bones. In addition, there was significant negative correlation between the P concentration and phosphate/carbonate ratio (lower P content-larger ratio, p < 0.05) for incisor teeth and femoral bones. The proline and CH2 wag band areas were significantly reduced only for the incisor teeth (p < 0.05). Therefore, Raman spectroscopy assessed the compositional, physicochemical and structural changes in hard tissue. The current study also pointed out the possible action mechanisms of these changes, bone fracture risk and dental fragility. It is important to emphasize that poor dental quality may also occur due to osteoporosis.

Ultrasound plus low-level laser therapy for knee osteoarthritis rehabilitation: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

This study evaluated the synergistic effects of ultrasound (US) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with or without therapeutic exercises (TE) in women with knee osteoarthritis. Forty-two Caucasian women with knee osteoarthritis were allocated into three groups: (1) the placebo group who did not perform TE, but the prototype without emitting light or ultrasonic waves was applied, (2) the US + LLLT group in which only the prototype was applied and (3) the TE + US + LLLT group that performed TE before the prototype was applied. However, 35 women completed the full clinical trial. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) using an algometer and functional performance during the sit-to-stand test were carried out. The average PPT levels increased for US + LLLT (41 ± 9 to 54 ± 15 N, p < 0.01) and TE + US + LLLT (32 ± 8 to 45 ± 9 N, p < 0.01) groups. The number of sit-to-stands was significantly higher for all groups. However, the change between pre-treatment and post-treatment (delta value) was greater for the US + LLLT (4 ± 1) and TE + US + LLLT groups (5 ± 1) than for the placebo group (2 ± 1) with a significant intergroup difference (p < 0.05). This study showed reduced pain and increased physical functionality after 3 months of US + LLLT with and without TE.

Effects of phototherapy plus physical training on metabolic profile and quality of life in postmenopausal women.

A cluster of metabolic abnormalities are markedly higher among postmenopausal women. The present study evaluated the effects of infrared light emitting diode (LED) during treadmill training on multiple metabolic markers, body fat, dietary habits and quality of life in postmenopausal women. Forty-five postmenopausal women aged 50-60 years were randomly assigned to one of three groups, and of these, 30 women successfully completed the full study. The three groups were as follows: (i) the LED group, which performed treadmill training associated with phototherapy (n = 10); (ii) the exercise group, which carried out treadmill training only (n = 10); and (iii) the sedentary group, which neither performed physical training nor underwent phototherapy (n = 10). Training was performed over a period of six months, twice a week for 45 min per session at 85-90% of maximal heart rate (HRmax), which was obtained during a progressive exercise testing. The average HR and velocity during treadmill training were 144 ± 9 bpm and 5.8 ± 1.3 km/h for both trained groups. The irradiation parameters were 100 mW, 39 mW/cm2 and 108 J/cm2 for 45 min. Anthropometric data, skinfolds thickness, biochemical exams (lipid profile, glucose and insulin levels), dietary habits and quality of life were evaluated. The sum of skinfolds significantly improved in the exercise and sedentary groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was an improvement in lipid profile, particularly, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, which reduced significantly for all groups (p ˂ 0.05). However, intake of saturated fats was significantly reduced in the sedentary group only (p < 0.05). The quality of life improved in the LED group only, with a significant reduction in the total WHQ score (p < 0.05). Physical training with or without phototherapy may improve the metabolic profile. In addition, phototherapy together with treadmill training prevented an increase in subcutaneous fat and facilitated an improved quality of life in postmenopausal women.

Fluorescence spectroscopy of teeth and bones of rats to assess demineralization: In vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies.

This study investigated the effects of demineralization on teeth and bones evaluated by fluorescence spectroscopy and micro energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (µ-EDXRF) in rats. For in vitro study, 20 teeth of Wistar rats were removed and decalcified to evaluate fluorescence. For in vivo study, 10 female Wistar rats aged 6months were randomized into 2 groups: Control Group (C): non-ovariectomized rats; Ovariectomy Group (OV): ovariectomized rats to induce osteoporosis. The fluorescence spectroscopy of the teeth was performed for long-term (until 180days). For ex vivo study, the tooth and femur bone of the Wistar rats were removed at 180days to perform fluorescence spectroscopy using excitation laser at 408 and 532nm and µ-EDXRF for calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) analysis. There were no intergroup differences in fluorescence spectra with laser at 408nm (p≥0.05), but there were changes in the fluorescence spectra using laser at 532nm which led to both the wavelength shift and changes in the band area (p<0.05). The concentrations of P and Ca for the dentine and cortical bone, respectively, were significantly reduced in OV (p<0.05). Demineralization leading to loss of tissue quality may be assessed by fluorescence spectroscopy using 532nm laser. These findings corroborate those obtained by µ-EDXRF.

Oral Decontamination of Orthodontic Patients Using Photodynamic Therapy Mediated by Blue-Light Irradiation and Curcumin Associated with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using the association of curcumin with the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) for oral decontamination in orthodontic patients. BACKGROUND DATA: The installation of the orthodontic appliances promotes an increase in the retentive area that is available for microbial aggregation and makes difficult the oral health promotion. However, aPDT is one possible approach that is used for the reduction of oral microbial load. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients (n = 24) were randomly distributed into four groups: Light group: which was treated only with the blue light, no drug; PDT group, which was treated with curcumin and blue light; PDT + S group, which was treated with curcumin plus surfactant and irradiated with blue light; and Chlorhex group, which was treated with chlorhexidine. The photosensitizer agent was prepared by adding 0.1% of SDS to a curcumin solution of 1 g/L. Two distinct LED devices emitting blue light (450 ± 10 nm) were used as follows: extra-oral irradiation (200 mW, 80 mW/cm(2), 36 J and 14 J/cm(2)) and intra-oral irradiation (1200 mW, 472 mW/cm(2), 216 J and 85 J/cm(2)).The collection of nonstimulated saliva (n = 3; 3 mL/collection) was performed at the following steps: (1) immediately before swishing (curcumin, chlorhexidine, or water); (2) after swishing; and (3) after performing aPDT treatments. The colony-forming units (CFU) were counted visually, and the values were adjusted to CFU/mL. RESULTS: There was significant Log reduction for PDT (from 6.33 ± 0.92 to 5.78 ± 0.96, p < 0.05), PDT + S (from 5.44 ± 0.94 to 3.83 ± 0.71, p < 0.01), and Chlorhex (from 5.89 ± 0.97 to 2.55 ± 1.80, p < 0.01) groups. The survival rate was significantly reduced in both PDT + S and Chlorhex groups compared with all situations (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between PDT + S and Chlorhex groups (p ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that when associated with the surfactant SDS, the aPDT can be used as an adjutant and a convenient agent to promote the oral decontamination in clinical practice.

Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy Applied Before Treadmill Training on Recovery of Injured Skeletal Muscle in Wistar Rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) when associated with treadmill training on the recovery of skeletal muscle, during two periods of rest after muscle injury in rats. BACKGROUND DATA: Because of photostimulation, LLLT has been presented as an alternative for accelerating the tissue healing process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty rats were divided into two groups (A and B) containing four subgroups each: GC (Control Group)-cryolesion untreated; EG (Exercise Group)-cryolesion treated with physical exercise; LG (Laser Group)-cryolesion treated with laser; ELG (Exercise and Laser Group)-cryolesion treated with laser and physical exercise. The right tibialis anterior (TA) of the middle belly was injured by a cooling iron bar (cryoinjury). Group A remained at rest for 3 days, whereas Group B remained at rest for 7 days. The laser parameters utilized were 780 nm with 15 mW average optical power and spot size of 0.04 cm(2) applied during 10 sec, leading to 0.152 J and 3.8 J/cm(2). Treadmill training with and without laser application was performed during 5 days, with each session lasting for 12 min at a velocity of 17 m/min. Subsequently, the TA muscle was removed for a histological and morphometric analysis. RESULTS: The damaged area was significantly smaller for the ELG at both periods of rest, 3 and 7 days, respectively (4.4 ± 0.42% and 3.5 ± 0.14%, p < 0.05), when compared with the LG (18.6 ± 0.64% and 7.5 ± 0.13%), the EG (21 ± 0.26% and 8.7 ± 0.32%), and the CG (23.9 ± 0.37% and 21.4 ± 0.38%). In addition, the number of blood vessels were significantly higher for the ELG at both periods of rest, 3 and 7 days, respectively (71.2 ± 13.51 and 104.5 ± 11.78, p < 0.05), when compared with the LG (60.6 ± 11.25 and 93.5 ± 16.87), the EG (51.6 ± 7.3 and 93.8 ± 15.1) and the CG (34.4 ± 2.54 and 65.7 ± 14.1). CONCLUSIONS: The LLLT applied before the physical exercise on the treadmill stimulated the angiogenesis and accelerated the process of muscle recovery.

Synergic effects of ultrasound and laser on the pain relief in women with hand osteoarthritis.

Patients with pain avoid movements, leading to a gradual impairment of their physical condition and functionality. In this context, the use of ultrasound (US) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) show promising results for nonpharmacological and noninvasive treatment. The aim of this study was evaluated the synergistic effects of the US and the LLLT (new prototype) with or without therapeutic exercises (TE) on pain and grip strength in women with hand osteoarthritis. Forty-five women with hand osteoarthritis, aged 60 to 80 years, were randomly assigned to one of three groups, but 43 women successfully completed the full study. The three groups were as follows: (i) the placebo group which did not perform TE, but the prototype without emitting electromagnetic or mechanical waves was applied (n = 11); (ii) the US + LLLT group which carried out only the prototype (n = 13); and (iii) the TE + US + LLLT group which performed TE before the prototype is applied (n = 13). The parameters of US were frequency 1 MHz; 1.0 W/cm(2) intensity, pulsed mode 1:1 (duty cycle 50%). Regarding laser, the output power of the each laser was fixed at 100 mW leading to an energy value of 18 J per laser. Five points were irradiated per hand, during 3 min per point and 15 min per session. The prototype was applied after therapeutic exercises. The treatments are done once a week for 3 months. Grip strength and pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured. Grip strength did not differ significantly for any of the groups (p ≥ 0.05). The average PPT between baseline and 3 months shows significant decrease of the pain sensitivity for both the US + LLLT group (∆ = 30 ± 19 N, p˂0.001) and the TE + US + LLLT group (∆ = 32 ± 13 N, p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in average PPT for placebo group (∆ = -0.3 ± 9 N). There was no placebo effect. The new prototype that combines US and LLLT reduced pain in women with hand osteoarthritis.

Comparative clinical study of light analgesic effect on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) using red and infrared led therapy.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been widely applied in pain relief in several clinical situations, including temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, the effects of LED therapy on TMD has not been investigated. This study aims to evaluate the effects of red and infrared LEDs on: (1) tissue temperature in ex vivo and (2) pain relief and mandibular range of motion in patients with TMD. Thirty patients between 18 and 40 years old were included and randomly assigned to three groups. The two experimental groups were: the red LED (630 ± 10 nm) group and the infrared LED (850 ± 10 nm) group. The irradiation parameters were 150 mW, 300 mW/cm(2), 18 J/cm(2), and 9 J/point. The positive control group received an infrared laser (780 nm) with 70 mW, 1.7 W/cm(2), 105 J/cm(2), and 4.2 J/point. LED and laser therapies were applied bilaterally to the face for 60 s/point. Five points were irradiated: three points around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), one point for the temporalis, and one near the masseter. Eight sessions of phototherapy were performed, twice a week for 4 weeks. Pain induced by palpating the masseter muscle and mandibular range of motion (maximum oral aperture) were measured at baseline, immediately after treatment, 7 days after treatment, and 30 days after treatment. There was an increase in tissue temperature during both the red and the infrared LED irradiation in ex vivo. There was a significant reduction of pain and increase of the maximum oral aperture for all groups (p ≥ 0.05). There was no significant difference in pain scores and maximum oral aperture between groups at baseline or any periods after treatment (p ≥ 0.05). The current study showed that red and infrared LED therapy can be useful in improving outcomes related to pain relief and orofacial function for TMD patients. We conclude that LED devices constitute an attractive alternative for LLLT.

Low-level laser therapy associated with high intensity resistance training on cardiac autonomic control of heart rate and skeletal muscle remodeling in wistar rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Phototherapy plus dynamic exercise can enhance physical performance and improve health. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) associated with high intensity resistance training (HIT) on cardiac autonomic and muscle metabolic responses in rats. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups: sedentary control (CG), HIT, LLLT and HIT + LLLT. HIT was performed 3 times/week for 8 weeks with loads attached to the tail of the animal. The load was gradually increased by 10% of body mass until reaching a maximal overload. For LLLT, irradiation parameters applied to the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle were as follows: infrared laser (780 nm), power of 15 mW for 10 seconds, leading to an irradiance of 37.5 mW/cm(2), energy of 0.15 J per point and fluency of 3.8 J/cm(2). Blood lactate (BL), matrix metalloproteinase gelatinase A (MMP(-2)) gene expression and heart rate variability (HRV) indices were performed. RESULTS: BL significantly increased after 8-weeks for HIT, LLLT and HIT + LLLT groups. However, peak lactate when normalized by maximal load was significantly reduced for both HIT and HIT + LLLT groups (P<0.05). MMP-2 in the active form was significantly increased after HIT, LLLT and HIT + LLLT compared tom the CG (P<0.05). There was a significant reduction in low frequency [LF (ms(2))] and increase in high frequency [HF (un)] and HF (ms(2))] for the HIT, LLLT and HIT + LLLT groups compared with the CG (P < 0.05). However, the LF/HF ratio was further reduced in the LLLT and HIT + LLLT groups compared to the CG and HIT group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence for the positive benefits of LLLT and HIT with respect to enhanced muscle metabolic and cardiac autonomic function in Wistar rats.

Effects of photodynamic therapy with blue light and curcumin as mouth rinse for oral disinfection: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (a-PDT) with blue light and curcumin on oral disinfection during the 2 h after treatment. BACKGROUND DATA: a-PDT is a technique that can potentially affect the viability of bacterial cells, with selective action targeting only areas with photosensitizer accumulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was undertaken. Twenty-seven adults were randomly divided into three groups: (1) the PDT group, which was treated with the drug, curcumin, and blue light (n=9); (2) the light group, which was treated only with the blue light, and no drug (n=9) and; (3) the curcumin group, which was treated only with the drug, curcumin, and no light (n=9). The irradiation parameters were: blue light-emitting diode (LED) illumination (455±30 nm), 400 mW of average optical power, 5 min of application, illumination area of 0.6 cm(2), 600 mW/cm(2) of intensity, and 200 J/cm(2) of fluence. A curcumin concentration of 30 mg/L was used. The saliva samples were collected for bacterial counts at baseline and after the experimental phases (immediately after treatment, and 1 and 2 h after treatment). Serial dilutions were performed, and the resulting samples were cultured on blood agar plates in microaerophilic conditions. The number of colony-forming units (CFU) was determined. RESULTS: The PDT group showed a significant reduction of CFU immediately after treatment (post-treatment) with PDT (5.71±0.48, p=0.001), and 1 h (5.14±0.92, p=0.001) and 2 h (5.35±0.76, p=0.001) after treatment, compared with pretreatment (6.61±0.82). There were no significant changes for the light group. The curcumin group showed a significant increase of CFU 1 h after treatment (6.77±0.40, p=0.02) compared with pretreatment (5.57±0.91) falling to baseline values at 2 h after treatment (5.58±0.70). CONCLUSIONS: The PDT group showed significant difference in microbial reduction (p<0.05) compared with both the light and curcumin groups until 2 h post-treatment. The new blue LED device for PDT using curcumin may be used for reduction of salivary microorganisms, leading to overall disinfection of the mouth (e.g., mucosa, tongue, and saliva), but new protocols should be explored.

Thermography applied during exercises with or without infrared light-emitting diode irradiation: individual and comparative analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the cutaneous temperature during an exercise on a treadmill with or without infrared light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation in postmenopausal women. BACKGROUND DATA: Thermography is an imaging technique in which radiation emitted by a body in the middle and far infrared spectrum is detected and associated with the temperature of the body's surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen postmenopausal women were randomly divided into two groups: (1) the LED group, which performed the exercises on a treadmill associated with phototherapy (n=9) and; (2) the exercise group, which performed the exercises on a treadmill without additional phototherapy (n=9). The irradiation parameters for each women's thigh were: array of 2000 infrared LEDs (850 nm) with an area of 1,110 cm(2), 100 mW, 39 mW/cm(2), and 108 J/cm(2) for 45 min. The submaximal constant-speed exercise on the treadmill at intensities between 85% and 90% maximal heart rate (HRmax) with or without phototherapy were performed during 45 min, to perform the thermographic analysis. Thermography images were captured before the exercise (t=0), after 10, 35, and 45 min of exercising (t=10, t=35, and t=45) and at 5 min post-exercising (t=50). RESULTS: The LED group showed an increased cutaneous thigh temperature during the exercise (from 33.5±0.8°C to 34.6±0.9°C, p=0.03), whereas the exercise group showed a reduced cutaneous temperature (from 33.5±0.6 to 32.7±0.7°C, p=0.02). The difference between the groups was significant (p<0.05) at t=35, t=45, and t=50. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate an improved microcirculation, and can explain one possible mechanism of action of phototherapy associated with physical exercises.

Phototherapy and resistance training prevent sarcopenia in ovariectomized rats.

The aim of this study was to histologically and biochemically analyze the effects of light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) associated with resistance training to prevent sarcopenia in ovariectomized rats. Forty female Wistar rats (12 months old, 295-330 g) were bilaterally ovariectomized and divided into four groups (n = 10 per group): control-sedentary (C), resistance training (T), LEDT-sedentary (L), and LEDT plus resistance training (LT). Trained rats performed a 12-week water-jumping program (3 days per week) carrying a load equivalent to 50-80% of their body mass strapped to their back. Depending on the group protocol, the LED device (850 nm, 100 mW, 120 J/cm(2), spot size 0.5 cm(2)) was used either as the only method or after the resistance training had been performed. The device was used in the single point contact mode (for 10 min). The irradiated region was the center of the greater trochanter of the right femur and the middle third of the rectus femoris muscle was subsequently analyzed histomorphometrically. Significant increases (p < 0.05) were noted for the muscle volume of the T (68.1 ± 19.7%), the L (74.1 ± 5.1%), and the LT (68.2 ± 11.5%) groups compared to the C group (60.4 ± 5.5%). There were also significant increases in the concentrations of IGF-1, IL-1, and TNF-α in the muscles of the treated groups (p < 0.05). Animals in the LT group showed a significant increase in IL-6 compared to T, L, and C groups (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that resistance training and LEDT can prevent sarcopenia in ovariectomized rats.