Effect of low-level laser therapy on pain and disability in patients with plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic review to investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on pain and disability in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF). METHODS: We searched Pubmed, PEDro database, Scielo, and Cochrane Central for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of LLLT for patients with PF. The methodological aspects of the studies included were scored using the PEDro scale. Three comparisons were made: LLLT compared with placebo, LLLT combined with conventional rehabilitation (CR) compared with CR and LLLT compared with extracorporeal shock wave therapy. RESULTS: Fourteen studies (817 patients) met the study criteria. Compared to the placebo group, LLLT improved pain (MD, -2.3; 95% CI: 2.6 to -2, I2 = 0%; 4 studies, N = 234: moderate-quality evidence) in the short term (0-6 weeks). No significant difference in short-term disability was found for participants in the LLLT group compared to the placebo group. Compared to the CR group, LLLT combined with CR improved pain (MD, -2.0; 95% CI: 2.9 to -1.1, I2 = 0%; 2 studies, N = 90: moderate-quality evidence) in the short term (0-6 weeks). Compared to extracorporeal shock wave therapy, LLLT did not significantly reduce pain intensity in the short term (MD, 0.5; 95% CI: 2.0 to 2.9, I2 = 96%; 4 studies, N = 175: low-quality evidence). CONCLUSIONS: LLLT may improve pain in the short term and can be considered as a component of care of patients with PF. However, this superiority disappeared compared to extracorporeal shock wave therapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level I.

Effects of water-based exercise on functioning and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To investigate the effects of the water-based exercise on balance, mobility, mobility and functional independence, functional performance, fear of falling and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: We searched pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro data base and SciELO to June 2020 for randomised controlled trials that investigated the effects of water-based exercise in people with Parkinson's disease. Two comparisons were made: water-based exercise versus usual care and water-based exercise versus land-exercise. The main outcomes were Balance, Confidence, Mobility, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and quality of life. Mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. RESULTS: Fifteen randomised controlled trials were found (435 people). Compared to usual care, water-based exercise resulted in improvement in balance MD (9.1, 95% CI: 6.5, 11.8, N = 45). Water-based exercise resulted in improvement in balance MD (3.1, 95% CI: 1.2, 5.0, N = 179), mobility MD (-2.2, 95% CI: -3.3, -1.0, N = 197) and quality of life MD (-5.5, 95% CI: -11, -0.07, N = 98) compared to land-based exercise, but without significant difference in functional performance MD (0.01, 95% CI: -2.6 to 2.7, N = 69). Land-based exercise resulted in improvement in fear of falling MD (-3.5, 95% CI: -5.6, -1.3, N = 58) compared to water-based exercise. CONCLUSION: Water-based exercise was more efficient than land-based exercise and/or usual care in improving balance, mobility and quality of life in people with Parkinson's disease.

Water-Based Exercise on Functioning and Quality of Life in Poststroke Persons: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of water-based exercise on functioning and quality of life in poststroke persons. DATA SOURCES: We searched the following electronic database: MEDLINE, PeDro, Scielo, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to September 2018 Study Selection: Only randomized controlled trials were included. Two review authors screened the titles and abstracts and selected the trials independently. DATA EXTRACTION: Two review authors independently extracted data of the included trials, using standard data-extraction model. We analyzed the pooled results using weighted mean differences, and standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twenty-four studies met the study criteria, but only 15 studies were included on meta-analyses. The studies presented moderate methodological quality, due to the lack of blinding of subjects and therapists and the nonperformance of the intention-to-treat analysis. Water-based exercise compared with land exercise had a positive impact on: muscle strength balance gait speed and mobility aerobic capacity and functional reach. Combined water-based exercise and land exercise was more effective than land exercise for improving balance, gait speed, and functional reach. The meta-analysis showed significant improvement in role limitations due to physical functioning and emotional problems, in vitality general mental health, social functioning, and bodily pain for participants in the water-based exercise and land exercise group versus land exercise group. CONCLUSIONS: Water-based exercise may improve muscle strength, balance, mobility, aerobic capacity, functional reach, joint position sense, and quality of life in poststroke persons and could be considered for inclusion in rehabilitation programs.