PERBANDINGAN EFEK TERAPI LASER BERDAYA RENDAH DENGAN DIATERMI GELOMBANG PENDEK DALAM PENGURANGAN NYERI DAN PERBAIKAN FUNGSIONAL PADA NYERI PUNGGUNG BAWAH MEKANIK

Abstract

.013 active : To compare the therapeutic effects of low level laser therapy and shod wave diathermy.on patients with mechanical low back pain (LBP). D esi (in : Pre and post test control group design. Participants : Thirty-six ambulatory men and women with subacute and chronic mechanical LBP, range from 21 and 60 years old, were devided into two randomized groups : the laser group and the SWD group which consists of 18 subjects each. Setting : Medical Rehabilitation Department of Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Sernarang. Time : November 2001 to April 2002. Interventions : The laser group received low level laser therapy Ga-As-Al 830 nm emmitted 2 joule/cm2 which focused on 8 points (4 level in the same distance, for both sides, right and left ; 1 point 1 cm2) at region of paraspinal L2-S3, 3 times a week with 2- 3 days interval for two weeks (6 treatment sessions). The SWD group received short wave diathermy 27,12 MHz with 60 W of dosage for 15 minutes with a diplode (book) inductive aplicator at lumbosacral region, 3 times a week with 2-3 days interval for 2 weeks (6 treatment sessions). The education of Proper Body Mechanic is given to all subjects of the two groups. Main outcome measures : Pain reduction assessed by Visual Analogue Pain Rating Scale (IAS), and functional improvement assessed by The Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index (OD!). Results : The laser group had decrease of both VAS value (p=0.000) and ODI score (p=0.000) significantly. The SWD group also had decrease of both VAS value (p=0.000) and ODI score (p=0.000) significantiy.There were no significant differences between the two treatment groups either on the decrease of VAS value (p=0.389) or OD! score (p=0.743). Conclusion : Both low level laser therapy and short wave diathermy were capable in reducing pain and increasing functional ability on patients with mechanical LBP, with no significant differences between them.