Comparative Efficacy of low level laser Therapy and Therapeutic Ultrasound in Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendinopathy, a RCT study

Background: The extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) muscle is essential for stabilizing the ulnar side of the wrist as well as for the active motions of wrist extension and ulnar deviation. Pronation and supination of the forearm alter its position in relation to the other wrist structures. In order to carry out its many duties, the ECU tendon depends on particular stabilizing structures to keep it in the proper locations. Numerous actions can cause damage to these structures. The mechanism of damage causes discomfort and functional impairment in the wrist.
Aim: this study proposed with comparison between the healing effects of low level laser and ultrasonic therapy in ECU tendinitis.
Method: this is 4weeks a RCT study done with 45 participants(age 25-45) having ECU tendinitis (at ANS Hospital, Jaipur,Rajasthan), divided in three groups with equal nos of sample size. One group introduced with LLT and next one introduced with UST for 10 mins, both the group provided k-tape for stabilization and wrist strengthening exercise for 10mins. Controlled group introduced with conventional physiotherapy for 20mins. Outcome measures taken as pain(NPRS) and functional status(PRWE).
Statisics: data was collected as pre and post intervention with pain and functional disability score. Data was calculated with JASP 16.0v. ANOVA did for both outcome measures for all groups. Significance took as “p< 0.05”.
Results & Discussion: participants used LLT placed a significant recovery than other groups.
Conclusion: treatment of ECU tendinitis is still controversial, due to lack of literature and case study. As per the concerning effect the laser however placed a better outcome than others.

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