High-Intensity Laser Therapy Versus Shockwave Therapy in Osteoporotic Long Term Hemiparetic Patients

Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO-41),Pain intensity,fall risk assessment

Background: The relationship between immobilization and localized osteoporosis is well
 documented in chronic stroke patients. Hemiparetic patients are predisposed to fractures and
 usual activity impairment due to a considerable loss of bone density. A serious health care
 challenge is finding ways to reduce osteoporosis and associated fractures among stroke
 survivors. This study aimed to compare the effects of HILT and ESWT in treating osteoporosis
 and its consequences in hemiparetic patients.
 
 Patients and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was performed at the Faculty of Physical
 Therapy Outpatient Clinic, Cairo University. One hundred and twenty hemiplegic patients with
 osteoporosis of both sexes were chosen randomly. They were randomly classified into three
 equal groups (n=40 in each group). The control group received medication and traditional
 physiotherapy programs for stroke patients (strengthening, stretching, and balance exercise).
 The high-intensity laser (HIL) group received the same intervention as the control group in
 addition to high-intensity laser therapy. The shock wave (SW) group received the same
 intervention as the control group in addition to shock wave therapy. The three groups
 received an intervention that lasted 3 sessions/week for 12 weeks). All groups were assessed
 before and after therapy (3 months) for the degree of pain, which was evaluated by visual
 analog scale (VAS), fall risk assessment (overall stability index and Short Form of Berg
 Balance Scale (SFBBS)), and Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for
 Osteoporosis (QUALEFFO-41).