Comparison of Low-Level Laser Therapy Versus Infrared Therapy in Grade II ACL Injury Rehabilitation

Brief Summary

This study is being conducted to compare two commonly used physical therapy treatments, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and infrared therapy, for people with a Grade II anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury of the knee. A Grade II ACL injury is a partial tear of the ACL, which may cause knee pain, reduced movement, weakness, and difficulty performing daily or physical activities. Rehabilitation is an important part of recovery after this type of injury. Physical therapy may help reduce symptoms and improve knee function and confidence during movement. In this randomized controlled trial, participants with a Grade II ACL injury will be assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group will receive low-level laser therapy along with standard physiotherapy, while the other group will receive infrared therapy along with the same standard physiotherapy program. The low-level laser therapy group will receive laser treatment in addition to exercises used in standard physiotherapy. The infrared therapy group will receive infrared treatment in addition to the same standard physiotherapy exercises. The standard physiotherapy program includes knee range-of-motion exercises, knee isometric strengthening exercises, and light aerobic exercises. Treatment will be provided five days per week for four weeks. Participants will be assessed before treatment and again after completion of the four-week rehabilitation program. The main outcomes of the study include pain intensity and psychological readiness to return to activity following an ACL injury. Pain will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), while psychological readiness will be assessed using the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings will also be considered in relation to the ACL injury. The purpose of this study is to determine whether low-level laser therapy or infrared therapy, when combined with standard physiotherapy, provides greater improvement in patients undergoing rehabilitation for Grade II ACL injury. The findings may help physiotherapists and other health care providers select an appropriate adjunct treatment during ACL rehabilitation.