Effect of helium-neon laser irradiation on peripheral sensory nerve latency

Journal Article · Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1988 · Phys. Ther.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5379022

Snyder-Mackler, L; Bork, C E

The purpose of this randomized, double-blind study was to determine the effect of a helium-neon (He-Ne) laser on latency of peripheral sensory nerve. Forty healthy subjects with no history of right upper extremity pathological conditions were assigned to either a Laser or a Placebo Group. Six 1-cm2 blocks along a 12-cm segment of the subjects' right superficial radial nerve received 20-second applications of either the He-Ne laser or a placebo. We assessed differences between pretest and posttest latencies with t tests for correlated and independent samples. The Laser Group showed a statistically significant increase in latency that corresponded to a decrease in sensory nerve conduction velocity. Short-duration He-Ne laser application significantly increased the distal latency of the superficial radial nerve. This finding provides information about the mechanism of the reported pain-relieving effect of the He-Ne laser.

• Research Organization: Boston Univ., MA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5379022
• Journal Information: Phys. Ther.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Ther.; (United States) Vol. 68:2; ISSN PTHEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560400* -- Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GAS LASERS
HELIUM-NEON LASERS
LASER RADIATION
LASERS
NERVES
NERVOUS SYSTEM
RADIATIONS
SENSITIVITY