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Home / Equine Research Bank / Ir Vet J / An investigation into the depth of penetration of low level ...
Irish veterinary journal2007; 60(5); 295-299; doi: 10.1186/2046-0481-60-5-295

An investigation into the depth of penetration of low level laser therapy through the equine tendon in vivo.

Abstract: Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is frequently used in the treatment of wounds, soft tissue injury and in pain management. The exact penetration depth of LLLT in human tissue remains unspecified. Similar uncertainty regarding penetration depth arises in treating animals. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that transmission of LLLT in horses is increased by clipping the hair and/or by cleaning the area to be treated with alcohol, but is unaffected by coat colour. A LLLT probe (810 nm, 500 mW) was applied to the medial aspect of the superficial flexor tendon of seventeen equine forelimbs in vivo. A light sensor was applied to the lateral aspect, directly opposite the laser probe to measure the amount of light transmitted. Light transmission was not affected by individual horse, coat colour or leg. However, it was associated with leg condition (F = 4.42, p = 0.0032). Tendons clipped dry and clipped and cleaned with alcohol, were both associated with greater transmission of light than the unprepared state. Use of alcohol without clipping was not associated with an increase in light transmission. These results suggest that, when applying laser to a subcutaneous structure in the horse, the area should be clipped and cleaned beforehand.
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Publication Date: 2007-05-01 PubMed ID: 21851694PubMed Central: PMC3113823DOI: 10.1186/2046-0481-60-5-295Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research article investigates how the penetration depth of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) into the equine tendon can be improved by various means such as clipping the horse’s hair or cleaning the treatment area with alcohol. The study ultimately concluded that these two methods were effective in enhancing the transmission of light from the LLLT, and as such, should be employed before applying laser to a subcutaneous structure in the horse.

Objective of the Research

  • To determine the penetration depth of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in equine tendon tissues in vivo.
  • To test the hypothesis that the transmission of LLLT in horses can be improved by either clipping the hair or cleaning the area intended for treatment with alcohol.
  • To assess the impact of coat colour on the penetration depth of LLLT.

Methodolgy

  • An LLLT probe with specifications (810 nm, 500 mW) was used in the experiment.
  • The probe was applied to the medial aspect of the superficial flexor tendon of seventeen equine forelimbs in vivo.
  • A light sensor was positioned on the lateral side, directly opposite the laser probe to measure the amount of light transmitted through the tendon.

Results

  • Light transmission through the equine tendon was not influenced by factors such as the individual horse, its coat colour, or the leg on which the LLLT was applied.
  • It was observed that the light transmission was affected by the leg condition (F = 4.42, p = 0.0032).
  • Tendons that had been clipped dry and those clipped and cleaned with alcohol, both exhibited better light transmission as compared to those that weren’t prepared before the application of LLLT.
  • No marked increase in light transmission was observed in the case where alcohol was used for cleaning without prior clipping.

Conclusion

  • The study’s results suggest that before applying laser to a subcutaneous structure in a horse, the area should be clipped and cleaned. These preparatory steps enhance the light penetration depth of the LLLT, thereby potentially enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

Cite This Article

APA
Ryan T, Smith R. (2007). An investigation into the depth of penetration of low level laser therapy through the equine tendon in vivo. Ir Vet J, 60(5), 295-299. https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-0481-60-5-295

Publication

Irish veterinary journal
ISSN: 0368-0762
NlmUniqueID: 0100762
Country: Ireland
Language: English
Volume: 60
Issue: 5
Pages: 295-299

Researcher Affiliations

Ryan, Teresa
  • 1The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7 TA, UK. vetphysio@iolfree.ie.
Smith, Rkw

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