Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated laser acupuncture as the primary intervention in adults (aged >18 years) with soft tissue injury, an acute or chronic pain condition or any systemic illness were eligible for inclusion. Cross-over studies were excluded. The review defined laser acupuncture as low intensity laser radiation to classical meridian or trigger points. Studies of needling, acupressure and sham laser acupuncture were excluded. Studies had to compare laser acupuncture with no treatment, placebo or sham laser, other sham procedure or other therapeutic intervention. Studies had to assess pain intensity or a global measure of patient improvement or an appropriate outcome for a non-painful condition. The primary focus of the review was musculoskeletal pain.
Included studies involved patients with the following conditions: fibromyalgia; musculoskeletal pain; myofascial pain/musculoskeletal pain; lateral epicondylitis; postoperative nausea and vomiting; smoking cessation; nocturnal enuresis; interstitial cystitis; and headache. Some studies were in children. Studies used different irradiation parameters.
One reviewer selected studies.