Low-level laser therapy and static stretching exercises for patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomised controlled trial

Objectives To investigate the laser effect associated with stretching exercise on pain and functionality in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Design A randomised controlled trial Setting Special Rehabilitation Services. Subjects We enrolled 215 knee osteoarthritis patients (430 knees were treated). Intervention Group Laser + Stretch ( n = 43), Placebo + Stretch ( n = 43), Stretch ( n = 43), Laser ( n = 43) and Control ( n = 43) were treated with active laser and stretching exercises; placebo laser and stretching exercises; stretching exercises; active laser, and control, respectively. Interventions were conducted 3 times a week for 8 or 11 weeks. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the change in knee pain and disability. Secondary outcomes included severity of osteoarthritis, mobility, knee range of motion, flexibility, activity, severity of osteoarthritis and medication intake for pain relief. Results The patients’ average age was 63.52 (6.8) years. Pain scores at baseline and post treatment ( p < 0.001) were 7.43 (2.10) and 2.79 (1.92) for group Laser + Stretch, 7.39 (1.98) and 4.47 (2.82) for group Placebo + Stretch, 6.83 (1.42) and 4.24 (2.43) for group Stretch, 6.61 (1.68) and 2.94 (2.65) for group Laser, 6.74 (1.75) and 6.47 (2.29) for group Control, respectively. Disability score at baseline and post treatment ( p = 0.000237) were 12.36 (5.02) and 8.08 (4.64) for group Laser + Stretch, 12.71 (5.12) and 9.90 (4.95) for group Placebo + Stretch, 11.83 (2.77) and 7.20 (5.28) for group Stretch, 11.58 (5.59) and 8.21 (6.18) for group Laser, 11.23 (4.68) and 11.45 (4.83) for group Control, respectively. Conclusion Laser therapy combined with stretching exercises improves pain during rest, activities of daily living, stiffness, muscle shortening and range of motion in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Laser destruction of polymeric materials

This work analyzes the properties of polymers, which make them indispensable in the manufacture of elements used in optics, since the main requirement for polymers is stability when exposed to laser radiation. Currently, polymers are used as active laser media. The most commonly used is polymethyl methacrylate, which is highly transparent and the most resistant in relation to laser exposure.

Лазерная доставка и спектральное исследование хлоринсодержащего препарата для лечения онихомикоза при последовательном лазерном (λ=2819 nm) и фотодинамическом (λ=656± 10 nm) воздействии

For the first time, the possibility of a dual-stage active laser delivery of a modern chlorin-containing photodynamic preparation under the nail plate for photodynamic therapy of onychomycosis was investigated and demonstrated. The extinction spectra of the photodynamic preparation Revixan (Areal Ltd., Russia) were investigated at different temperatures, as well as before and after exposure to Er:YLF-laser radiation with a wavelength of 2810 nm and photodynamic LED radiation with a wavelength of 656 ± 10 nm. It is shown that after heating and laser exposure, the amount of monomers in the chlorin-containing photodynamic preparation increases, and after photodynamic exposure decreases, which can affect the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy of onychomycosis.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Destructive Effects on Laser Guidance Systems of High-Precision Weapons

The article presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies of destructive effects on the main channels of various types of semi-active laser homing heads of high-precision ammunition. Recommendations concerning characteristics of promising intended interference were confirmed experimentally. They make it possible to determine new methods of influence on laser guidance systems for high-precision ammunition and to expand the capabilities of electronic warfare devices when protecting stationary objects