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research

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation, has been investigated in various studies for its potential therapeutic effects in children. Below is a comprehensive list of studies examining the impact of LLLT on pediatric populations, along with brief summaries and links to the full articles:

14.Use of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Children Aged 1 to 5 Years with Energy-Protein Malnutrition: A Clinical Trial

This study evaluated the effect of LLLT on the saliva of malnourished children aged 1 to 5 years. The findings suggested that LLLT could positively influence salivary parameters, potentially aiding in the management of malnutrition-related complications.

PubMed

15.A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Cancer Therapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Children and Young Adults
This review analyzed multiple studies to assess the efficacy of LLLT in preventing and treating oral mucositis in pediatric and young adult cancer patients. The results indicated that prophylactic LLLT reduces the occurrence and severity of mucositis and decreases oral pain.

PubMed

16.The Impact of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Spasticity in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review
This systematic review examined the efficacy of LLLT on spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. The findings suggest that LLLT shows promise in decreasing spasticity, though further research is needed to establish optimal treatment parameters.

MDPI

17.Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder
This study explored the potential benefits of LLLT in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The results indicated that LLLT could be an effective tool for reducing irritability and other symptoms associated with ASD.

ResearchGate

18.Low-Level Laser Therapy for Oral Mucositis in Children with Cancer
This study assessed the effectiveness of LLLT in reducing the severity of oral mucositis and associated pain in pediatric cancer patients. The results demonstrate that LLLT may reduce the severity of oral mucositis and the level of oral pain, but further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Archives of Disease in Childhood

19.Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Condylar Growth in Children with Mandibular Deficiency: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study aimed to evaluate the skeletal and dentoalveolar changes achieved by combining low-level laser irradiation applied on the condyle area with twin-block therapy in children with mandibular deficiency. The findings suggest that LLLT may enhance condylar growth when combined with functional appliances.

Springer Link

20.Orthokeratology and Low-Intensity Laser Therapy for Slowing the Progression of Myopia in Children
This study described the research design and clinical 6-month follow-up examinations of children who wore orthokeratology lenses, underwent LLLT treatment, or both, to assess the efficacy in slowing myopia progression. The results suggest that both treatments may be effective in controlling myopia progression in children.

Wiley Online Library

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  1. Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Autism Spectrum Disorder
    This study found that LLLT could be an effective tool for reducing irritability and other symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents, with positive changes maintained and augmented over time.

    PubMed

  2. Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy With an 810-nm Diode Laser on Pediatric Patients
    This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on children aged 5-9 years to assess the effects of photobiomodulation therapy.

    PubMed Central

  3. Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Quadriceps and Foot Muscle in Children
    This study examined the effect of LLLT on muscle spasm pain, muscle power, muscle fatigue, and child performance, concluding that LLLT has a positive effect on reducing muscle fatigue and enhancing post-exercise muscle recovery when applied before exercising.

    PubMed Central

  4. Transcranial Photobiomodulation in Children Aged 2–6 Years with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    A randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial involving children with autism spectrum disorder, delivering near-infrared light noninvasively to selected brain areas, aiming to assess the therapy's efficacy.

    Frontiers

  5. Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Pediatric Patients
    This study concluded that photobiomodulation effectively reduces the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in pediatric patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.

    PubMed

  6. Use of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Children Aged 1 to 5 Years with Energy-Protein Malnutrition
    The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser on the saliva of children aged 1 to 5 years with energy-protein malnutrition.

    Lippincott Journals

  7. The Use of Laser Photobiomodulation as Pre-Anesthetic Tissue Management in Children
    This study suggests that laser photobiomodulation is a promising non-pharmacological pre-anesthetic tissue management technique in children, offering less painful injection experiences.

    BMC Oral Health

  8. Low-Level Laser Therapy for Oral Mucositis in Children with Cancer
    A systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the effect of LLLT on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in pediatric and young patients, indicating that LLLT may reduce the severity of oral mucositis and the level of oral pain.

    Archives of Disease in Childhood

  9. Photobiomodulation Therapy Retarded Axial Length Growth in Children
    This study suggests that photobiomodulation therapy is an effective intervention for slightly decreasing axial length to control myopia in children.

    Nature

  10. Effects of Photobiomodulation with Different Application Parameters on Injection Pain in Children
    A randomized clinical trial examining the effects of photobiomodulation with varying parameters on injection pain in children, contributing to pain management strategies in pediatric care.

    Jocpd

  11. The Treatment of Children with Cerebral Palsy Using Low-Level Laser Therapy
    This study performed gross motor function measures on patients who underwent laser therapy along with functional training, showing that LLLT may have positive effects on motor function in children with cerebral palsy.

    Neuro Acupuncture

  12. Effect of Photobiomodulation Combined with Physiotherapy on Functional Performance in Children with Myelomeningocele
    A randomized, blind clinical trial assessing the effect of photobiomodulation combined with physiotherapy on functional performance in children with myelomeningocele, indicating potential benefits in rehabilitation.

    MDPI

  13. Curcumin vs. Photobiomodulation Therapy of Oral Mucositis in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Anti-Cancer Treatment
    This study aims to assess the impact of non-invasive photodynamic therapy by curcumin and photobiomodulation low-level laser therapy on oral mucositis in pediatric patients undergoing anti-cancer treatment.

    CenterWatch​

Research specific to Speech Therapy 

1. Low-Level Laser Therapy for Voice Disorders: A Systematic Review

  • Source: Journal of Voice

  • Summary: This systematic review analyzed multiple studies to assess the efficacy of LLLT in treating voice disorders, such as vocal cord nodules, hoarseness, and laryngitis. The findings indicated that LLLT significantly reduced inflammation and pain, promoting tissue healing and improving vocal quality.

  • Relevance to SLPs: Provides evidence for using LLLT to enhance vocal rehabilitation, a key area within SLP practice.

  • Link: PubMed

2. Photobiomodulation in Speech Therapy for Aphasia: A Review of Evidence

  • Source: International Journal of Stroke

  • Summary: This review examined the role of photobiomodulation (PBM), including LLLT, in improving speech and language recovery in aphasia patients. It concluded that PBM therapy can stimulate neuroplasticity and cognitive functions, potentially aiding in speech-language recovery post-stroke or brain injury.

  • Relevance to SLPs: Supports the inclusion of LLLT in aphasia treatment protocols, helping SLPs address neurogenic language disorders.

  • Link: PubMed

3. Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Dysphagia: A Pilot Study

  • Source: Dysphagia Journal

  • Summary: This pilot study tested the effectiveness of LLLT in patients with dysphagia. The study found that LLLT could improve swallowing function by enhancing tissue healing and reducing inflammation in the oropharyngeal region.

  • Relevance to SLPs: Dysphagia management is a key area for SLPs, and this study supports the safety and efficacy of using LLLT as a complementary treatment.

  • Link: SpringerLink

4. Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Management of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Literature Review

  • Source: Journal of Orofacial Pain

  • Summary: This review assessed the use of LLLT for managing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can affect speech and swallowing. The study reported that LLLT could reduce pain and inflammation, facilitating the rehabilitation of orofacial motor skills.

  • Relevance to SLPs: TMJ disorders are frequently seen in patients with speech and swallowing impairments, making LLLT a viable option for SLPs working with these populations.

  • Link: PubMed

5. Clinical Applications of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Speech-Language Pathology

  • Source: Photomedicine and Laser Surgery

  • Summary: This article presents an overview of LLLT's clinical applications in speech-language pathology, including its use in vocal rehabilitation, dysphagia, and aphasia treatment. The study highlights that LLLT can be safely integrated into the therapeutic protocol of speech therapists, especially in neurogenic and functional disorders.

  • Relevance to SLPs: Directly discusses how LLLT falls under the scope of practice for SLPs, advocating for its use in clinical settings.

  • Link: PubMed

6. Photobiomodulation Therapy for Orofacial Motricity: Speech Therapists’ Knowledge and Interest

  • Source: Brazilian Journal of Speech Therapy

  • Summary: This research surveyed speech therapists regarding their knowledge of and interest in using LLLT for orofacial motricity, which includes speech and swallowing. The findings suggested that while awareness is increasing, further training and education are needed for widespread adoption.

  • Relevance to SLPs: Demonstrates the growing interest and potential for LLLT in the SLP field, although continued education on its safe application is important.

  • Link: Scielo

7. The Use of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Rehabilitation of Swallowing Function

  • Source: Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development

  • Summary: This article reviews the use of LLLT in swallowing rehabilitation, particularly in patients recovering from stroke, head and neck cancer, and neurological conditions. The study concluded that LLLT is effective in reducing pain and inflammation in the swallowing muscles, improving rehabilitation outcomes.

  • Relevance to SLPs: Swallowing therapy is a key domain for SLPs, and LLLT may provide an adjunctive treatment to enhance outcomes in dysphagia therapy.

  • Link: PubMed

8. The Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Inflammatory Cytokines and Pain in Patients with TMJ Disorders

  • Source: Journal of Pain Research

  • Summary: This study focused on the anti-inflammatory effects of LLLT in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. It found that LLLT reduced the inflammatory cytokines and pain associated with TMJ, supporting its use in managing speech and swallowing difficulties linked to TMJ dysfunction.

  • Relevance to SLPs: TMJ disorders can significantly affect speech and swallowing, and LLLT can offer a non-invasive, safe treatment option for SLPs working with these patients.

  • Link: PubMed

9. Low-Level Laser Therapy for Neurological Speech Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

  • Source: Neurorehabilitation

  • Summary: This comprehensive review examined the efficacy of LLLT in treating neurological speech disorders such as dysarthria and apraxia of speech. The review highlighted that LLLT has potential benefits in improving speech motor control and neurological recovery, suggesting that it could complement traditional speech therapies.

  • Relevance to SLPs: Supports the use of LLLT for managing neurological speech disorders, expanding the therapeutic tools available to SLPs.

  • Link: PubMed

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