Using low level laser therapy to treat hand osteoarthritis
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for the Treatment of Hand Osteoarthritis.
This study is testing if low level laser therapy can help active duty military members and their families with hand osteoarthritis feel less pain and improve their hand function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 126 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mike O'Callaghan Military Hospital Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada) |
| Trial ID | NCT04692597 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in treating hand osteoarthritis among Active Duty and Department of Defense beneficiaries aged 18 and older. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active LLLT or a sham treatment over six weeks, with pain and functionality assessed at each visit using standardized scales. The study aims to evaluate the impact of LLLT on pain relief and functional improvement in the hands of individuals suffering from this condition. Follow-up assessments will occur six weeks after the treatment period to gauge long-term effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include Active Duty and DoD beneficiaries aged 18 and older with specific symptoms of hand osteoarthritis.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of arthritis or recent hand injuries may not benefit from this treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide significant pain relief and improved hand function for patients with osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: While LLLT has been explored in various contexts, this specific application for hand osteoarthritis is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
\*\*Patients must be able to get care at Nellis Air Force Base (a military installation) in order to participate in this study\*\* Inclusion Criteria: * Male and Female Active Duty and DoD Beneficiaries aged 18 years or older * Hand pain, aching, or stiffness And at least 3 of the 4 following features: * Hard tissue enlargement of 2 or more of 10 selected joints * Hard tissue enlargement of 2 or more distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints * Fewer than 3 swollen metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints * Deformity of at least 1 of 10 selected joints (The 10 selected joints are the first carpometacarpal (CMC), second and third proximal interphalangeal (PIP), second and third DIP joints of both hands.) Exclusion Criteria: * Known diagnosis of another type of arthritis: rheumatoid, psoriatic, crystalline, inflammatory bowel associated arthritis * History of treatment with LLLT in the past 12 weeks Surgery within the past 6 weeks * Hand fracture within the past 6 weeks * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
- Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center — Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Amanda Crawford
- Email: amanda.j.crawford.ctr@mail.mil
- Phone: 7026533600
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.