THERMOGRAPHIC EFFECTS OF LASER THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

抄録

We investigated the characteristics of low-reactive-level laser therapy (LLLT) and analyzed the effects thermographically in patients with cerebral palsy. We determined transmissivity in exposed bone specimens and in the human body using a camera with a wavelength-specific charge-coupled device. The effects of LLLT were dispersed throughout the entire body, and transmitted through bone tissue as well. At an output level of 100 mW, the laser reached a depth of about 2 cm. To study the effects on the autonomic nervous system, we treated 50 patients with cerebral palsy using the gohkoku acupuncture point (between the bases of the first and second metacarpal bones) of the left hand, and measured changes in the skin temperature of both hands. A GaALAs-diode continuous-wave laser beam with a wavelength of 810 nm and power output of 100mW was applied for 60 seconds and the skin temperature was measured with a Thermotracor TH1106 apparatus (NEC San-ei). The results were classified into 3 categories : temperature decrease, no change, and temperature increase. For evaluation of the autonomic nervous system, the laser was applied over muscles with increased muscle tone all over the body in 12 patients with cerebral palsy. Color Doppler showed an increase in blood flow in the common carotid artery in eight of the 12 patients. High speed Fourier analysis of the R-R interval in the Holter electrocardiogram showed increases in the high-frequency components originating from the parasympathetic nerves after irradiation in the same eight patients, suggesting the involvement of the autonomic nervous system in producing this change.