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Completed

NCT Number: NCT04489784

Infrared Laser and Classical Ballerinas' Feet

Overuse injuries and painful symptoms in athletes and dancers (especially classical ballerinas) may lead to reduced functional performance. However, laser application may reduce pain and increase physical conditioning. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term effects of infrared laser on classical ballerinas' feet. The hypothesis investigators was that the infrared laser would be able to reduce pain perception and enhance functional performance in ballerinas.

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Key information

Conditions

Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Fernanda Rossi Paolillo

São Carlos, São Paulo, 13569600, Brazil

About this study

High risk of injuries and painful symptoms in athletes and dancers (especially classical ballerinas) may lead to reduced functional performance. The use of photobiomodulation may improve functional performance in ballerinas that are affected by foot pain. An aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) diode laser device was uded. Infrared laser (808 nm) was applied on ballerina's feet twice a week during three months. Thermography, algometry and unipodal static standing balance test were performed. There were pain relief and improvement of functional performance in ballerinas.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Female adults who perform classical ballet training and feel pain in their foot

Exclusion criteria

  • The occurrence of injuries in the last 6 months

Treatment and study plan

Infrared Laser

Device

An aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs) diode laser device (Twin laser, MMOptics, São Carlos, SP, Brazil) was used. The irradiation parameters were as follows: infrared laser (808 nm wavelength) with a spot area of 0.04 cm2, and an average optical power of 100 mW operated in a continuous mode during 1 minute per point, leading to an irradiance of 2,500 mW/cm2, energy of 6 J and fluence of 125 J/cm2 per point. The laser was applied on ballerina's feet twice a week during three months.

Primary outcomes

  1. Analysis of pain for feet by algometry

    Time frame: 3 months

    Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were assessed with an electronic algometer. The pressure was applied and the ballerinas were instructed to ask to say "stop" when the sensation changed from pressure to pain. Three PPT measurements were performed to obtain an average.

  2. Analysis of pain for feet by the visual analogue pain intensity scale

    Time frame: 3 months

    A continuous scale comprised of a horizontal line with 10 centimeters in length was used. All ballerinas were instructed to make a mark with a pen at any point on the line between 2 verbal descriptors, one for each symptom extreme ["No pain" (score=0) and "as bad as it could be" or "worst imaginable pain" (score=10)].

Secondary outcomes

  1. Balance Test

    Time frame: 3 months

    Static Standing Balance Test was performed. Ballerinas were instructed to stand on one foot to a maximum of one minute. The time was measured in seconds.

  2. Thermal Analysis

    Time frame: 3 months

    Cutaneous temperatures of ballerina's feet were analyzed by thermography.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Sao Paulo

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of the Infrared Laser on Classical Ballerinas' Feet

Important dates

Study start
2018
Primary completion
2018
Study completion
2018
First posted
Jul 28, 2020
Registry last updated
Jul 28, 2020

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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