Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Design of the study: The study was designed as prospective, randomized, sham (placebo), and controlled trial. Materials and Methods: Thirty two male subjects suffering from non-specific neck pain were participated in the current study. They were randomly assigned via a balanced stratified assignment. The experimental group (N=16), the mean ± standard deviation of age (25.13±3.1) years, weight (63.88±7.26) kilograms, height (169.63±7.6)centimeter, received trans-cranial infrared laser (50 mW, 905 nm. pulsed operating mode, pulse frequency 1000 Hz, pulse duration 100 nsec, and 1.2 J/cm 2) over sensory cortex. The control group (N=16), the mean ± standard deviation of age (26.88±1.63) years, weight (70.13±7.86) kilograms, height (174.13±8.2) centimeter, received placebo laser. The assessment of N30 and P22-N30 components of somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were done before and immediately after treatment session for both groups. Results: There was a statistical significant difference between groups regarding N30 peak of SEPs after a single trans-cranial laser session (P<0.0063) with no significant difference between pre and post treatment data in experimental group (P<0.081) and control group (P>0.56) with a percentage of change (2.38%) and (1.009%) respectively. In addition, post treatment results revealed no statistical significant difference between groups regarding P22-N30 component of SEPs (P>0.09) and pain (P>0.88). Conclusion: according to the parameters used in the study, it was concluded that trans-cranial laser had no effect on somatosensory integration in patients with nonspecific neck pain

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