Thesis (Ph.D)-Cairo University, 2023.

Bibliography: pages 96-111.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is highly prevalent and is one of the most frequently self reported autoimmune diseases. Due to the lack of high-quality evidence, the ideal physical therapy treatment/modalities for RA remain unclear. The disparity in research and the necessity to add to the existing literature base led to the development of this study. Purpose: To determine response of RA to laser acupuncture versus electro and traditional acupuncture. Methods: Forty five patients with RA aged between 40 and 50 years old, selected from outpatient clinic, Kasr Al-Ainy Medical School and National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences, Cairo University, Egypt. The forty five patients were classified into three groups; each group consisted of fifteen patients. The first received laser acupuncture (group A), the second received electro acupuncture (group B) and the third received traditional acupuncture. All offered 36 sessions over 12 weeks. The changes in rheumatoid arthritis quality of life (RAQoL) index, health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), (interleukin 6) IL-6, C- reactive protein (CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and ATP were measured at the beginning of the study and after 12 weeks of treatment. Results: Showed a statistical significant decrease in RAQoL, HAQ, IL-6, CRP and MDA pre/post treatment for group (A) and group (B) (p<0.05); significant increase in ATP pre/post treatment for group (A) and group (B) (p<0.05). significant decrease in HAQ pre/post treatment for group (C). Comparison between groups showed a statistical significant decrease in MDA and CRP, a statistical significant increase in ATP in group (A) than both group(B) and group (C). Conclusion: Laser acupuncture is associated with significant improvement in MDA, CRP and ATP greater than electro and traditional acupuncture in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

المقدمة: ان التهاب المفاصل الروماتويدي يعتبر مرض مناعي مزمن يصيب اوليا المفاصل ودائما تكون الاصابه متشابهة في المفصلين. الهدف من الدراسة: الهدف من هذه الدراسة هو معرفة كفاءة الليزر الوخزي مقابل العلاج بالوخز الكهربائي و التقليدي. خطة البحث: تتم هذه الدراسة في العيادة الخارجية للقصر العيني و المعهد القومي لعلوم الليزر على 45 رجل يعانون من التهاب المفاصل الروماتويدي في ثلاث مجموعات المجموعة الاولي ستعالج بالليزر والثانية ستعالج بالوخز الكهربائي والثالثة بالوخز التقليدي. وعمرهم يتراوح بين 40 الى 50 عام. الاجراءات والطريقة: علاج جميع المرضى على مدة اربعة اسابيع متتالية ثلاث مرات بالاسبوع اي باقع 12 جلسة لكل مريض.

Issues also as CD.

Text in English and abstract in Arabic & English.