Aust J Sci Med Sport. 1994 Sep-Dec;26(3-4):73-6.
Low-power lasers are those that deliver an output power in the milliwatt (mW) range. Output is typically between 1 and 30 mW, but can be up to 100 mW; It has been suggested that low power lasers cause biostimulation--a photochemical response to laser light inducing biochemical alterations in cells. However, there is no universally agreed theory to explain the mechanism of the claimed effects of treatment; The wavelengths, treatment protocols and conditions to be treated are not established; Low-power lasers are in widespread use for the treatment, in the main, of a range of musculoskeletal problems, despite little published evidence of efficacy; Evidence from controlled trials is inconclusive and conflicting; The Australian Health Technology Advisory Committee considers that the efficacy of low-power lasers in the treatment of musculoskeletal and other conditions is not established. The Committee therefore recommends that; those who use this technology should take steps to obtain unequivocal evidence of benefit from appropriately designed and conducted trials; and in any clinical use of such lasers, the treatment protocols should be clearly defined.
低功率激光是指输出功率在毫瓦（mW）范围内的激光。输出功率通常在1至30毫瓦之间，但最高可达100毫瓦；有人提出，低功率激光会引起生物刺激——这是一种对激光的光化学反应，可诱导细胞内的生化改变。然而，对于所声称的治疗效果的作用机制，尚无普遍认可的理论；治疗所需的波长、治疗方案和治疗条件尚未确定；尽管几乎没有已发表的疗效证据，但低功率激光仍广泛用于治疗一系列肌肉骨骼问题；对照试验的证据尚无定论且相互矛盾；澳大利亚卫生技术咨询委员会认为，低功率激光在治疗肌肉骨骼疾病和其他病症方面的疗效尚未确立。因此，该委员会建议：使用该技术的人员应采取措施，从设计合理且实施得当的试验中获取明确的益处证据；并且在临床使用此类激光时，应明确界定治疗方案。
