Photobiomodulation in the iliotibial tract in women with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) on the iliotibial tract (ITT) in women with patellofemoral pain (PFP), analyzing pain, function, and ITT thickness. Methods: The study is characterized as a longitudinal randomized clinical trial, with analysis conducted in a clinical laboratory. The sample consisted of 30 women with PFP and 15 without knee dysfunction who were not engaged in regular physical activities. Volunteers with PFP were randomly assigned to a group that received PBM treatment and a group that did not. The variables analyzed included the Knee Pain Scale, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Visual Analogue Pain Scale, the Pressure Algometer, and the measurement of ITT thickness on ultrasound images. PBM was performed at a wavelength of 660 nm and an energy density of 10 J/cm2 on five points along the ITT over four weeks, totaling 12 sessions, with a total deposited energy of 0.9 J. The accepted significance level was set at 5%. Results: After treatment with PBM, there were no significant improvements in the group that received treatment (p >0.05). Conclusion: The use of PBM, in the parameters applied, on the ITT does not have an effective impact on the treatment of PFP.