EFFECT OF LOW LEVEL LASER ON ABDOMINAL OBESITY IN WOMEN WITH LUMBER DISC PROLAPSE: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background:Obesity is an international health crisis. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a novel, non-invasive procedure for lysing excess fat. This study was designed to evaluate the effect to LLLT on reducing the abdominal obesity in women with lumbar disc prolapse. Material and methods:Forty women were distributed randomly into two equal groups, group A received an energy restricted diet regime (daily kilocalorie intake restricted to 1200 Kcal/day) and treated by Low Level LASER GaAlAs with wavelength of 680nm and Power 40mw for 20 minutes/ session, two sessions/ week for 8weeks. Group B received the same diet regime for 8 weeks but without application of LASER. Weight, pain score, body mass index, waist circumference and abdominal obesitywere measured at baseline then after 8 weeks. Results:In both groups there was a significant reduction of weight and body mass indexposttreatment with P>0.05. Regardingabdominal obesity, waist circumference and pain score percentageresults, there was statistically significant difference in favor ofgroup A when compared with group Bwith P<0.05. Conclusion:A combined treatment of LLLT and diet may offer a safe and effective treatment modality for obese patients with lumbar disc prolapse.