Low level laser lowers erythrocyte sedimentation rate and improve functional capacity among hypertensive obese elderly women

This study was conducted in pursuit of gaining and understands effects of the low level laser irradiation on ESR which is very essential way in revealing the mechanisms of the action of laser radiation on improving functional capacity in stage I hypertensive obese elderly women. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of low level laser radiation on erythrocyte sedimentation rate and 6 minute walking test. Blood samples were obtained from 80 obese elderly women with stage I hypertension, each sample was divided into two equal samples (40 for each), one of them was considered as control follow medical treatment only while the other experimental exposed to low level laser irradiation in addition to the traditional medical treatment. The wavelength of 650 nm was used for irradiation with GaA/AS semiconductor, with power output started by 5mW. The irradiation time was 30 minutes then increased till 45 minutes, 3 times per week for 3 months. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and 6 minute walking test was measured before and after laser irradiation and compared with un-irradiated control sample. The results of this study showed that erythrocyte sedimentation rate value was significantly decreased by 26.25 % and in turn 6 minute walking distance significantly increased by 27.54%. low level laser irradiation induces physical changes in blood rheology and consequently lowers erythrocyte sedimentation rate and upgrade functional capacity for those selected patients