Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in nerve injury repair-a new era in therapeutic agents and regenerative treatments

Background Traumatic nerve injuries may result in severe motor dysfunctions. Although the microenvironment of peripheral axons favors their regeneration, regenerative process is not always successful. Purpose We reviewed and discussed the main findings obtained with low-level laser therapy (LLLT), a therapeutic intervention that has been employed in order to achieve an optimized regeneration process in peripheral axons. Scope Disseminating the best available evidence for the effectiveness of this therapeutic strategy can potentially improve the statistics of success in the clinical treatment of nerve injuries. We found evidence that LLLT optimizes the regeneration of peripheral axons, improving motor function, especially in animal models. Nonetheless, further clinical evidence is still needed before LLLT can be strongly recommended. Although the results are promising, the elucidation of the mechanisms of action and safety assessment are necessary to support highquality clinical studies. Conclusion The present careful compilation of findings with consistent pro-regenerative evidence and published in respected scientific journals can be valuable for health professionals and researchers in the field, possibly contributing to achieve more promising results in future randomized controlled trials and interventions, providing better prognosis for clinical practice.