Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT): shedding new light
Embargo Date
2028-05-05
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
The doctoral project, Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT): Shedding New Light, explores the underutilization of LLLT in hand therapy (HT) practice, particularly for wound healing following open fasciectomy for Dupuytren’s disease (DD). LLLT has shown significant benefits across various healthcare professions, including faster recovery times, reduced pain, reduced inflammation, and enhanced patient satisfaction (Avci et al., 2013); however, it is not commonly utilized in HT. A literature review identified a significant gap in the use of LLLT and HT, and the need for empirical studies to investigate its effectiveness as an HT modality. LLLT: Shedding New Light proposes and details plans for a non-randomized controlled trial (NRCT) comparing traditional HT interventions with and without the use of LLLT in patients post open fasciectomy for DD. The study aims to investigate whether LLLT is more effective than conventional HT interventions in enhancing wound healing, reducing pain, and improving functional outcomes. The study framework follows the Model for Change to Evidence-Based Practice (Rosswurm & Larrabee, 1999), which guides the systematic implementation of LLLT into clinical practice.
The doctoral project also addresses barriers to adopting LLLT, including lack of training, skepticism by hand therapists, limited resources, and organizational challenges (Juckett et al., 2020; Salbach et al., 2007; Cook et al., 2009). Using the Social Ecological Model (Bronfenbrenner, 1979) as a theoretical foundation, this study examines factors influencing hand therapists’ reluctance to integrate new interventions, such as LLLT.
This doctoral project aims to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by investigating the effectiveness of LLLT in HT, enhancing clinical decision-making, advocating for evidence-based practice, informing hand therapists on the use of LLLT as a credible and effective wound-healing intervention within the field, as well as laying the foundation for a future full-scale randomized control trial (RCT).
Description
2026
License
Attribution 4.0 International